Towering gracefully along the Long Beach waterfront, The Queen Mary is one of California’s most remarkable historic landmarks — a legendary ocean liner that has been permanently docked since 1967 and transformed into a floating hotel, museum, and event space. Once hailed as the grandest ship ever built, The Queen Mary carried celebrities, world leaders, and soldiers across the Atlantic before finding her final home in Long Beach, CA. Today, she stands as a living time capsule of maritime history and 20th-century glamour, offering visitors the chance to step aboard and experience life at sea from a bygone era. Discover more about Long Beach here.
Exploring The Queen Mary feels like stepping into another world. The ship’s original art deco design has been beautifully preserved, from the polished wood paneling and grand ballrooms to the ornate staterooms that once hosted Hollywood’s elite. Guided and self-paced tours lead guests through the ship’s decks, engine rooms, and historical exhibits, revealing stories of transatlantic voyages, royal visits, and even wartime service. But The Queen Mary isn’t just a museum — it’s a fully functioning hotel. Guests can stay overnight in one of its restored cabins, complete with ocean views and the charm of 1930s craftsmanship. After your visit, stroll along the waterfront and experience another local favorite — Shoreline Village in Long Beach — a colorful boardwalk filled with shops, dining spots, and entertainment just minutes away.
One of the ship’s biggest draws is its mysterious side. The Queen Mary is famously rumored to be haunted, with countless stories of paranormal encounters shared by visitors and staff over the decades. Ghost tours and nighttime investigations take guests into the ship’s darker corners — from the engine room to the first-class swimming pool — where strange sounds and unexplained happenings add a thrilling twist to its rich history. Even for skeptics, the experience of walking through the dimly lit corridors of this massive liner leaves an unforgettable impression.
Beyond its haunting tales, The Queen Mary also plays a central role in Long Beach’s cultural scene. The ship hosts annual events like the ScotsFestival, Halloween celebrations, and holiday-themed gatherings that attract both locals and tourists. Its onboard restaurants and bars offer unique dining experiences, blending classic style with ocean views of the harbor and downtown skyline. The Observation Bar, in particular, is a popular spot to enjoy a cocktail while imagining what life was like during the ship’s glamorous transatlantic days.
The Queen Mary’s location couldn’t be more picturesque — docked just across the water from the Aquarium of the Pacific and within sight of Shoreline Village. Visitors can easily combine their visit with a harbor cruise, a walk along the Shoreline Pedestrian Path, or dinner by the waterfront. Ample parking and access via the Long Beach Transit system make it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the city. Whether you’re there for history, adventure, or a touch of mystery, The Queen Mary offers an experience unlike any other.
As one of Long Beach’s most treasured icons, The Queen Mary continues to draw visitors from around the world, celebrating both its glorious past and its new chapter as a cultural centerpiece of the city. From elegant architecture and fascinating tours to its ghostly legends and oceanfront setting, it’s a destination that defines Long Beach’s spirit — proud, timeless, and full of stories waiting to be discovered.
Step aboard and see for yourself why The Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA, remains one of Southern California’s most extraordinary attractions — where history, mystery, and maritime beauty come together on the open water.