Fittingly for the fantasy capital, Los Angeles and its environs encompass countless different versions of your California dreams. There’s yoga-chic Santa Monica, glitzy Rodeo Drive, Hollywood with its million gorgeous wannabes, and the sun-drenched enclave of South Bay. From the Port of Long Beach, you’re at a comfortable distance from all of these options — figure out which one is for you in advance.
Queen Mary: Offering a combination of history, opulence, and spookiness, the allegedly haunted ship is Long Beach’s most famous attraction. Take a tour, dine, or have a drink onboard.
The Beaches: For sand and surf, go north to Redondo, Hermosa, or Manhattan beach or slightly south to Seal and Huntington beaches. All of these communities have a similar laid-back surfer vibe and a postcard-perfect beach town aesthetic.
Hollywood: Turn any corner to discover countless trendy indie shops, see-and-be-seen restaurants, and celeb-frequented bars. Head to the tourist-magnet Boulevard for the Walk of Fame and Madame Tussauds wax museum.
Santa Monica Pier: With a dozen rides plus an old-fashioned midway, this iconic tourist attraction on the Pacific is so hokey you have to love it. The outdoor concerts are a local staple.
Pop Culture Junkies: Those who can spot a CW star at 100 paces or pick out an up-and-coming pop star will love LA. On a great day, you might even catch the pedestrian traffic jam caused by a Kardashian bodyguard brigade.
Trendy Greens: Do you thrive on organic produce from the farmers market? Do you love yoga and fear gluten? If so, you’ll be at home in LaLa.
Don’t Wing It: In this sprawled-out metropolis, traffic is notorious and residents are moving as fast as possible. Do your research and know exactly where you’re going — or stick with guided tours. If you do choose to drive, add ample time for traffic jams, especially if you’re on your way to the ship.