Maritime History Tour: Exploring Long Beach's Historic Naval Legacy

Of all the maritime attractions in Long Beach, the Queen Mary stands as the undisputed crown jewel. This magnificent ocean liner, permanently docked as a floating hotel and museum, transported me back to the golden age of trans-Atlantic travel the moment I stepped aboard.

The self-guided tour takes you through the ship's storied history—from luxury liner to WWII troopship nicknamed the 'Grey Ghost.' What struck me most was how the vessel manages to capture both opulence and utility. The wood-paneled first-class dining room sits in stark contrast to the utilitarian engine rooms below.

For families, I recommend the audio guide which offers kid-friendly narration options. My Indigenous grandfather always said that stories bring history to life, and these audio guides do exactly that, allowing children to hear tales of famous passengers and wartime missions while exploring at their own pace.

The ship's haunted reputation adds another layer of intrigue. While I'm typically more focused on marine life than paranormal activity, I must admit that standing alone in the first-class swimming pool area—empty of water but full of whispered histories—sent a shiver down my spine that had nothing to do with the air conditioning.

Just a short drive from Long Beach in San Pedro lies the mighty Battleship USS Iowa, a vessel that served through World War II, Korea, and the Cold War. As someone who's spent countless hours exploring marine environments, I find it fascinating to experience these massive human-made structures that once dominated the very oceans I love to dive in.

The guided tour of the Iowa offers an intimate look at life aboard a battleship. What impressed me most was the scale—the 16-inch guns could fire shells weighing as much as a small car over 20 miles! The tour guides, many of them veterans themselves, share stories that bring the cold steel to life.

For families with children, the ship offers a special 'Victory the Dog' scavenger hunt. It follows the story of President Roosevelt's dog who accompanied him on a voyage to the Tehran Conference during WWII. My waterproof notebook came in handy as I jotted down fascinating historical tidbits shared by our guide—a habit I developed during my diving instructor days.

Navigating the narrow passageways and steep ladders (navy-speak for stairs) can be challenging, especially for younger children or those with mobility issues. But the effort is well worth it for the panoramic views from the bridge and the chance to stand where admirals once commanded fleets.

Beyond the famous ships, Long Beach offers numerous memorials and smaller sites that honor its naval heritage. The Long Beach Naval Memorial in Bluff Park provides a peaceful spot for reflection with stunning views of the Pacific—the same ocean that connects my two homes in Australia and America.

The memorial features the Lone Sailor statue, representing all those who served at sea. Standing there at sunset, watching the horizon where ocean meets sky, I was reminded of conversations with my grandfather about the spiritual significance of sea country in Indigenous Australian culture. Different traditions, but the same reverence for the waters that connect us all.

For history buffs, the Rosie the Riveter Park and Interpretive Center offers insight into the home front efforts during WWII, particularly highlighting women's contributions to the naval industry. The outdoor exhibits are engaging for children, with interactive elements that explain shipbuilding and manufacturing.

When exploring these outdoor sites, I always bring my insulated water bottle to stay hydrated in the California sun. The marine-grade steel reminds me of the ships themselves—built to withstand the harsh saltwater environment.

While not strictly a naval history site, the Aquarium of the Pacific offers a perfect complement to Long Beach's maritime heritage by showcasing the marine environments that naval vessels once navigated. As someone passionate about reef conservation, I appreciate how the aquarium connects human maritime history with ocean stewardship.

The Pacific Visions theater features immersive films about human interaction with the ocean, including segments on naval exploration and research. For families, this provides valuable context about why naval history matters—it's all part of our ongoing relationship with the sea.

The aquarium's outdoor harbor tours are particularly relevant to our naval history theme. These 45-minute cruises highlight both the natural harbor ecosystem and point out significant maritime landmarks, including active naval vessels when present.

Before heading out on the harbor tour, I applied my polarized sunglasses which cut through water glare just as they do when I'm spotting marine life while snorkeling. These made it much easier to spot details on distant vessels and marine mammals in the harbor.

The touch pools are always a hit with kids, offering hands-on experiences similar to what I enjoyed growing up along Australia's northern coast. There's something powerful about connecting physical touch with learning—whether it's feeling the texture of a sea star or the weathered brass of a historic ship's bell.