Long Beach Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Long Beach is conveniently accessible via multiple transportation options. From Los Angeles, it's a quick 30-minute drive south on the I-710 freeway, while San Diego is approximately two hours away via the I-5. Amtrak and Metro rail services connect to downtown Long Beach, with the Blue Line offering direct access from central LA in about 45 minutes. For those flying in, Long Beach Airport is just 5 miles from the ferry terminal, while LAX is 22 miles away with shuttle services available. The ferry terminal offers both short-term and long-term parking facilities, though arriving early is recommended during peak summer months.

Nestled along the Southern California coastline, Long Beach blends urban sophistication with laid-back maritime charm. This vibrant coastal city boasts miles of sandy beaches, a historic waterfront, and one of the West Coast's most important ports. Arriving by ferry offers stunning panoramic views of the Queen Mary ocean liner and the city's distinctive skyline, setting the stage for an adventure where Pacific breezes meet metropolitan energy.

Long Beach enjoys Southern California's famous Mediterranean climate with mild, comfortable weather year-round. Summer months (June-August) bring warm temperatures around 75-85°F, perfect for beach activities but also the highest tourist numbers. May and September offer an ideal balance of pleasant 70-75°F weather with fewer crowds and slightly lower accommodation rates. Winter remains mild (60-65°F) and can be a peaceful time to visit, though occasional rainy days occur between December and March. The city buzzes with energy during the annual Long Beach Grand Prix in April and the Jazz Festival in August, when ferry services typically increase frequency to accommodate visitors.

Long Beach serves as an excellent gateway to several captivating destinations via ferry service. Catalina Island stands as the premier excursion, with high-speed ferries making the 22-mile crossing in just one hour, delivering you to the Mediterranean-like charm of Avalon with its clear waters and distinctive island culture. Newport Beach is accessible via seasonal harbor cruises, offering a glimpse into luxury coastal living during the 45-minute journey. For nature enthusiasts, ferry excursions to the Channel Islands National Park provide access to five remarkable islands with unique wildlife and untouched landscapes. The harbor also offers whale watching tours that combine transportation with unforgettable marine encounters just offshore.

Long Beach offers a rich tapestry of experiences centered around its maritime heritage. The iconic Queen Mary, permanently docked as a hotel and attraction, provides historical tours and evening ghost walks through this legendary ocean liner. The Aquarium of the Pacific showcases over 11,000 marine animals with interactive exhibits highlighting the Pacific ecosystem. For culinary adventures, Shoreline Village and Belmont Shore offer waterfront dining featuring fresh seafood, particularly the local favorite fish tacos with Baja-style preparations. Art enthusiasts should explore the East Village Arts District, where colorful murals, independent galleries, and monthly art walks showcase Long Beach's creative spirit, all within walking distance of the waterfront.

Long Beach harbors fascinating stories beneath its sunny surface. The city is home to the world's largest mural, PLANET OCEAN, which wraps around the Long Beach Arena and covers over 105,000 square feet, visible to ships approaching the harbor. Surprisingly, parts of Long Beach sit atop oil fields, with cleverly disguised oil islands in the harbor designed to look like tropical resorts complete with waterfalls. The waters off Long Beach once hosted the Olympic rowing events during the 1932 Los Angeles Games, creating a marine stadium that remains today. Additionally, the city's underwater geography creates the unusual phenomenon of having almost no surf despite being on the ocean, earning it the nickname 'Wrigley's Bathtub' after chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr.