Queen Mary
Long Beach, CA
~$40 self-guided tour
By Simir Shah
Updated September 13, 2026
★★★★★4.4(28,887 Google reviews)
From our editor — we've been
The Queen Mary is just a remarkable historical ship — a tour of it is a must. There have been real, well-documented concerns over the years about the ship's structural condition and flooding, so who knows how long it'll be there. It's worth seeing what a ship from that era actually looked like. They've also got a real working bar on board — the Observation Bar. It was just a very cool place to go see.
💡 Local tip: The Observation Bar is a genuine Art Deco cocktail bar still open aboard the ship — worth timing your visit to stop in, not just walk the decks.
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
You can walk the decks and public corridors without staying overnight, and reviewers say it is quiet most hours. Some tour areas are not step-free. Reviewers who stayed report no air conditioning or heating in the rooms and few working sockets. Food gets mixed reviews and is expensive.
Historic 1936 ocean liner turned floating hotel and museum, permanently docked in Long Beach since the 1960s. Self-guided tours and paranormal-themed experiences let you explore the ship's Art Deco decks, and the Queen Mary continues to host seasonal events like its long-running Dark Harbor Halloween happening each fall.
Plan your visit to Queen Mary
Researched from the venue and public sources, not a first-hand visit. How we write these
- How long to spend
- A self-guided visit with the introductory tour takes a few hours; adding a guided Legacy Tour, such as Glory Days or Steam & Steel, or a meal on board fills most of a day.
- Best time to go
- Clear days are best for the open decks and the bow. In fall the ship hosts Dark Harbor on select nights, and winter has brought seasonal events, so check the events calendar before planning a quiet daytime visit.
- Parking & getting there
- The ship has an on-site self-parking lot reached by following signs from the end of I-710 South. Without a car, take Long Beach Transit to the downtown Transit Mall and ride the free Passport bus, or cross the harbor from downtown by AquaBus or AquaLink water taxi.
- Best ages
- School-age kids get the most out of it, with the giant LEGO model of the ship, the original first-class Children's Playroom, the Engine Room, the Propeller Box, and the bridge. Paranormal tours and the Isolation Ward can be unsettling for young kids, and Dark Harbor is recommended for ages 13 and up, with children 7 and under not allowed in the mazes.
- Food
- On-board dining includes the Promenade Café, The Chelsea, Midship Marketplace, and Jubilee Coffee. You need a ship admission ticket or a restaurant reservation to board.
- What to bring
- Comfortable shoes for stairs and long decks, and a light jacket for the windy upper decks.
- Rain or heat plan
- Much of the ship, including the exhibits, Engine Room, and Children's Playroom, is indoors. The Aquarium of the Pacific across the harbor is another largely indoor option.
Common questions
Is the Queen Mary good for kids?
Yes, especially school-age kids. Highlights include a giant LEGO model of the ship, the original first-class Children's Playroom, the Engine Room, and the ship's bridge.
Is Dark Harbor OK for kids?
Dark Harbor is a professional-grade haunt recommended for ages 13 and older, and children 7 and under are not allowed inside the mazes.
Do you need a ticket to eat at the Queen Mary?
You need either ship admission or a restaurant reservation to go aboard to dine.
How do you get to the Queen Mary without driving?
Ride the free Long Beach Transit Passport bus from downtown Long Beach, or take the AquaBus or AquaLink water taxi across the harbor.
Good for
- Ages 10+
- Food on-site
Happening near here
- Formula Drift Pro Championship Round 8 (Long Beach)Long Beach · <1 mi
- Autism Families Night at the Aquarium of the PacificLong Beach · <1 mi
- Thursday Night Market (Weekend Night Market)Long Beach · 1 mi · Thursdays 5–9pmFree
- MOLAA Free SundaysLong Beach · 1 mi · Sundays 11am–5pmFree
1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA
Map
What visitors say
- Jonathan Phan★★★★★
The Queen Mary is an excellent spot for photography and sightseeing, even if you’re not staying overnight. The ship’s historic architecture, vintage details, and dramatic waterfront setting make it a visually striking place to explore. Walking through the public corridors and decks feels like stepping back in time, with preserved woodwork, portholes, and maritime décor that create a nostalgic atmosphere. The ship is quiet and peaceful during most hours, which makes taking photos easy and enjoyable. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, often sharing interesting historical notes that add depth to the visit. The views from the decks are beautiful, especially during sunset when the harbor lights begin to reflect off the water. Nearby attractions like Shoreline Village and the Aquarium of the Pacific make the area even more appealing for a casual day trip. Walkability is strong both on the ship and around the waterfront, allowing visitors to explore without needing transportation. Safety feels steady, with well‑maintained public areas and secure access points throughout the ship. Even without dining, the restaurants and cafés add charm to the environment and offer additional photo opportunities. The ship’s age is noticeable, but that vintage character is part of what makes the Queen Mary unique. Overall, the Queen Mary is a great choice for travelers who want scenic views, historic ambiance, and a relaxed place to take photos. It delivers a memorable experience without requiring an overnight stay, making it ideal for quick visits, date nights, or casual sightseeing. The ship’s charm, quiet atmosphere, and beautiful surroundings make it a standout Long Beach landmark worth visiting.
2 months ago
- John Staley★★★★★
It's a wonderful place to visit. Some much history with a lot of craftsmanship. The docents are extremely knowledgeable. Some tour areas are not ADA accessible. We did not stay onboard, but had drinks and dinner. The bar area was very nice and the server was friendly. The dining room was also nice and service was good. The food was okay, but not great. It is more of an experience than food.
3 months ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps
Nearby places
Keep planning
Eat nearby in Long Beach
- Domenico's Italian RestaurantPizza & Italian · $$
- Michael's PizzeriaPizza & Italian · $$
- La StradaPizza & Italian · $$
- Rivera's Mexican FoodMexican & Tacos · $