The Queen Mary

Part museum, part hotel, The Queen Mary is an icon of the Southern California coastline and a popular tourist destination. Guests can visit for the day to tour the historical ship and dine in one of the many onboard restaurants, opt to stay aboard in one of the ship’s comfortable staterooms, or even host a wedding or other special event aboard the ship.

The Queen Mary transported famous names like Bob Hope and Winston Churchill during its glory days as a trans-Atlantic luxury liner. At the onset of WWII, The Queen Mary was put into service as a troopship, earning the nickname “Grey Ghost” because of her stealth. After the war, the ship regained her passenger ship status, sailing the Atlantic Ocean until retiring in Long Beach in 1967. Much of the character of The Queen Mary has been preserved in her guest rooms and public areas. You can still find mirrors tinted pink—an effect meant to improve seasick passengers’ reflections.

Staterooms for overnight guests offer period-style accommodations like authentic wood paneling, operable portholes, and Art Deco craftsmanship. Simply furnished but still retaining a taste of old-world elegance, each stateroom is unique.

Tours of the ship run daily, varying in length, but all focusing on the fascinating stories and photographs of the ship’s history. A permanent exhibit highlighting Princess Diana’s legacy is also onboard, while Haunted Tours running through the day and into the night cater to the braver tourists. Well-known for its haunted past, The Queen Mary offers a range of twilight activities onboard, including Dining with the Spirits and a Paranormal Ship Walk.

The Queen Mary’s restaurants cater to all budgets, ranging from the Promenade Cafe, a casual spot with ocean views, to five-star dining at Sir Winston’s on the top deck. Locals and tourists alike rave about the Sunday champagne brunch, featuring 50 dishes from around the globe. A tea room, wine bar, and chowder house round out the ship’s culinary choices.

Located in the midst of the tourist hustle and bustle of Long Beach, The Queen Mary is a great starting point for other local attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Aquatic Park, Catalina Island, and whale-watching tours. But don’t worry about getting lost—the tall red and black smokestacks of The Queen Mary are easily visible from most of Long Beach’s shoreline.