SoCal Ship Attractions Every Little Sailor Needs to Visit!

Have a kiddo that loves boats and ships? Lucky us, we live right near the ocean with some of the coolest boats and ships around. Set sail for these awesome outings, we bet your family will be having yachts of fun!

Ocean Institute | Dana Point

Set sail for a high seas adventure with Ocean Institute’s Tallship Sails. The institute maintains the Spirit of Dana Point, an accurate replica of a 1770s privateer schooner used during the American Revolution. Join the crew to help raise sail, handle lines, steer the ship, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tallship.

Ocean Institute also offers Whale and Marine Life Tours to search for dolphins and whales and Bioluminescence Night Cruises during the summer months to learn about marine animals that glow in the dark!

Battleship IOWA | San Pedro

Battleship USS Iowa served our country proudly in WWII, Korea, and the Cold War. Virtual or in-person tours are offered that are self-guided or guided. A youth overnight program for groups is available, plus a STEM Adventure Camp, June 14 – August 15, 2021.

USS Midway Museum | San Diego

Enjoy audio tours, exhibits, and flight simulators aboard this historic Navy aircraft carrier that served from 1945-1992. Choose between docent tours and self-guided tours, even a Junior Pilot Program, where kids can earn their wings. The USS Midway Museum offers over 60 exhibits, including 30 restored aircrafts for you to inspect. Family Overnight Adventures and special events are offered throughout the year.

Kidsguide Tip: Before your visit, download the Little Skippers Activity Sheets and Family Audio Tour (perfect for kids!) on their website.

AquaLink and AquaBus | Long Beach

[CURRENTLY SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19]

The AquaLink and AquaBus are the most unique ways to travel in Long Beach, and now you can explore the city by ocean year-round for just a few bucks! Stops include Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, Alamitos Bay Landing, Hotel Maya, Pine Ave., and Shoreline Village.

S.S. Lane Victory | San Pedro

[CURRENTLY CLOSED – REOPENING DATE TBA]

Guests of the Lane Victory have complete access to the ship via a self-guided walking tour that encompasses the vast majority of the ship. See how the Merchant Marines of the World War II era lived and worked.

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This post was written by Kidsguide