Going on a Cruise out of Long Beach

So, you’re gearing up for a fun Carnival Cruise (lucky!), but did you know that just steps from Carnival’s Long Beach terminal are a bunch of fun, convenient and tasty things to do that will absolutely enhance your vacation? From world-class dining and great shopping to popular attractions, here are some great and nearby things to do before and after your cruise. Bon voyage!

HOTELS

Start your cruise vacation early or extend it after you return by booking a stay at one of the great Long Beach hotels located a short walk, ferry, shuttle or car ride from the Carnival Cruise Terminal. Staying at these hotels allows you to enjoy many of Long Beach’s most popular attractions and several are located within walking distance of the terminal: Residence Inn Downtown Long Beach (600 Queensway Dr) is just a 20 minute walk, while Hotel Maya (700 Queensway Dr; 15 minutes) and Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy; 5 minutes) are even closer. There are another 20 hotels located in the Downtown area that are within walking distance of great dining and entertainment options.

Credit: Hotel Maya

DINING

The Long Beach dining scene is one of the most diverse and dynamic in the country, with many of the best restaurants located Downtown and along the waterfront, a stone’s throw from the cruise terminal. From small plates to fine dining, great breakfast, lunch and late night spots, there are myriad styles and cuisines available.

SHOPPING

Whether you need a last minute item or want to commemorate your cruise with a fun purchase, Downtown Long Beach and its waterfront offer lots of options. The Pike Outlets (95 S Pine Ave) has major retailers like Gap, H&M and Nike. Just a few blocks north on Pine Avenue is a collection of interesting boutiques, clothing stores and specialty shops. Nearby is the East Village Arts District, an uber-cool area of one-of-a-kind boutiques featuring slow fashion, sustainable beauty goods and iconic music stores. For more information and a directory of businesses, click here. Located directly on the waterfront, Shoreline Village has stunning views of the Queen Mary and is home to some of the most unique, charming shops offering everything from socks to souvenirs. For a list of shops, click here.

ATTRACTIONS

It’s a wonderful confluence for cruisers that some of Long Beach’s most popular attractions are located just minutes away from the cruise terminal. Of course, the iconic Queen Mary is steps away, offering a host of tours and entertainments as well as weekly events. The Aquarium of the Pacific, Southern California’s largest aquarium, is located just across the harbor. Next door to the aquarium is Harbor Breeze Cruises, offering whale watching expeditions and informative harbor cruises. Located next to that, in Shoreline Village, is Wheel Fun Rentals, where you can get all manner of pedal powered vehicles to ride along Long Beach’s popular beach bicycle path.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.