The Pacific gets top billing along this side of Southern California, where the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro is packed with beaches, maritime history, and seafood spots.
Start along the LA Waterfront, where the USS Iowa is docked near the World Cruise Center. The celebrated Navy ship served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War before welcoming visitors aboard for an interactive look at naval history. Nearby, the Los Angeles Maritime Museum traces the harbor’s history through ship models, navigational equipment, and stories of the people who built their lives around San Pedro Bay.
A short ride south leads to Point Fermin Park, where coastal paths overlook the Pacific beside a Victorian-era lighthouse. Continue to the Korean Bell of Friendship, a 17-ton bronze bell presented by South Korea for the US Bicentennial. Its hilltop pavilion provides broad views across the harbor and Catalina Channel.
At Cabrillo Beach, walk the pier, launch a kayak, or watch marine life at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. The beach has calm water inside the breakwater and livelier Pacific conditions on the ocean side, allowing everyone to choose an appropriate level of commitment.
Come hungry to San Pedro — its dining history draws from generations of Mexican, Croatian, Italian, and fishing families. Look for grilled fish, shrimp tacos, ceviche, and market-style seafood served with garlic bread or warm tortillas. Long Beach adds one of the country’s largest Cambodian communities, making it a rewarding stop for kuy teav noodle soup, grilled meats, and other Khmer specialties.
This may be the Los Angeles cruise port, but the harbor communities deserve more than a passing wave. Arrive early or linger after your Escape with EFFY charter cruise, and let the Pacific side of LA handle the opening or closing scene.
Anchor in Cabo San Lucas Bay, where tender boats carry guests directly into the marina. The ride ashore doubles as an introduction to Baja California Sur, with desert hills, fishing boats, and the rock formations of Land’s End filling the view.
From the marina, board a water taxi or glass-bottom boat for El Arco, the natural arch marking the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Nearby Lover’s Beach offers swimming and snorkeling in protected water. On the opposite side, Divorce Beach delivers dramatic Pacific waves and an equally dramatic name, but the powerful current makes this one strictly for admiring.
For more time underwater, snorkel around Pelican Rock, where the formations attract schools of tropical fish. Kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing, and sportfishing charters also depart near the marina. During winter whale season, humpbacks add tail slaps and breaches to the Cabo scenery.
Back on land, follow the marina promenade into downtown Cabo San Lucas, where restaurants, shops, and open-air bars keep the pace lively. At Plaza Amelia Wilkes, step inside the Natural History Museum of Cabo San Lucas for exhibits exploring the region’s geology, paleobotany, and paleobiology.
Cabo’s fishing roots show up clearly on the menu. Order Baja-style fish or shrimp tacos, smoked marlin, ceviche, or chocolate clams, named for their brown shells, not dessert. Pair lunch with a cold cerveza or margarita, then browse the ceramics, woven goods, and regional spirits.
With its walkable marina, desert adventures, fresh seafood, and easy access to the water, Cabo San Lucas brings plenty of energy to your Mexican Riviera cruise on your Escape with EFFY charter.
Historic streets, Pacific beaches, and the unmistakable brass of banda music give Mazatlán a rhythm all its own. Take a taxi or pulmonía into Centro Histórico. The city’s signature open-air cab delivers transportation with a built-in sea breeze.
There, restored 19th-century buildings painted in coral, blue, and gold line the streets. Plazuela Machado anchors the neighborhood with leafy trees, outdoor cafés, and the Ángela Peralta Theater just steps away. Nearby, the twin-towered Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception rises above the city center, while Pino Suárez Market packs produce, spices, handicrafts, and food counters beneath one roof.
Along the coast, the Malecón follows miles of Pacific shoreline past beaches, monuments, and plenty of places to stop for a cold drink. At El Clavadista, local cliff divers time their leaps with the incoming waves. It’s quite impressive from the sidewalk, which is also the ideal place to keep your own feet planted.
For a higher vantage point, hike Cerro del Crestón to El Faro for broad views of the harbor, islands, and city. Water lovers can kayak or snorkel near Deer Island, while Stone Island offers a slower afternoon of swimming, beach time, and boat rides just beyond the port.
Mazatlán takes seafood seriously. Try shrimp aguachile brightened with lime and chile, pescado zarandeado grilled over coals, or a taco gobernador filled with shrimp, melted cheese, and peppers. Pair lunch with a cold Pacífico, brewed in Mazatlán since 1900.
With its walkable historic center, lively waterfront, island adventures, and exceptionally strong lunch options, Mazatlán brings culture and coastline together along the Mexican Riviera. Your Escape with EFFY charter cruise brings you into the heart of this vibrant Pacific port.
Jungle-covered mountains rise behind a sweep of Pacific blue, giving Puerto Vallarta a city-and-sea setting that refuses to pick a favorite. A short taxi ride from the cruise terminal leads to El Centro and the Malecón, where a waterfront walk doubles as an open-air art tour.
Follow the pedestrian promenade past bronze sculptures, street performers, galleries, and the famous Boy on the Seahorse. Near the Los Arcos Amphitheater, turn inland toward the Parish Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose crown-topped tower defines the downtown skyline. Cobblestone streets wind around cafés, shops, and whitewashed buildings with red-tile roofs.
Continue toward Cuale River Island, where footbridges connect shaded paths, artisan stalls, and cultural spaces between El Centro and the Romantic Zone. South of the river, browse galleries before walking to Los Muertos Beach and its sail-shaped pier, a departure point for water taxis bound for smaller beaches along the coast.
For an underwater adventure, snorkel or kayak around Los Arcos Marine Park, where rocky islets rise from Banderas Bay and protected waters support tropical fish, rays, and other marine life. Inland, the Sierra Madre offers zip lines, hiking trails, and off-road tours through the jungle. Winter visitors may also spot humpback whales breaching in the bay.
Puerto Vallarta gives lunch the attention it deserves. Try birria tacos with chile-spiced consommé, fresh ceviche, or fish and shrimp tacos piled with cabbage and salsa. Follow with raicilla, Jalisco’s regional agave spirit and proof that tequila can share the spotlight.
With its walkable neighborhoods, mountain adventures, public art, and very persuasive taco stands, Puerto Vallarta brings culture and nature together along the Mexican Riviera.
Princess® Cruise Lines
