ATSEAMYLIFE

Friday evening is the worst and pray it doesn't rain or there's a big crash or three day weekend. Saturday morning will be a walk in the park. If I didn't get in before 1400 hrs at the latest I would stay in the LAX area. Unless you wait until after 2100 hrs it won't be worth the time in traffic and that's on a good day.

I think it all depends on how long of a travel day and when you get into LAX. We stayed on the QM many years ago and it's a wonderful bit of nostalgia.

Then my vote would be Il Foraino or the bay dinner cruise.

One of my mom's fav's. It had been very good but we haven't been in five years.

Truer words were never spoken. I use Uber all the time both in the US and Europe and it's amazing how we did without it.

Eric is dead on, plenty of hotel shuttles from LAX but no hotel does a shuttle to the port. You might consider a Carnival shuttle from LAX if they offer one. We did that on RCL from Orlando airport Grand Hyatt after spending the night after a late flight the day before.

You won't find any hotel shuttles that will do that route. You will find plenty of shuttles from LAX to hotels near LAX. But from the LAX hotels to LB you will have to hire somebody. Best to just price shop for LAX hotels and see what rates you like. We always stay at the Hilton LAX as we like the shuttle, rooms, location, food, and bar.

I'm Hilton brand loyal and we stayed at the Doubletree. It wasn't one of my best experiences at a Hilton property. We got in late and the shuttle to the ship was sold out so we had to RSVP an Uber. Rooms were a little tired and dark. We ended up with a 3rd floor room overlooking the courtyard and there was a wedding reception with very loud music. I went down to the front desk and asked how much longer and they told me they had to shut down at 10:30 PM, which I'm good with but come 11:15 and then 11:30 I'm not OK. Pro: the food at the restaurant was excellent as was the service. It sits directly on the marina with outside meal seating so much better view than the CP. I would stay again but would book a marina view room.

Now that's the way I would do it. My mom and dad lived on Coronado at the Landing and there's several very good places to eat near the ferry landing and the trip isn't bad also. Now if you want to go 1st class book a dinner or cocktail sunset bay cruise.

I'm Hilton brand loyal and have stayed many times at the Hilton directly across the street from SNA. In fact have walked a few times to/from. The hotel has a very nice restaurant if you don't want to walk. There's an IHop, El Torito, and Gulliver's all within walking distance and not bad. Personally I would just eat at the hotel. Yes those times should be good for avoiding traffic.

It's not near the cruise terminal but a short trolly ride into Gaslamp our fav is Louie & Mickey's. Just avoid it if there's an event at Petco. https://www.louandmickeys.com/

We found it rather calm almost like being on a lake most of the time.

Eddie V's (steak and seafood) is good and in a cool area. It doesn't open until 4:00 PM however.

Still a great place to stay.

All things being equal I would pick John Wayne. It has better services when you are waiting for the flight at the end of the cruise.