Check into your stateroom aboard the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach. Each room has its own unique personality that offers a glimpse into what transatlantic travel was like during the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s.

After check-in, grab a drink at the Observation Bar & Art Deco Lounge. The setting is 1930’s sophistication and style. Original artwork still hangs above the bar, which is lined with art deco tables, chairs & décor.

Stay aboard for dinner, and you’ll have two excellent choices – Sir Winston’s Restaurant & Lounge or Chelsea’s Chowder House & Bar. Chelsea’s is a modern take on a British fish house, while Sir Winston’s is true fine dining – for more special occasions.

You will have time in the morning to have a good walk and then return to the ship to enjoy coffee and a light breakfast at the Midship Market Place.

The Drum Barracks Civil War Museum tours start at 11:30 a.m. and it will take you 15 minutes or so to drive from the Queen Mary. Parking at the Drum Barracks is free and immediately adjacent.

After the tour, be sure to swing by the Powder Magazine, which is just a few moments away. Or if you have children with you, definitely save some time for them at the Drum Barracks Park, across the street from the museum.

If you are ready for lunch, Shamrock Seafood, the Maya or Santa Luna are all quite close and delicious. See the “Where to eat” section for more on these. Alternatively, a tea and light food can be had at Hojas Tea House.

After lunch, it is time to bargain hunt while you keep an eye out for other historic buildings on Avalon Boulevard. See the Shopping section of this web site, and you will find Sante Fe Seconds, el Mago, Pepe’s Pants, and Home Treasures, are all very close to the suggested lunch places.

As 4 pm rolls around, it is time to check-in to the Best Western on Pacific Coast Highway and the 110 Freeway. You will want to stay close so you won’t have far to drive to see the Banning Mansion in the morning.

Dinner. If you are in the mood for authentic Mexican food, then go to Los Tres Cochinitos. Or for a super fresh salad bar and delicious pizza, Red West Pizza is close by. The Chowder Barge is a good call for seafood in a unique and casual setting.

The Best Western is two minutes by car to the Ken Malloy Regional Park, which is excellent for a morning walk. (See the description and links in the “Sports & Recreation” section)

Breakfast options. Definitely go to Hojas Tea House if you didn’t go for lunch the prior day. It is on the way to the Banning Mansion. Other alternatives include, the Maya and Santa Luna. The Marina Café is a bit out of the way, but if you allow 20 extra minutes and are adventurous to find the Wilmington Marina, you will enjoy the view of the boats while you eat. Eat a big breakfast and skip lunch today, it will save more time for touring.

The Saturday tours at the Banning Mansion begin at 12:30. Parking is immediately adjacent and free. The tour is one and half hours, but you could easily spend three hours there. Make sure to tell your docent at the start of the tour that you want to see the barn at the end of the tour. If you run long in the house, the barn main not be shown. Allow enough time in your schedule to circle back to the Improbably Gateway and museum shop, and to view the film in the visitor’s center.

After the Banning Mansion Tour, be sure to walk or drive slowly through the three blocks of homes immediately to the South – this is the Banning/Wrigley Historic District. The camphor trees lining Lakme Ave are a particularly beautiful accent to the eclectic architecture, built by the chewing gum magnate.

On your way to your next hotel in San Pedro, stop at Saints Peter’s and Paul Church. The architecture, olive trees, and statues are exquisite. And you may be lucky enough to go inside to look around, and say some prayers.

Then continue down to the very end of Avalon and you will arrive at Banning’s Landing and a statue of Phineas Banning. This is where the Port of Los Angeles began (the Improbable Gateway). Phineas started the first railroad in Southern California right in this place. He envisioned what has become one of the largest ports in the world, America’s Port®.

If you have children with you or you need another walk, cross Harry Bridges Boulevard on Avalon, and make a left on C Street. You will pass through the industrial arts district (and see the Wilmington Iron Works that has been there since the 1920’s). After a quarter mile, you will find the very large Wilmington Waterfront Park.

Once in San Pedro Marina, check-in to the Double Tree Hotel and take a stroll around the marina. Have a drink and dinner at the 22nd Street Landing, Seafood Restaurant Grill & Bar.

Start with an early walk toward Cabrillo Beach, the opposite way you went the evening before. After returning, drive to either Rex’s or the Lighthouse Café for Breakfast.

Next, kick off the day with a tour of the USS Iowa and then have lunch at one of the many choices at Port’s O’Call.

And then in the afternoon, stop by Crafted before you depart for home.