Southern California things to do

What Is it?:  The Queen Mary was originally a cruise ship that was transformed into a War Ship during WWII.  She was the largest and fastest troopship at the time.  She was retired in 1965 and is currently docked in Long Beach.  You can tour her, stay on board, dine here, or attend one of the many events held here.  The focus of this post is day visits only, as I have not yet had the pleasure to stay overnight.

Tips: 

• – Go during the week to avoid crowds.
• – Play Lego at the Lego tables in the room with the Queen Mary Lego brick replica
• – Check out the Sponge Bob kid’s movie in 4D for an additional fee
• – Take the tour for an additional fee to learn about the ship, even if you only take it once
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, the aquarium, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  Day tickets for adults are around $30, but they have recently launches a So Cal pass for locals that is $33 and available for people living in zip codes 90000 – 93599.  

This pass includes visiting most areas of the ship and 3 hours of free parking per visit, 1 visit per day.

Both the tickets and parking are void for special events, which you can find on their calendar, usually months in advance.

At press time, these passes are not available online and you need to purchase them in person.

Hours: Daily 10 am – 6 pm, check their events calendar to see if there is anything special going on before you visit.

Stroller Friendly: You can fit a stroller, but it limits you to taking the elevator everywhere which can be a pain sometimes.  Bring it if you absolutely need it, leave it in the car if you think you can get away with not bringing it.

Inside/Outside: Inside and outside

Alcohol: Yes – at a couple of the restaurants

Parking: Yes, there is a parking lot.  Parking is $18/day or $8 with restaurant validation.  If you purchase the So Cal pass, parking is free for 3 hours per visit, 1 visit per day.

Active family:  No

Food:  There are a few restaurants on the ship but you can also bring food.  We usually pack a lunch for the kids and then sit outside at the Observation Bar.  I have a beer and the kids eat their sandwiches while we enjoy the view.  Make sure you pick up all your trash.

Read More: There is so much to do on this ship that we find ourselves going several times a month.  I almost don’t know where to start because I don’t feel my words will do it justice, but I’ll try.

         If you visit the D-Deck, you can check out the engine room and the propeller which are really cool (it’s a little dark in here though so maybe scary for little kids.)

         On the M Deck there is a travel bureau exhibit and a silver and China display.

         The Promenade, which is our favorite deck, has the Lego replica, the Observation Bar, the children’s playroom display, and the model gallery.

        The ship is huge, and there are a few other decks, but this is really a ship you need to see for yourself.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Queen Mary.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Queen Mary and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  The Queen Mary was originally a cruise ship that was transformed into a War Ship during WWII.  She was the largest and fastest troopship at the time.  She was retired in 1965 and is currently docked in Long Beach.  You can tour her, stay on board, dine here, or attend one of the many events held here.  The focus of this post is day visits only, as I have not yet had the pleasure to stay overnight.

Tips: 

• – Go during the week to avoid crowds.
• – Play Lego at the Lego tables in the room with the Queen Mary Lego brick replica
• – Check out the Sponge Bob kid’s movie in 4D for an additional fee
• – Take the tour for an additional fee to learn about the ship, even if you only take it once
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, the aquarium, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  Day tickets for adults are around $30, but they have recently launches a So Cal pass for locals that is $33 and available for people living in zip codes 90000 – 93599.  

This pass includes visiting most areas of the ship and 3 hours of free parking per visit, 1 visit per day.

Both the tickets and parking are void for special events, which you can find on their calendar, usually months in advance.

At press time, these passes are not available online and you need to purchase them in person.

Hours: Daily 10 am – 6 pm, check their events calendar to see if there is anything special going on before you visit.

Stroller Friendly: You can fit a stroller, but it limits you to taking the elevator everywhere which can be a pain sometimes.  Bring it if you absolutely need it, leave it in the car if you think you can get away with not bringing it.

Inside/Outside: Inside and outside

Alcohol: Yes – at a couple of the restaurants

Parking: Yes, there is a parking lot.  Parking is $18/day or $8 with restaurant validation.  If you purchase the So Cal pass, parking is free for 3 hours per visit, 1 visit per day.

Active family:  No

Food:  There are a few restaurants on the ship but you can also bring food.  We usually pack a lunch for the kids and then sit outside at the Observation Bar.  I have a beer and the kids eat their sandwiches while we enjoy the view.  Make sure you pick up all your trash.

Read More: There is so much to do on this ship that we find ourselves going several times a month.  I almost don’t know where to start because I don’t feel my words will do it justice, but I’ll try.

         If you visit the D-Deck, you can check out the engine room and the propeller which are really cool (it’s a little dark in here though so maybe scary for little kids.)

         On the M Deck there is a travel bureau exhibit and a silver and China display.

         The Promenade, which is our favorite deck, has the Lego replica, the Observation Bar, the children’s playroom display, and the model gallery.

        The ship is huge, and there are a few other decks, but this is really a ship you need to see for yourself.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Queen Mary.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Queen Mary and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  The Queen Mary was originally a cruise ship that was transformed into a War Ship during WWII.  She was the largest and fastest troopship at the time.  She was retired in 1965 and is currently docked in Long Beach.  You can tour her, stay on board, dine here, or attend one of the many events held here.  The focus of this post is day visits only, as I have not yet had the pleasure to stay overnight.

Tips: 

• – Go during the week to avoid crowds.
• – Play Lego at the Lego tables in the room with the Queen Mary Lego brick replica
• – Check out the Sponge Bob kid’s movie in 4D for an additional fee
• – Take the tour for an additional fee to learn about the ship, even if you only take it once
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, the aquarium, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  Day tickets for adults are around $30, but they have recently launches a So Cal pass for locals that is $33 and available for people living in zip codes 90000 – 93599.  

This pass includes visiting most areas of the ship and 3 hours of free parking per visit, 1 visit per day.

Both the tickets and parking are void for special events, which you can find on their calendar, usually months in advance.

At press time, these passes are not available online and you need to purchase them in person.

Hours: Daily 10 am – 6 pm, check their events calendar to see if there is anything special going on before you visit.

Stroller Friendly: You can fit a stroller, but it limits you to taking the elevator everywhere which can be a pain sometimes.  Bring it if you absolutely need it, leave it in the car if you think you can get away with not bringing it.

Inside/Outside: Inside and outside

Alcohol: Yes – at a couple of the restaurants

Parking: Yes, there is a parking lot.  Parking is $18/day or $8 with restaurant validation.  If you purchase the So Cal pass, parking is free for 3 hours per visit, 1 visit per day.

Active family:  No

Food:  There are a few restaurants on the ship but you can also bring food.  We usually pack a lunch for the kids and then sit outside at the Observation Bar.  I have a beer and the kids eat their sandwiches while we enjoy the view.  Make sure you pick up all your trash.

Read More: There is so much to do on this ship that we find ourselves going several times a month.  I almost don’t know where to start because I don’t feel my words will do it justice, but I’ll try.

         If you visit the D-Deck, you can check out the engine room and the propeller which are really cool (it’s a little dark in here though so maybe scary for little kids.)

         On the M Deck there is a travel bureau exhibit and a silver and China display.

         The Promenade, which is our favorite deck, has the Lego replica, the Observation Bar, the children’s playroom display, and the model gallery.

        The ship is huge, and there are a few other decks, but this is really a ship you need to see for yourself.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Queen Mary.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Queen Mary and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  The Queen Mary was originally a cruise ship that was transformed into a War Ship during WWII.  She was the largest and fastest troopship at the time.  She was retired in 1965 and is currently docked in Long Beach.  You can tour her, stay on board, dine here, or attend one of the many events held here.  The focus of this post is day visits only, as I have not yet had the pleasure to stay overnight.

Tips: 

• – Go during the week to avoid crowds.
• – Play Lego at the Lego tables in the room with the Queen Mary Lego brick replica
• – Check out the Sponge Bob kid’s movie in 4D for an additional fee
• – Take the tour for an additional fee to learn about the ship, even if you only take it once
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, the aquarium, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  Day tickets for adults are around $30, but they have recently launches a So Cal pass for locals that is $33 and available for people living in zip codes 90000 – 93599.  

This pass includes visiting most areas of the ship and 3 hours of free parking per visit, 1 visit per day.

Both the tickets and parking are void for special events, which you can find on their calendar, usually months in advance.

At press time, these passes are not available online and you need to purchase them in person.

Hours: Daily 10 am – 6 pm, check their events calendar to see if there is anything special going on before you visit.

Stroller Friendly: You can fit a stroller, but it limits you to taking the elevator everywhere which can be a pain sometimes.  Bring it if you absolutely need it, leave it in the car if you think you can get away with not bringing it.

Inside/Outside: Inside and outside

Alcohol: Yes – at a couple of the restaurants

Parking: Yes, there is a parking lot.  Parking is $18/day or $8 with restaurant validation.  If you purchase the So Cal pass, parking is free for 3 hours per visit, 1 visit per day.

Active family:  No

Food:  There are a few restaurants on the ship but you can also bring food.  We usually pack a lunch for the kids and then sit outside at the Observation Bar.  I have a beer and the kids eat their sandwiches while we enjoy the view.  Make sure you pick up all your trash.

Read More: There is so much to do on this ship that we find ourselves going several times a month.  I almost don’t know where to start because I don’t feel my words will do it justice, but I’ll try.

         If you visit the D-Deck, you can check out the engine room and the propeller which are really cool (it’s a little dark in here though so maybe scary for little kids.)

         On the M Deck there is a travel bureau exhibit and a silver and China display.

         The Promenade, which is our favorite deck, has the Lego replica, the Observation Bar, the children’s playroom display, and the model gallery.

        The ship is huge, and there are a few other decks, but this is really a ship you need to see for yourself.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Queen Mary.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Queen Mary and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  The Queen Mary was originally a cruise ship that was transformed into a War Ship during WWII.  She was the largest and fastest troopship at the time.  She was retired in 1965 and is currently docked in Long Beach.  You can tour her, stay on board, dine here, or attend one of the many events held here.  The focus of this post is day visits only, as I have not yet had the pleasure to stay overnight.

Tips: 

• – Go during the week to avoid crowds.
• – Play Lego at the Lego tables in the room with the Queen Mary Lego brick replica
• – Check out the Sponge Bob kid’s movie in 4D for an additional fee
• – Take the tour for an additional fee to learn about the ship, even if you only take it once
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, the aquarium, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  Day tickets for adults are around $30, but they have recently launches a So Cal pass for locals that is $33 and available for people living in zip codes 90000 – 93599.  

This pass includes visiting most areas of the ship and 3 hours of free parking per visit, 1 visit per day.

Both the tickets and parking are void for special events, which you can find on their calendar, usually months in advance.

At press time, these passes are not available online and you need to purchase them in person.

Hours: Daily 10 am – 6 pm, check their events calendar to see if there is anything special going on before you visit.

Stroller Friendly: You can fit a stroller, but it limits you to taking the elevator everywhere which can be a pain sometimes.  Bring it if you absolutely need it, leave it in the car if you think you can get away with not bringing it.

Inside/Outside: Inside and outside

Alcohol: Yes – at a couple of the restaurants

Parking: Yes, there is a parking lot.  Parking is $18/day or $8 with restaurant validation.  If you purchase the So Cal pass, parking is free for 3 hours per visit, 1 visit per day.

Active family:  No

Food:  There are a few restaurants on the ship but you can also bring food.  We usually pack a lunch for the kids and then sit outside at the Observation Bar.  I have a beer and the kids eat their sandwiches while we enjoy the view.  Make sure you pick up all your trash.

Read More: There is so much to do on this ship that we find ourselves going several times a month.  I almost don’t know where to start because I don’t feel my words will do it justice, but I’ll try.

         If you visit the D-Deck, you can check out the engine room and the propeller which are really cool (it’s a little dark in here though so maybe scary for little kids.)

         On the M Deck there is a travel bureau exhibit and a silver and China display.

         The Promenade, which is our favorite deck, has the Lego replica, the Observation Bar, the children’s playroom display, and the model gallery.

        The ship is huge, and there are a few other decks, but this is really a ship you need to see for yourself.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Queen Mary.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Queen Mary and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  The Queen Mary was originally a cruise ship that was transformed into a War Ship during WWII.  She was the largest and fastest troopship at the time.  She was retired in 1965 and is currently docked in Long Beach.  You can tour her, stay on board, dine here, or attend one of the many events held here.  The focus of this post is day visits only, as I have not yet had the pleasure to stay overnight.

Tips: 

• – Go during the week to avoid crowds.
• – Play Lego at the Lego tables in the room with the Queen Mary Lego brick replica
• – Check out the Sponge Bob kid’s movie in 4D for an additional fee
• – Take the tour for an additional fee to learn about the ship, even if you only take it once
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, the aquarium, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  Day tickets for adults are around $30, but they have recently launches a So Cal pass for locals that is $33 and available for people living in zip codes 90000 – 93599.  

This pass includes visiting most areas of the ship and 3 hours of free parking per visit, 1 visit per day.

Both the tickets and parking are void for special events, which you can find on their calendar, usually months in advance.

At press time, these passes are not available online and you need to purchase them in person.

Hours: Daily 10 am – 6 pm, check their events calendar to see if there is anything special going on before you visit.

Stroller Friendly: You can fit a stroller, but it limits you to taking the elevator everywhere which can be a pain sometimes.  Bring it if you absolutely need it, leave it in the car if you think you can get away with not bringing it.

Inside/Outside: Inside and outside

Alcohol: Yes – at a couple of the restaurants

Parking: Yes, there is a parking lot.  Parking is $18/day or $8 with restaurant validation.  If you purchase the So Cal pass, parking is free for 3 hours per visit, 1 visit per day.

Active family:  No

Food:  There are a few restaurants on the ship but you can also bring food.  We usually pack a lunch for the kids and then sit outside at the Observation Bar.  I have a beer and the kids eat their sandwiches while we enjoy the view.  Make sure you pick up all your trash.

Read More: There is so much to do on this ship that we find ourselves going several times a month.  I almost don’t know where to start because I don’t feel my words will do it justice, but I’ll try.

         If you visit the D-Deck, you can check out the engine room and the propeller which are really cool (it’s a little dark in here though so maybe scary for little kids.)

         On the M Deck there is a travel bureau exhibit and a silver and China display.

         The Promenade, which is our favorite deck, has the Lego replica, the Observation Bar, the children’s playroom display, and the model gallery.

        The ship is huge, and there are a few other decks, but this is really a ship you need to see for yourself.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Queen Mary.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Queen Mary and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  The Queen Mary was originally a cruise ship that was transformed into a War Ship during WWII.  She was the largest and fastest troopship at the time.  She was retired in 1965 and is currently docked in Long Beach.  You can tour her, stay on board, dine here, or attend one of the many events held here.  The focus of this post is day visits only, as I have not yet had the pleasure to stay overnight.

Tips: 

• – Go during the week to avoid crowds.
• – Play Lego at the Lego tables in the room with the Queen Mary Lego brick replica
• – Check out the Sponge Bob kid’s movie in 4D for an additional fee
• – Take the tour for an additional fee to learn about the ship, even if you only take it once
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, the aquarium, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  Day tickets for adults are around $30, but they have recently launches a So Cal pass for locals that is $33 and available for people living in zip codes 90000 – 93599.  

This pass includes visiting most areas of the ship and 3 hours of free parking per visit, 1 visit per day.

Both the tickets and parking are void for special events, which you can find on their calendar, usually months in advance.

At press time, these passes are not available online and you need to purchase them in person.

Hours: Daily 10 am – 6 pm, check their events calendar to see if there is anything special going on before you visit.

Stroller Friendly: You can fit a stroller, but it limits you to taking the elevator everywhere which can be a pain sometimes.  Bring it if you absolutely need it, leave it in the car if you think you can get away with not bringing it.

Inside/Outside: Inside and outside

Alcohol: Yes – at a couple of the restaurants

Parking: Yes, there is a parking lot.  Parking is $18/day or $8 with restaurant validation.  If you purchase the So Cal pass, parking is free for 3 hours per visit, 1 visit per day.

Active family:  No

Food:  There are a few restaurants on the ship but you can also bring food.  We usually pack a lunch for the kids and then sit outside at the Observation Bar.  I have a beer and the kids eat their sandwiches while we enjoy the view.  Make sure you pick up all your trash.

Read More: There is so much to do on this ship that we find ourselves going several times a month.  I almost don’t know where to start because I don’t feel my words will do it justice, but I’ll try.

         If you visit the D-Deck, you can check out the engine room and the propeller which are really cool (it’s a little dark in here though so maybe scary for little kids.)

         On the M Deck there is a travel bureau exhibit and a silver and China display.

         The Promenade, which is our favorite deck, has the Lego replica, the Observation Bar, the children’s playroom display, and the model gallery.

        The ship is huge, and there are a few other decks, but this is really a ship you need to see for yourself.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Queen Mary.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Queen Mary and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.

What Is it?:  The Queen Mary was originally a cruise ship that was transformed into a War Ship during WWII.  She was the largest and fastest troopship at the time.  She was retired in 1965 and is currently docked in Long Beach.  You can tour her, stay on board, dine here, or attend one of the many events held here.  The focus of this post is day visits only, as I have not yet had the pleasure to stay overnight.

Tips: 

• – Go during the week to avoid crowds.
• – Play Lego at the Lego tables in the room with the Queen Mary Lego brick replica
• – Check out the Sponge Bob kid’s movie in 4D for an additional fee
• – Take the tour for an additional fee to learn about the ship, even if you only take it once
• – You can take either the Aquabus (a water taxi that runs April to October and costs $1/person, 2 and under are free) or the Passport (a free bus) to get between here and Shoreline Village, the aquarium, Shoreline Aquatic Park, The Pike Outlets, and Rainbow Lagoon.

Cost:  Day tickets for adults are around $30, but they have recently launches a So Cal pass for locals that is $33 and available for people living in zip codes 90000 – 93599.  

This pass includes visiting most areas of the ship and 3 hours of free parking per visit, 1 visit per day.

Both the tickets and parking are void for special events, which you can find on their calendar, usually months in advance.

At press time, these passes are not available online and you need to purchase them in person.

Hours: Daily 10 am – 6 pm, check their events calendar to see if there is anything special going on before you visit.

Stroller Friendly: You can fit a stroller, but it limits you to taking the elevator everywhere which can be a pain sometimes.  Bring it if you absolutely need it, leave it in the car if you think you can get away with not bringing it.

Inside/Outside: Inside and outside

Alcohol: Yes – at a couple of the restaurants

Parking: Yes, there is a parking lot.  Parking is $18/day or $8 with restaurant validation.  If you purchase the So Cal pass, parking is free for 3 hours per visit, 1 visit per day.

Active family:  No

Food:  There are a few restaurants on the ship but you can also bring food.  We usually pack a lunch for the kids and then sit outside at the Observation Bar.  I have a beer and the kids eat their sandwiches while we enjoy the view.  Make sure you pick up all your trash.

Read More: There is so much to do on this ship that we find ourselves going several times a month.  I almost don’t know where to start because I don’t feel my words will do it justice, but I’ll try.

         If you visit the D-Deck, you can check out the engine room and the propeller which are really cool (it’s a little dark in here though so maybe scary for little kids.)

         On the M Deck there is a travel bureau exhibit and a silver and China display.

         The Promenade, which is our favorite deck, has the Lego replica, the Observation Bar, the children’s playroom display, and the model gallery.

        The ship is huge, and there are a few other decks, but this is really a ship you need to see for yourself.

Disclaimer:  The views expressed here are my own and are in no way affiliated with the official Queen Mary.  The information I provided is based upon my own experience at Queen Mary and the hours, fees, location, and anything else is subject to change in subsequent years.  Please call ahead to verify any information given before planning your trip.