Explore Los Angeles Harbor on the water
Join us for FREE boat tours on Sept. 14
Save the date for a free boat tour of Los Angeles Harbor, courtesy of the Port of Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 🐾 Dog-friendly tours depart at 11 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. 🐾
Tours will depart from two locations:
- Banning's Landing Community Center, 100 E. Water Street, Wilmington, CA 90744
- Downtown Harbor (near Los Angeles Maritime Museum), 6th Street and Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA 90731
Limited free visitor parking is available at both locations.
Visitors will be able to see active vessels and shipping activity at America's busiest port. Tours last approximately one hour and are fully narrated.
Free ticket reservations are available at the link below for both departing locations.
FAQs about Free Boat Tours at the Port of Los Angeles
On Saturday, Sept. 14, the Port of Los Angeles will offer the public FREE boat tours of Los Angeles Harbor. If this is your first time joining us for a boat tour, allow us to answer a few frequently asked questions first. . .
Do I have to sign up for tickets?
Tours may be reserved online for both departing locations. Tours begin at 10 a.m. with the last tour departing at 3 p.m. Tours depart every 30 minutes. Free standby tours are also available on a first-come, first served basis. The standby line will close at 1 p.m., or earlier, if the line exceeds maximum capacity. If you have a reservation, please check in at the green Port of Los Angeles tent 15 minutes prior to your tour.
Where do I park?
Both locations offer designated parking.
Wilmington (for GPS, use address 100 E. Water St., Wilmington, CA 90744):
- Banning’s Landing Community Center FREE parking lot at Wilmington Waterfront Promenade.
- FREE street parking along Fries and Water streets.
San Pedro (for GPS, use address 600 S. Harbor Blvd, San Pedro, CA 90731):
- West Harbor PAY parking lot at 6th Street and Harbor Blvd.
- Topaz Building PAY parking lot at Palos Verdes Street between 5th and 6th Streets.
- FREE street parking along 5th Street and Harbor Blvd.
Are visitors in wheelchairs able to enjoy the tours?
Port of Los Angeles docks are ADA-compliant and wheelchair-accessible boarding is available at both locations.To ensure your boat is ADA-accessible, please select a tour that departs on the hour at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., or 2 p.m.
Can I bring my baby on board?
All ages are welcome. Please remember, strollers are not permitted on board the vessel.
Am I allowed to bring my dog?
Three boat tours will be designated as “dog-friendly” to accommodate well-socialized and behaved, leashed dogs. Dog-friendly tours depart at 11 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. at both locations. Port of Los Angeles pet bandanas will be provided for participating pups. (Your dog must be present in order to take home a bandana. While supplies last.)
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 just next door to Brouwerij West, a transformed warehouse that brews fresh Belgian beer. 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 2025, 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. West Harbor is expected to open in 2025.
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.