Port of Los Angeles' Annual Free Harbor Boat Tours
Join the Port of Los Angeles for free boat tours of Los Angeles Harbor in 2025. This page will be updated after the event date is announced. For more information about upcoming events, click here and be sure to follow @PortofLA on social media.
FAQs about Free Boat Tours at the Port of Los Angeles
If it is your first time taking a boat tour of the Port of Los Angeles, allow us to answer a few frequently asked questions first. . .
How can I take a tour on a different day?
Los Angeles Harbor boat tours depart from San Pedro year-round and are available for purchase from Harbor Breeze Cruises.
Can I bring my baby on board?
All ages are welcome. Please remember, strollers are not permitted on board the vessel.
What should I wear?
Even during summer, it can get chilly out on the water. It’s recommended you bring a light jacket, hat and sunscreen and wear flat, comfortable shoes.
What's on the boat?
Restrooms are available on board. Beverages are available for purchase. Each departing location offers sustainable water stations that provide free, filtered, chilled water to fill up your portable water bottle, or thermos, reducing the need for single-use plastic water bottles.
What will I see on the tour?
Visitors may take tours from each side of the Port, offering the full perspective of Los Angeles Harbor, showcasing both sides of the iconic Vincent Thomas Bridge, the official welcoming monument of the City of Los Angeles. Those interested may preview scenes from the Port of Los Angeles, courtesy of its two livestream cameras.
Is there a difference in tours between the two departing locations?
All tours are 50-minutes long. Departing from San Pedro, you’ll venture out to the Outer Harbor and see some of the largest container ships in the nation. Departing from Wilmington, you’ll get a chance to see auto carriers and liquid bulk terminals in the Port's West Basin. Both routes will take you to see the Vincent Thomas Bridge up close and hopefully you’ll even see a barking sea lion or two.
Will I get seasick?
Getting seasick is highly unlikely, but if you are extremely sensitive you may wish to take precautions. Tour boats don’t leave the breakwater and the water is generally very calm inside the Port, even on windy days. If needed, there are restrooms on board.
What else can I do on the LA Waterfront?
While in the area, visitors are encouraged to explore LA Waterfront attractions that are free to the public. After the tour, visitors can learn about harbor area history at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum or Battleship IOWA. Visit CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, a one-of-a-kind craft marketplace. Hop on the San Pedro Downtown Trolley to connect to the shops, galleries and restaurants located in the Historic Downtown Waterfront District. Visit lawaterfront.org for more information.
What's under construction on the LA Waterfront?
Recently completed in Wilmington in 2024, the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade consists of nine acres along the water's edge at the terminus of Avalon Boulevard. The project was designed with the goals of connecting Wilmington to its historic waterfront while also providing amenities which serve to separate the community of Wilmington from Port operations. The Promenade creates a unique waterfront area for families, community members, and visitors to enjoy.
Coming to San Pedro in 2026, the West Harbor retail, dining and entertainment development is a pivotal centerpiece in the ongoing revitalization of the LA Waterfront. Plans for West Harbor include 42 acres of restaurants, shopping, fresh markets, office space, and a waterfront promenade with ample outdoor space and an open-air amphitheater for live entertainment.