The Queen Mary is the landmark most closely associated with Long Beach. The former ocean liner has been permanently moored in the city since the 1960s, and its enormous profile still dominates part of the harbour.
Even before going aboard, the ship is worth seeing from the waterfront. Up close, its scale is difficult to appreciate from photographs.
A floating piece of history
The Queen Mary entered service in the 1930s and later played an important role during the Second World War before returning to passenger service. Today, exhibitions and tours explore different parts of that history.
The ship has also become famous for ghost stories. Those tales are part of its modern identity, but I would treat them as entertainment rather than the main reason to visit.
Allow enough time
This is not an attraction I would squeeze into half an hour. If maritime history interests you, give yourself time to explore and take in the views around the harbour.
Opening arrangements, tours and access to individual areas can change, so check current information before your visit.
The Queen Mary works particularly well at the beginning of a Long Beach trip. It immediately establishes the city’s connection with ships, the harbour and the wider Pacific world – themes that keep appearing wherever you go along the waterfront.
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