Queen Mary
This beautifully preserved art deco–style ocean liner, the Queen Mary, was launched in 1936 and made 1,001 transatlantic crossings before finally berthing in Long Beach in 1967. Today, she is a unique and historic hotel, one of Long Beach's top tour attractions, and an impressive example of 20th-century cruise ship opulence.
Take one of several daily themed tours such as the informative Glory Days historical walk, a traipse into the boiler rooms on the Steam and Steel Tour, or the downright spooky Haunted Encounters tour. There's even paranormal investigation tours for enthusiasts. (Spirits have reportedly been spotted in the pool and engine room.) For the full monty, try the three-hour VIP tour. You can add on a Winston Churchill exhibit and other holiday and special events, from a haunted Halloween experience to an annual Scottish festival. The 57 Ghosts theatrical event has extremely limited seating, so book ahead. Enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner at one of the ship's restaurants, then listen to live jazz or order a cocktail in the Observation Bar (the sumptuous original first-class lounge). Even better, plan to spend the night in one of the 347 wood-paneled cabins. The ship's neighbor, a geodesic dome originally built to house Howard Hughes's Spruce Goose aircraft, now serves as a terminal for Carnival Cruise Lines, making the Queen Mary the perfect pit stop before or after a cruise.
