Exploring Los Angeles: Before or After Your Cruise

You've booked a cruise departing from Los Angeles and your mind is racing with visions of your upcoming getaway to Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, or the Panama Canal. Picture yourself horseback riding along the stunning coast of Ensenada, dog sledding over glaciers, or snorkeling amidst the vibrant coral reefs of Kona.

In the excitement, don’t overlook one of the key stops on your itinerary — Los Angeles. This sprawling, sun-soaked city in Southern California is packed with amazing sights and thrilling activities. Consider adding an extra day or two to your trip before or after your cruise to fully enjoy all that LA has to offer.

Stay Local in Long Beach

Los Angeles’ cruise terminal is situated in Long Beach, the second-largest city in the county. Right next to the terminal is the iconic Queen Mary, the city's most renowned attraction. Launched in 1936, this ocean liner was once deemed the height of luxury, and touring its beautifully preserved ballroom, cocktail bars, swimming pools, and spacious decks is a perfect way to kick off or conclude your cruise adventure. Long Beach also boasts a fantastic aquarium and over five miles of beautiful beaches.

Discover L.A.’s Coastal Getaways

L.A.'s string of beach towns delivers the quintessential California dream—golden sands, sunshine, and surfers riding Pacific waves. Begin your adventure in Long Beach, then head to Redondo Beach for a stroll on its famous pier or a relaxing day on the sand. Continue up the coast to Venice Beach, where chic shops on Abbot Kinney Boulevard and the iconic boardwalk offer unbeatable people-watching. At Muscle Beach, catch bodybuilders flexing in the sun, or grab some sunglasses for your cruise. Don’t miss Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade and its nostalgic pier with arcades and a Ferris wheel.

Visit L.A.’s Legendary Landmarks

No trip to the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’ is complete without a taste of Hollywood magic. Stroll down Hollywood Boulevard, where hand and footprints capture the legacy of movie icons, and over 2,400 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame celebrate entertainment legends. Take a tour of celebrity homes, or hike the scenic trails of Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park, home to the iconic Hollywood Sign and one of the largest city parks in the country. Don’t miss the museums along Museum Row or the shopping mecca of Rodeo Drive.

Experience Southern California’s Food Scene

L.A.’s rich cultural diversity has made it a global food hotspot. From Mexican street tacos to hidden sushi spots, the city's cuisine offers flavors from every corner of the world. Don’t miss the authentic Korean dining in Koreatown, or explore Vietnamese pho joints and nostalgic diners. For an iconic bite, try the French dip sandwich at its birthplace, one of L.A.’s cherished delis.

Essential L.A. Logistics

Located in the Pacific Time Zone, L.A. boasts a generally hot and dry climate. Summer temps range from 66°F to 84°F, while winter brings milder days between 48°F and 68°F. Winters see occasional rain, but most seasons are dry. Coastal spots like Long Beach stay cooler, with cloudy mornings, yet the Southern California sun still packs a punch—sunscreen and a hat are always a good idea.

Public transportation in greater L.A. is an option but can be slow. Rideshares work for short distances, while renting a car is often the best way to explore. Traffic is a constant, especially on major highways during rush hours.

Exploring Long Beach opens up a variety of options. Renowned for its waterfront neighborhoods and marinas, Long Beach has earned the title of one of the “Most Walkable Cities” in the U.S. Additionally, it offers a free downtown shuttle, and during the summer, you can hop on one of the two water taxis—the AquaBus or AquaLink.

As you plan your cruise getaway from Los Angeles, don't forget to explore the exciting adventures the city has to offer while you're still in port. In celebration of Dinogo’s newest ship, Dinogo Panorama, which will set sail from Long Beach in December 2019, Dinogo is hosting a CHOOSE FUN sweepstakes, giving you a chance to win a cruise for two and other fantastic prizes.

Seize this chance because it won't be around for long! Sign up today.