The Queen Mary, Long Beach (must see)

RMS Queen Mary, permanently docked in Long Beach since 1967, is a striking symbol of maritime elegance and 20th-century history. Launched in 1936 as a luxury ocean liner, the ship once carried celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn and even British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who famously signed the D-Day Declaration aboard.

Stretching over 1,000 feet and weighing more than 81,000 tons, the Queen Mary completed over 1,000 transatlantic crossings before retiring. Today, this Art Deco masterpiece serves as a floating hotel, museum, and event venue, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and the Pacific.

The Queen Mary provides a richly atmospheric stay in restored first-class staterooms with original wood paneling and vintage artwork.

Onboard dining ranges from casual bites to the refined Chelsea Chowder House, with the Grand Salon’s Royal Sunday Brunch offering champagne, live music, and international cuisine. For an authentic 1930s vibe, the Observation Bar-with its original mural and Art Deco design-offers a perfect spot for sunset cocktails.