Dana Point, California

Located in Long Beach, California, the Queen Mary is a historic ocean liner turned award-winning hotel that offers a distinctive blend of maritime heritage and contemporary hospitality. Renowned for its Art Deco design and storied past, the ship provides guests with a unique opportunity to experience history firsthand while enjoying modern comforts. The Queen Mary stands out for its combination of elegant accommodations, diverse dining options, and immersive tours that highlight both its rich legacy and paranormal lore. This iconic vessel serves as a cultural landmark where visitors can engage with the past in an authentic and captivating setting. The Queen Mary offers a variety of experiences tailored to different interests, including historic and paranormal tours, seasonal events, and elegant meeting and event spaces. Guests can choose from a range of staterooms and suites, each featuring period-inspired decor alongside modern amenities and ocean views. Dining options aboard the ship range from casual cafes to fine dining venues, such as the Royal Sunday Brunch and the Art Deco Lounge, which provide scenic views of Long Beach. Whether attending a business meeting, celebrating a wedding, or exploring the ship’s storied halls, visitors encounter a sophisticated atmosphere that seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary luxury.

Harbor Breeze Cruises offers one of the top-rated whale watching experiences in Southern California, departing from Long Beach near the Aquarium of the Pacific. Known for high-speed custom-built vessels and expert-led tours, Harbor Breeze provides year-round whale watching along the Los Angeles coastline, from Santa Monica to Newport Beach. Guests regularly encounter humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seabirds, with many cruises featuring educational narration from trained naturalists, including partnerships with the Aquarium of the Pacific. Their comfortable catamarans feature indoor seating, panoramic views, outdoor decks, restrooms, and onboard refreshments for an enjoyable experience in all seasons. With over 20 years of experience and thousands of positive reviews, Harbor Breeze Cruises is a trusted choice for families, visitors, and locals seeking affordable and memorable whale watching tours in Long Beach and LA. They also offer group events, private charters, harbor tours, and special cruises, making them ideal for birthdays, corporate outings, school trips, and special occasions. For anyone searching for whale watching near Los Angeles, Long Beach boat tours, or family-friendly marine wildlife experiences, Harbor Breeze Cruises stands out as a premier option.

Located in Newport Beach, California, Paradiso Yacht Charters has been providing exceptional yachting and boating experiences since 1998. The company is distinguished by its well-appointed yacht featuring a large main salon, covered pilot house with an open-air upper deck, and a spacious bow ideal for entertaining and sunbathing. With three staterooms, five bathrooms, and separate crew quarters, the vessel offers comfort and privacy for guests. Additional amenities include a fully stocked bar, a fully equipped galley kitchen, and a surround sound system compatible with CD, iPod, and satellite radio, enhancing the onboard experience. Paradiso Yacht Charters offers a diverse range of services tailored to various occasions, including memorials at sea, corporate events, fishing charters, island getaways, seasonal events, yacht parties, and weddings. Guests can enjoy a 12-knot cruise while taking advantage of water toys such as paddle boards, kayaks, tubes, and snorkel gear. The company caters to individuals and groups seeking a unique maritime experience in Newport Harbor, combining luxury, entertainment, and personalized service to create memorable outings on the water.

Huntington Harbor Boat Rentals is a family-owned business located in Sunset Beach, California, offering over a decade of experience in providing accessible and enjoyable water activities. Established in 2012, the company specializes in electric Duffy boat rentals, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, all designed for ease of use without requiring prior boating experience or licenses. Situated on Pacific Coast Highway with direct access to the calm and scenic waters of Huntington Harbour, the business emphasizes eco-friendly practices through its quiet, electric fleet and a commitment to preserving the local environment. Its welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make it a standout choice for visitors seeking a hassle-free way to explore one of Southern California’s most beautiful harbors. The rental options cater to a wide range of customers, including families, couples, groups, and pet owners, with offerings such as Duffy boats that accommodate up to 12 passengers for one to three-hour cruises, as well as single and tandem kayaks and beginner-friendly paddleboards available by the hour. Guests can bring their own food and beverages, including alcohol for those over 21, and enjoy amenities like coolers, ice, and Bluetooth speakers on board. The calm harbor waters provide a safe and scenic environment ideal for celebrations, team-building events, or leisurely outings, while membership plans offer locals unlimited access and additional perks. With a focus on customer service, safety, and creating memorable experiences, the company has earned high ratings and a loyal community of repeat visitors.

Catalina Classic Cruises is a well-established maritime charter company based in Long Beach, California, operating from Pier D Street near the historic Queen Mary. With a legacy dating back to 1969 as a subsidiary of Crowley Maritime Inc., the company has extensive experience in providing reliable and comfortable passenger vessel services. Their fleet includes six passenger vessels of various sizes, including the flagship Catalina King, which can accommodate up to 550 guests. The company is known for its dedication to safety, comfort, and quality customer service, continuing a tradition of excellence in ferrying passengers to Catalina Island and navigating the scenic harbors of Long Beach and Los Angeles. The company offers a diverse range of services including private charters, harbor cruises, dance parties, corporate events, holiday celebrations, and camp charters to Catalina Island camps. Guests can enjoy up-close views of landmarks such as the Queen Mary and USS Iowa while cruising through the ports. Each vessel features large open decks for optimal viewing and comfort, with food, snacks, and fully stocked bar options available. Whether hosting weddings, concerts, or birthday parties, the experienced crew ensures a memorable experience tailored to all ages and event types, making Catalina Classic Cruises a premier choice for maritime excursions in Southern California.

The Robert Paine Scripps Forum for Science, Society and the Environment (Scripps Seaside Forum) is an oceanfront conference and special event venue located steps from La Jolla Shores on the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus. It features award-winning architecture, modern facilities, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a multi-purpose auditorium, ocean view conference rooms, breakout areas, and an outdoor garden plaza, ideal for corporate events like meetings and symposiums, as well as social events such as weddings, receptions, galas, and private parties.

Located in the scenic coastal foothills of San Marcos, California, Lakehouse Resort offers a distinctive lakeside retreat on the shores of Lake San Marcos. This resort combines natural beauty with a variety of recreational opportunities, making it an ideal destination for visitors seeking both relaxation and outdoor adventure. With 144 guest rooms, cottages, and suites featuring serene lake views and thoughtful amenities, the resort provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Its unique setting north of San Diego, complemented by rolling hills and picturesque vistas, sets it apart as a tranquil escape from everyday life. The resort caters to a diverse range of interests with offerings that include golf at The Links at Lakehouse and the Executive Course, boating and fishing through the San Diego Sailing Club, and water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Guests can also enjoy two swimming pools, pickleball, tennis, and a variety of special events like live concerts and dive-in movie nights. Dining options are available on-site at Brickmans Restaurant & Bar, which overlooks the golf course. Whether visiting for leisure, weddings, or corporate events, guests experience a well-rounded blend of outdoor activities and comfortable accommodations in a picturesque lakeside setting.