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Norwegian's Official Travel Blog

Top Things to Do in Los Angeles Before & After Your Cruise

Looking for the ultimate escape? Norwegian's cruises from Los Angeles take you on exciting adventures along the Pacific Coast, through the Mexican Riviera, and even farther south to the world-famous Panama Canal. But your adventure doesn't stop there. Before you board your ship, or even after you disembark, you'll find loads of must-see attractions just waiting for you to discover in the City of Angels. Check out these six things to do in Los Angeles before and after your cruise, and start dreaming about your next cruise vacation.

Ready to start planning? Explore all Los Angeles cruises.

1. Take a Studio Tour

Did you know you can catch a glimpse of the magic that goes into making a movie or TV show? That's right! Many major motion picture studios, including Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros., Universal Studios Hollywood, and Sony Pictures, offer behind-the-scenes tours through movie sets and sound stages. From silver screen hits such as "The Wizard of Oz" and the Harry Potter movies, to "Friends" and other TV gems, see where your favorite actors practice their craft.

2. Shop in Beverly Hills

Headed on one a Pacific Coastal cruise? Live like the rich and famous for a few hours before or after you set sail and enjoy the glitz and glamour on Rodeo Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills. Spanning the three blocks from Sunset Boulevard to Wilshire Boulevard, Rodeo Drive plays host to some of the world's top fashion houses, including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Valentino, Yves Saint-Laurent, Gucci, and more. Who knows? You may even spot a celebrity!

Designed with shoppers in mind, Norwegian's fun-filled Rodeo Drive & Los Angeles Ending at the Airport and Beachfronts & Beverly Hills Ending at the Airport tours begin after you disembark your ship at the Port of Los Angeles. From there, pass by many of the city's most famous sites before making a stop for lunch on your own or shopping along Rodeo Drive. Grab a few souvenirs or perhaps even a designer handbag and then head off to the airport for your flight home. What a memorable way to end your cruise vacation!

Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
Visit the iconic Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills

3. Take a Stroll Along Hollywood Boulevard

Dream of seeing the iconic Hollywood sign in all its glory? Want to take pictures with the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? You'll find all this and more when you visit Hollywood Boulevard before or after a Panama Canal cruise.

Catch the latest movies at El Capitan Theatre or step inside the footprints of some of the world's best-known celebrities at TCL Chinese Theatre. You can even sit in the seats at Dolby Theatre and pretend you're live at the Academy Awards or check out the exceptional shopping, dining, and entertainment at Hollywood & Highland. The choice is yours!

4. Visit a Theme Park

Did you know you can find many of the top-rated theme parks in the world just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Port of Los Angeles? In fact, Southern California is the only place on Earth to boast theme parks from all the major chains. A theme park is a great way to spend the day before or after setting sail for a Mexican Riviera cruise.

From the Disneyland Resort to Universal Studios Hollywood, you'll find no shortage of heart-pounding thrills and enchanting experiences for the entire family to enjoy all within an hour of the port. But that's not all! SeaWorld in nearby San Diego, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott's Berry Farm, Legoland California Resort in Carlsbad, and Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier also promise to excite and delight guests of all ages.

Los Angeles Beaches
Bask in the sunshine on one of LA's famous beaches.

5. Hit the Beach

If you crave sun and sand, Los Angeles does not disappoint. In fact, you'll find nearly 70 beaches lining the coastline of communities such as Malibu, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, and more. The best part is that they're all within an easy day trip from Los Angeles. Favorites include El Matador Beach, Paradise Cove Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Zuma Beach, Redondo Beach, and Venice Beach. Whether you want to kick back and relax, snorkel, kayak, surf, or swim, you'll find the perfect place to satisfy your desires at a beach near the Port of Los Angeles.

6. Check Out the Museums

From the weird and wacky to the classic and contemporary, the museums in Los Angeles cater to every crowd. Art lovers unite at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Hammer Museum, and the Getty Center. History buffs get their fill of the past at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM), while science enthusiasts immerse themselves in innovation at the California Science Center. Want more? Okay, how about the Museum of Death, Hollywood Wax Museum, or the Guinness World Records Museum to name a few?

Griffith Observatory
Visit the Griffith Observatory on the south side of Mount Hollywood.

As far as port cities go, Los Angeles ranks high for exciting things to do before and after a cruise vacation. From the iconic Hollywood sign to studio tours that take you behind the scenes, there's an endless list of fun-filled sites and activities for you to explore. Then, hop on board your Norwegian cruise for the adventure of a lifetime.

While you plan your next adventure, be sure to sign up for emails so you can get the latest cruise deals and special offers delivered right to your inbox. Where are you cruising next? Tell us in the comments!