Los Angeles Cruise Port Guide
USA · in-depth port guide, sources shown throughout
Across USA — laws, safety & health
National rules and risks that apply anywhere in USA — relayed from official sources, not our verdict. We pass on what the authority says and leave the judgement to you.
Laws that catch visitors out
- The national legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21.
- Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties — a long jail sentence and heavy fines, including when transiting through airports. (US federal law applies even where a state has legalised cannabis.)
- Always carry a passport showing you have permission to enter or remain in the US.
- US law prohibits importing, exporting, making, selling or transporting drug paraphernalia.
Drones
Visitors flying a drone recreationally in the US must take the FAA’s free online TRUST safety test and carry proof. A drone of 250 g or more must have Remote ID and be registered — on the FAA DroneZone, or by filing a Notice of Identification if it is already registered in your home country. Fly at or below 400 ft in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace, keep it within sight, and do not fly over people.
via US FAA — Recreational Flyers & Community-Based Organizations · 25 Jun 2026
Scams to watch
Do not leave passports in rental cars (especially the boot) — vehicles driven by people who look like tourists may be targeted.
Health hazards
The FCDO health page lists Zika virus, West Nile virus and altitude sickness (in parts of the country) among the health risks in the US. There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement — treatment is expensive, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Check current detail and vaccine recommendations on TravelHealthPro before you travel.
via UK FCDO travel advice — USA (health) · 25 Jun 2026
Relayed from UK FCDO travel advice — USA · checked 24 Jun 2026
Traffic drives on the right. Look left first when you cross the road.
Docking & terminals in Los Angeles
Cruise ships dock at berths 92-93.
- Los Angeles Cruise Terminal
Mobility & step-free access
Getting around between the pier and town:
- Taxi — A short 10-minute ride to other parts of town
Step-free options vary by pier and by the day — confirm the specifics with your operator and the ship’s guest-services desk before booking.
Your exact pier is assigned per sailing — confirm it on the ship’s daily programme or gangway signage before heading ashore.
Getting around & must-sees in Los Angeles
Getting around
Visitors can walk or take a taxi from the pier to explore San Pedro and nearby attractions.
- Walk
- Taxi — A short 10-minute ride to other parts of town
Must-see sights
- Battleship USS Iowa — Located on the LA Waterfront in San Pedro, a hidden gem with immersive exhibits and hands-on experiences.
- Cabrillo Marine Aquarium — A marine education facility since 1935, located near Battleship USS Iowa.
- Griffith Observatory
Key facts only — confirm times, fares and seasonal openings locally.
Local know-hows in Los Angeles
Money
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Cards
- Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including for dining, hotels and transport.
- ATMs
- ATMs are widely available.
- Tipping
- Tipping is customary in the U.S. — typically 15–20% at restaurants, and a few dollars for taxis, porters and housekeeping.
Practicalities
- Language
- English (Spanish is also widely spoken across Southern California).
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reports its water meets or exceeds all state and federal drinking-water standards, testing at around 300 locations across the city for over 200 constituents; the supply comes largely from the Los Angeles Aqueduct (Eastern Sierra snowmelt) plus local groundwater and imported water.
- Plugs
- Type A / Type B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz (North American standard). Non-US appliances may need a voltage converter.
Key facts to know before you step off — confirm anything time-sensitive locally.
Port busyness in Los Angeles
Usually quiet
Los Angeles is a large city that easily absorbs cruise crowds.
- large city
- multiple attractions
- easy freeway access
This shows a typical day for the time of year — actual crowds vary on your date, and it isn’t a guarantee.
What we’ve checked in Los Angeles — and when
We last checked the facts on this page on 13 Jul 2026. Live travel advisories refresh automatically from the official sources.
- Docking & getting ashore
- Verified by The Excursion Edit against official sources · 13 Jul 2026
- Getting around
- Verified by The Excursion Edit against official sources · 13 Jul 2026
- How busy it gets
- Verified by The Excursion Edit against official sources · 13 Jul 2026
- Travel advisories
- FCDO (GOV.UK) & US State Department · refreshed automatically