San-PĂ©dro Cruise Ship Port is about 35 minutes south of downtown LA at the World Cruise Center in San Pedro, California.
Getting there is pretty straightforward – grab a shuttle, catch a rideshare from LAX, take Amtrak to Union Station, or just drive down I-110 south if you’ve got wheels.
Parking won’t break the bank at $22 a day, and the terminal has good accessibility.
While you’re there, check out the Battleship IOWA Museum nearby.
With its cool history and prime location, San-PĂ©dro makes a great jumping-off point for your cruise adventure.
Map of San-PĂ©dro Cruise Ship Port
Where is The Port Located?
The World Cruise Center sits at 100 Swinford Street in San Pedro, California – right at the corner where Harbor Boulevard meets Swinford. It’s only about 35 minutes south of downtown LA on the west side of San Pedro Bay.
The terminal is part of the Port of Los Angeles (locals know it as US LAX) and you’ll spot the Battleship IOWA Museum right next door, with the Catalina Sea and Air Terminal close by too. When you’re driving in, just follow the signs to Harbor Scenic Drive – it’ll take you straight to what many locals call Berth 93.
How to get to the port, by air, train, road
Getting to San Pedro’s cruise terminal is pretty easy, no matter how you’re traveling.
Flying into LAX? No sweat – shuttle services like Karmel Connect run vans and private cars straight to the port. Or just grab an Uber or Lyft from the terminal if you’d rather not book ahead.
Coming by train? Hop on Amtrak to Union Station, then catch a shuttle or rideshare for the last stretch to the port.
Driving yourself? Just take I-110 south and get off at the Harbor Boulevard exit. You’ll be there in no time.
Plenty of hotels and nearby coastal towns also run shuttle services if you’re staying in the area before your cruise.
Port Parking Options
Looking to park for your San Pedro cruise? Here’s the scoop. Right at the terminal (100 Swinford Street), you’ll get your first hour free, then it’s $2 per hour up to $22 max per day for regular cars.
Got an RV or hauling a trailer? No problem – just head to the designated spots, but expect to shell out up to $40 daily. Just swipe your credit card when you leave – no need to book ahead.
Trying to save some cash? Check out nearby hotels that’ll let you park free if you stay with them – many even throw in a shuttle to the port. Or hit up Cruiseparking.com where rates start around $20 daily and you can lock in your spot online.
Local Transport & Transfers
Getting around San Pedro is super easy with plenty of ways to travel. Private shuttles will take you between LAX, hotels, and the cruise terminal for $25-$35 per person, and they’ll pick you up right from your door anywhere in Greater LA.
Uber and Lyft run about $45-$60 from the airport, but heads up – you’ll need to catch the LAX-it shuttle at Terminal 1.5 for pickups. If you’re watching your wallet, just hop on the Metro J Line for $1.75 from downtown LA to the Beacon/1st St stop.
On weekends, you can jump on the free Waterfront Trolley that comes by every 30 minutes, connecting the terminal with all the local spots worth checking out.
Port Terminal Facilities and Accessibility
The San Pedro cruise terminal is spread across a massive 18 acres with two big buildings that can handle thousands of passengers without breaking a sweat. The processing area tops 100,000 square feet, so your check-in should move along pretty quickly.
Need parking? They’ve got accessible spots right by the entrances, and regular parking runs you about $22 max per day. Inside, you’ll find air-conditioned waiting areas with plenty of seats and permanent restrooms – no portable toilets here!
Porters are on hand at the berth entrances to help with your bags, but heads up – if you need wheelchair assistance, you’ll want to contact your cruise line ahead of time to set that up. And don’t worry about hiking from the parking lot – free shuttles run between parking areas and terminals to save you the walk.
Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day
Got some time before boarding your cruise at San Pedro? Lucky you! Check out the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium nearby – their hands-on exhibits with local sea critters are pretty cool. If you’re into history, the Battleship USS Iowa Museum is right there at the port and definitely worth a look. Want amazing views? Head to Point Fermin Lighthouse or just wander along the LA Waterfront. Feeling ambitious? Hop on a ferry to Catalina Island for a quick adventure. When you get hungry, downtown San Pedro has tons of fresh seafood spots, plus shops where you can grab any last-minute stuff you forgot to pack for your cruise.
Walks near the port
Killing time before your cruise? San Pedro’s waterfront has some cool walking spots to stretch those legs. Check out the Cruise Ship Promenade – it’s 4 acres with quirky wind sculptures and tile art. You can even challenge your travel buddies to chess or bocce if you’re feeling competitive.
History nerds might dig the 2.5-mile Angels Walk LA path that runs from 6th Street all the way to the lighthouse at the breakwater. If you’re into industrial vibes, there are some decent paved trails by the cargo terminals where you can watch those massive gantry cranes doing their thing.
Got the munchies? Make the 2-mile trek to In-N-Out Burger, or just hop on the 205 bus to check out San Pedro’s downtown arts scene instead.
Dining and Shopping
Dining and Shopping
Hungry after walking around San Pedro? You won’t be disappointed. Raffaello Ristorante dishes up homemade pasta – their lobster ravioli is seriously good. If you’re after a view with your meal, head to San Pedro Fish Market for their famous shrimp trays right by the water. Traveling on a budget? Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant or Happy Diner will fill you up without emptying your wallet.
Need to grab some souvenirs? Check out the cute boutiques at Port’s O’Call Village or browse the local artisans near the LA Waterfront Cruises. The 6th/7th Street area has some cool little shops for picking up mementos. And if you forgot something for your cruise, just pop into Vons supermarket or hit the duty-free shops at the terminal.
Accommodation near the port
Looking for a crash pad near San Pedro’s cruise port? Score! The right hotel makes all the difference between a stress-free start or a mad dash to your ship.
If you’re watching your wallet, check out Vagabond Inn or Guest Harbor Inn – both easy on the budget and just a stone’s throw from the terminal.
Want the cream of the crop for convenience? Here’s the scoop:
- Best Western Plus – Literally next door to the terminal, with sweet deals if you’re taking longer cruises
- DoubleTree by Hilton – Free shuttle to the port and fancy perks to boot
- Crowne Plaza – Quick mile hop to your ship and solid 4/5 stars on TripAdvisor (real travelers don’t lie!)
Pro tip: Guest Harbor Inn hooks you up with their “CRUISING” discount code. Why pay full price when you don’t have to?
Customs & Immigration at The Port
Customs & Immigration at The Port
Getting through customs and immigration at San Pedro’s cruise terminal happens in three main steps: checks before you board, processing when you get off the ship, and security screenings.
The staff will look at your passport before you board to make sure all your travel papers are in order and follow international rules. When you get off the ship, you’ll need to show your passport at electronic immigration stations – it helps to arrive early so you don’t get stuck in long lines. Some travelers can qualify for faster customs clearance. Security at the terminal includes checking your bags, walking through metal detectors, and making sure you’re not bringing anything that’s not allowed. The terminal staff are there to help you through all these steps while keeping everything secure according to international maritime safety rules.
Local Currency & Payment Options
Local Currency & Payment Options
Five things you need to know about money in San-PĂ©dro to avoid any headaches on your trip. The West African CFA franc (XOF) is what you’ll use here – it’s fixed at about 656 XOF to €1.
Money tips to keep in mind:
- Bring cash – most places won’t take your cards
- Swap your money at the port for better deals (skip the airport ripoffs)
- Watch out for fake 10,000 XOF bills floating around lately
You can grab cash from ATMs at Banque Atlantique if needed, but make sure to get smaller bills (500-2000 XOF) for shopping at markets.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Contacts
Staying safe in San-PĂ©dro isn’t usually a concern for visitors, but it’s smart to keep these numbers handy just in case things go sideways. Got an emergency? Dial 911 right away. Hearing impaired? The TTY service is available at (213) 473-6296.
Having issues with your cruise? Ring up the terminal at (310) 519-2342 or call the parking office at (310) 547-4357 if your car’s giving you trouble. Carnival cruisers should keep their booking number ready and dial 800-227-6482 if something comes up.
For stuff that’s not life-or-death, the LAPD can be reached at (877) 275-5273, or just hit 311 for regular city services.
History of The Port
When Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first spotted San Pedro Bay in 1542, he probably never dreamed of the busy cruise terminal you’re visiting today. The port really took off after the US government picked it over Santa Monica in 1897, growing from Phineas Banning’s modest 10-foot channel into a major global hub.
Three big moments that shaped the port you’re experiencing:
- The Panama Canal opening in 1914 put San Pedro on the map as a prime spot for trade
- During WWII, shipbuilding boomed with 90,000 workers cranking out more than 1,000 vessels
- The container revolution of the 1950s transformed shipping efficiency, paving the way for today’s cruise operations
Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port
When to Cruise from The Port (That Won’t Break the Bank)
Timing your cruise from San-PĂ©dro can make or break your trip – from the weather you’ll get to how much you’ll pay and how packed the ships will be.
Want the best combo of nice weather and good deals? Shoot for September-October when it’s still warm, the summer crowds have gone home, and prices drop. June through August gives you perfect beach weather, but you’ll pay more and share space with tons of other vacationers. Winter cruises (November-March) are a bargain hunter’s dream plus you might spot some whales along the way.
The sweet spots are definitely the in-between seasons (April-May and September-October) – comfy 60-70° days, reasonable prices, and you might catch some cool local festivals without fighting through massive crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Cultural Taboos or Customs Should Visitors Be Aware Of?
When you’re visiting, show respect by graciously accepting any welcome gifts (it’s rude to refuse!), kick off your shoes at the door of someone’s home, and always ask before snapping photos of people. Keep the lovey-dovey stuff private since public kissing or cuddling makes locals uncomfortable. Oh, and stick to using your right hand for eating, pointing, or handing things to others – the left hand is considered unclean in many places!
Are There Any Local Festivals or Events Worth Attending?
San-PĂ©dro’s festivals are like finding little treasures scattered along the beach – and trust me, they’re worth digging for! Definitely check out the Music Festival that kicks off summer, or the Yam Festival in October which locals go crazy for. Oh, and if you’re into good food (who isn’t?), don’t miss the Festival Frites vs Alloco – it’s basically a delicious showdown between french fries and fried plantains that’ll make your taste buds dance.
What Wildlife or Natural Attractions Can Be Seen Nearby?
Tai National Park’s rainforest is packed with incredible wildlife – you might spot the rare pygmy hippos if you’re lucky! Over in MarahouĂ©, elephants roam the savannah landscapes, while EhotilĂ© Islands are the place to catch a glimpse of gentle manatees gliding through the water. Down at San-PĂ©dro, the beaches aren’t just for sunbathing – they’re nesting grounds for sea turtles! And if you’re out on a boat, keep your eyes peeled – dolphins and whales are often seen playing in these waters.
Is San-PĂ©dro Safe for Solo Travelers or Families?
You’ll need to keep your wits about you in San-PĂ©dro, kind of like watching your back in any unfamiliar city. Solo travelers and families can definitely enjoy it, but just use common sense – hang around the touristy spots, don’t wander into sketchy areas, and call it a night when the sun goes down. Nothing crazy, just basic street smarts.
What Internet and Cell Phone Connectivity Options Are Available?
Need to get online at the World Cruise Center? Just hop on the “polaguest” Wi-Fi network – it’s completely free. Your phone should have solid reception with the big carriers too. If that doesn’t work out, grab a coffee at one of the nearby cafĂ©s that offer Wi-Fi, or play it safe by downloading anything important before you arrive.
