Tour guides in ports

[jacketwatch]

Hello. We will be doing a cruise of the California coast in April. We have stops in San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ensenada Mexico. Specifically for the US ports, will there be tour guides or private tour people available once we get off the ship like they usually are for just about everywhere else? we usually prefer just to get off when we feel like and wing it. I haven’t been able to find anything such available, but I would imagine there should be. What is your experience with getting off in these ports and meeting people to sell you tours?
 

Thank you.

 

Larry 

[princeton123211]

1 hour ago, jacketwatch said:

Specifically for the US ports, will there be tour guides or private tour people available once we get off the ship like they usually are for just about everywhere else?

Typically no-- American ports usually don't have the standard welcome party you see in the Caribbean.

 

San Diego and Santa Barbara are fairly easy to "wing it"-- you essentially end up downtown and within walking distance of things. Los Angeles (assuming you are docking at San Pedro) is a whole nother animal-- San Pedro is a busy commercial port that is a considerable distance from most touristy things you will want to do. In LA you will need to do some planning such as joining an excursion, joining an independent tour, or renting a car/using Uber to get around. 

 

Do you have anything specifically you are looking to do? 

[CruiserBruce]

1 hour ago, princeton123211 said:

Typically no-- American ports usually don't have the standard welcome party you see in the Caribbean.

Neither does Europe. I guess it's not "just about everywhere else" in the world.

[jacketwatch]

Thank you for the replies.
 

It’s no wonder I couldn’t find much in the way of private tour guys for these ports.

 

I did look at Viator who we used for our Iceland cruise a couple years ago but this time I found their prices really high. 
 

I did see one excursion offered by the ship for Los Angeles, which I think it’s pretty good for us. We go to the place where they have the walk of fame and we have two hours to walk around so I think I like that.

 

If we can just stroll into town in San Diego and Santa Barbara, that may be good enough. I don’t think our friends who are going with us. Want to be energetic about this. My friend does have Parkinson’s and he can’t get around. It’s not that easy for him. 
 

We definitely are going to take a ships tour in Ensenada, though we haven’t decided which one yet.

 

Again, thank you for the replies.

 

Larry 

[princeton123211]

On 1/20/2024 at 8:09 PM, jacketwatch said:

I did see one excursion offered by the ship for Los Angeles, which I think it’s pretty good for us. We go to the place where they have the walk of fame and we have two hours to walk around so I think I like that.

They would be taking you to Hollywood. That area is sort of the Times Square of LA (which is fine, but it's very touristy). Might I suggest looking to see if they have a tour that combines that with a stop in one of the beach towns like Santa Monica-- might make for a more enjoyable day. 

 

On 1/20/2024 at 8:09 PM, jacketwatch said:

If we can just stroll into town in San Diego and Santa Barbara, that may be good enough.

Easy to do. In San Diego the ship will dock very close to the USS Midway museum so that could be a fun option. Also close by is the Maritime Museum which includes the windjammer Star of India. The Gaslamp Quarter is within walking distance. Personally I would take a quick Uber ride over to Coronado for drinks on the beach at the famous Hotel del Coronado. 

 

Santa Barbara there are plenty of restaurants and cafes where you tender in at Sterns Wharf. Some highlights are the famous SB Courthouse and the Museum of Art which are next to each other-- about a half hour walk or a quick Uber. You can also join excursions or private tours that take you to local wineries (there are a few tasting rooms downtown as well). 

 

 

[jacketwatch]

Wow! That sounds wonderful. I assume the Midway museum is actually a ship? Is this correct? I would love to be able to go on it if so.

 

my uncle served in the Navy in World War II and we were able to go on the USS Yorktown, which is in Charleston South Carolina, at Patriots point.

 

Thank you again for some great ideas!

[LynnSD]

Yes, it is the actual ship.  It’s a great sight to see.   
Afterwards you can walk along the Embarcadero, enjoy the views, lots of shops and restaurants.

[jacketwatch]

We’ve seen the USS Yorktown in Patriots Point, Charleston, SC. My uncle served on it in WW II. 

[LynnSD]

My husband is retired Navy and a volunteer docent onboard so it’s a big deal around here!

 

If you start your cruise in San Pedro, they have the battleship USS Iowa there. 

[jacketwatch]

We start out of SF actually.

 

We have been awarded to the USS, Missouri and Honolulu. 
 

We live near Chicago and have been to the museum of science and industry where they have the captured World War II German submarine do U 505. That’s incredible just to be on that thing and see how those poor guys had to endure such cramped and basically unhygienic and filthy conditions. 

[9tee2Sea]

On 1/20/2024 at 2:05 PM, jacketwatch said:

Hello. We will be doing a cruise of the California coast in April. We have stops in San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ensenada Mexico. Specifically for the US ports, will there be tour guides or private tour people available once we get off the ship like they usually are for just about everywhere else? we usually prefer just to get off when we feel like and wing it. I haven’t been able to find anything such available, but I would imagine there should be. What is your experience with getting off in these ports and meeting people to sell you tours?
 

Thank you.

 

Larry 

if you decide not to go into Hollywood from San Pedro, take an uber over the bridge into Long Beach

( about 5 min drive).  Many shops/restaurants along a 4 block stretch.  Aquarium of the Pacific is nice.  Tour of the Queen Mary ( and maybe lunch onboard).  The little marina village is nice to walk around. And If time allows, you can even take a high speed catamaran into Catalina Island ( no cars allowed on the island, but bikes and golf carts are plentryfull).  If you do get into Hollywood ( its about 1 hour from San Pedro), stop into Musso and Franks.  Very nostalgic celeb restaurant.  Martinis are pretty good there

[jacketwatch]

Thank you 😊 

[princeton123211]

On 1/23/2024 at 11:15 AM, 9tee2Sea said:

If you do get into Hollywood ( its about 1 hour from San Pedro), stop into Musso and Franks.  Very nostalgic celeb restaurant.  Martinis are pretty good there

I will second this-- excellent martinis (some say the best in LA) and super atmospheric. The food is also worth sticking around for but if you have limited time (which you would on a shore excursion) it still worth it for a drink. You'll immediately remember the place from lots of movies it's been in. When you walk in the front entrance from Hollywood Blvd bar is to your right in the other dining room. 

[Silver Sweethearts]

On 1/25/2024 at 9:08 AM, princeton123211 said:

IIf you do get into Hollywood (its about 1 hour from San Pedro), stop into Musso and Franks,  Very nostalgic celeb restaurant.  Martinis are pretty good there.  

 

I will second this-- excellent martinis (some say the best in LA) and super atmospheric. The food is also worth sticking around for but if you have limited time (which you would on a shore excursion) it still worth it for a drink. You'll immediately remember the place from lots of movies it's been in. When you walk in the front entrance from Hollywood Blvd bar is to your right in the other dining room. 

Just a FYI:  Super idea, but the earliest they open is 4 p.m. (5 on Sundays).  Also, even if the excursion  is a late one, Hollywood Boulevard is not the place to be at night.