The Best Short Cruises From Los Angeles
By Cassie Bailey | Published: June 11, 2021 | Updated: March 13, 2026
We all need a break from routine now and then, and a weekend escape is the perfect way to relax and recharge or chase thrills with your friends and family. If you happen to live in or near Los Angeles (or are traveling in for a trip), you’ll be happy to know that planning a quick getaway from the city is easier than ever, even if you only have a few days to spare.
Royal Caribbean offers several short cruises from Los Angeles, visiting stunning locations like Catalina Island, Ensenada and Cabo. Los Angeles is a fantastic port for short cruises because you have access to so many amazing sites and experiences. From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the many beaches that line the coast, you’ll never find yourself bored, even before or after your trip.
The best part about setting sail on a Catalina Island, Ensenada or Cabo, Mexico, cruise is that all of these short sailings squeeze in plenty of captivating scenery, unique activities and epic fun in the sun. Whether you’re traveling with your best friends, your significant other or your little ones, these are just some of the top places to visit on a short cruise from the West Coast.
Key Takeaways: Best Short Cruises From LA
- ● Explore Catalina Island’s crystal-clear waters and rich marine life at Lovers Cove, or enjoy scenic hikes like Garden to Sky for panoramic views.
- ● Relax on beautiful beaches in Ensenada, like Playa Estero, and savor Baja’s famous seafood.
- ● Soak up Cabo’s sun, sea and culture at iconic spots like El Arco and Lover’s Beach, and discover thrilling desert adventures like ziplining and ATV rides.
- ● Find more adventures on your ship, with plenty of amenities and restaurants to take in while at sea.
- ● Plan the perfect vacation by discovering short cruises from Los Angeles, meaning sun and sand are only a weekend trip away.
1. Discover Catalina Island
The sparkling Pacific waters around Catalina Island are home to an abundance of interesting marine life. In fact, Lovers Cove Marine Preserve near Avalon is considered one of the world’s healthiest marine environments. Get an up-close look at beautiful reefs, shimmering kelp forests and all kinds of fish — from green-gold opaleye to striped sheepshead and giant black bass. Also keep an eye out for moray eels, bat rays and, of course, playful California sea lions. You should have a great view, too — visibility in these waters can reach down to 100 feet.
If you prefer to dive beneath the waves and explore on your own, grab a snorkel and mask. Lovers Cove is one of the most popular snorkel spots at this much-loved vacation destination, and a great place to spend a full day during your Catalina Island cruise.
Explore Catalina Casino
Try Trails
2. Explore Ensenada, Mexico
Sip and Sample Wines
Savor Flavors
3. Experience Cabo, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, is a vibrant destination that blends sun-soaked beaches with dramatic natural beauty. Famous for the iconic El Arco rock formation and pristine Lover’s Beach, Cabo offers plenty of opportunities for both relaxation and adventure. Visitors can take a glass-bottom boat tour to spot colorful marine life, try snorkeling in the clear waters or even go whale watching during migration season. For those who prefer to stay on land, the lively Marina District is full of shops, restaurants and bars, making it easy to soak up local culture and cuisine.
Cabo is also a haven for foodies and nightlife enthusiasts. Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant, sip on a margarita while watching the sunset or grab local tacos and ceviche at a casual street spot. If you’re looking for adventure beyond the sandy beaches, Cabo’s desert landscapes offer thrilling excursions like ziplining, ATV rides and camel tours. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family or a special someone, a Cabo cruise is the perfect blend of relaxation and unforgettable memories.
4. Find More Adventures On Board
When you plan a weekend cruise from Los Angeles, the destinations you’ll visit aren’t the only bucket list items to look forward to. The best 3-night cruises from California set sail on board fan-favorite Royal Caribbean ships.
For example, if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, look for The Blaster® aqua coaster — the longest waterslide at sea. It features five different blast points that propel you along 800 feet of dips, drops and the longest stretch of slide ever suspended over water. If you’re still craving a thrill after that wild experience, take on Riptide℠, the only headfirst mat racer slide at sea.
Try FlowRider
Take a Swim
Many ships are home to a resort-style pool deck that’s perfect for soaking up the sunshine on short cruises from Los Angeles. The pool offers plenty of room to lounge and swim. Not to mention, the hot tubs are located on the top deck, so you can enjoy endless views of the Baja coast and Mexican Riviera as you unwind.
What’s more, no matter where you choose to kick back, you’re never far from your go-to vacation cocktails — thanks to the signature bar called The Lime and Coconut®. By day, this three-level hangout is the ultimate spot to sip tropical drinks, all your favorite wines and ice-cold brews. At night, it turns into an island-inspired lounge with live music.
