Boats

I received an email from a reader about a tip that I could not wait to post up. Starting in May the Port of Long Beach is offering Free 90 minute narrated port tours . The up and close tours will run from May to October of 2009. All you need to do is to go to this website and make a reservation- That’s it and it’s absolutely free. I already made my family’s reservation and will be taking the tour in May- I can’t wait!!

Reservations
Tours will be posted two months in advance, on the first work day of each month at 8 a.m. For example, the September cruises will be posted and reservations made available at 8 a.m. July 1.
Click on the “Reserve Seats” button below to make a reservation. If the tour is full, and zero seats are available, click the “Standby” button to be added to the standby list. Those on the standby list will be notified if a seat becomes available.

Directions and Parking
The tours depart from and return to Shoreline Village in downtown Long Beach. The boat departs from Dock 9, next to Parkers’ Lighthouse restaurant. Click here for directions. Aboard the boat, validation is provided for a reduced parking rate at Shoreline Village ($1 for the first two hours with validation, and $2 for each additional 20 minutes).

There are so many places that I love or would love to visit in Southern California and this is at the top of my list. The Los Angeles Maritime Museum is the largest Maritime Museum in California. It’s home to more than 700 ship and boat models, navigation equipment and an operating amateur radio station. The museum is currently home to 5 exhibits that are sure to be a hit with your family. The current exhibits on display are 20,000 jobs under the sea, Neptune’s Favorites, USS Los Angeles, Caught, Canned and Eaten and The Long Beach Earthquake 1933. My children love ships and anything that is related to sea life and if you or your kids love ships this place is a must. The best part is that the museum is free for children, $1.00 for Senior Citizens and Youth and $3.00 for adults. Here’s an insider tip that will delight the kiddies- take a spin on the Port of Los Angeles Waterfront Red Car line. With a stop in front of the maritime museum- this 1920’s era trolley – is a must ride. Fare is $1.00 for everyone with children 6 and under free. The fare is collected on board and is good all day for unlimited rides. I will be doing a more extensive review of the trolley and museum next week. If you’re looking for something fun and inexpensive to do this week look no further, you’ve found it!!