Los Angeles Maritime Museum

Went today with my wife, 4 year old and 1 year old. We all had a great time. The kids area is really neat and safe. The old pictures are amazing. The staff was super duper nice. We bought a family membership because we’re definitely coming back. Free parking? Beautiful views of the harbor? A scavenger hunt for kids? What’s not to love!

Went on a tour with a group. It was wonderful. Boy, is this place underpublicized and unknown. Everyone who is in the San Pedro/​Long Beach area should go, you will learn a lot.
I never knew about the ferry that originally ran from there, and that both Star Kist and Chicken of the Sea tuna brands both started right here at Terminal Island. Fascinating historical information. Thanks for the great tour!

***RUDE OLD MALE CASHIER***
The staff at the front desk was extremely nice, but some old male cashier at the gift shop was rude. When paying, he left me with my hand stretched out for about 20 seconds and wouldn’t take my money, or say anything. He was very dry, as if he were doing me a favor by ringing me up for my items. I didn’t want to be rude, so I just let it go. Aside from that, everything else was pretty cool. Definitely going back :)

Model ships of all shapes, sizes, and vintage, as well as interesting relics from sailor’s cabins upstairs. The Maritime Museum is a bit dusty and very quiet when I visited, but it’s charm is undeniable. There is plenty of history to absorb here, short videos to watch, and sailor tattoos to ponder.
Make sure to drop some cash in the donation box!

This museum is nice it cost $ 3 to get in. it’s cool the way they show the history of the sailors from equipment too there tattoos staff were nice restroom were very clean.

My 2 nephews (one at age 6 and the other age 3) and myself were not admitted in this museum because they had scooters (which they didn’t allow). I asked the lady in the front desk if she could hold the scooters, but she kindly said no. She told me that I had to keep the scooters outside, which I wasn’t willing to do, due to the location of the area.
I understand the receptionist was following protocols, but seeing two heart broken kids made me realize how much more she could’ve done for us. The front lobby had many corners that were good for storing, it wouldn’t show or get in the way of operation. The receptionist desk itself had plenty of room. I also discovered a gated sidewalk which located within the perimeters of the museum (which would’ve been a safe place to put the scooters).
This museum was designed to help the public remember Los Angeles harbor history, rather than allowing us forget due to inconsiderate decisions by your staff.

My friend and I visited yesterday afternoon after visiting the nearby USS Iowa. I’ve been to some larger maritime museums, but the personal attention from the staff here is miles above anywhere I’ve ever been.
My friend and I are history nuts (my friend graduating w/​honors in history) and we thrive on places like this. When we had questions or observations, the staff either knew the answers, asked someone else who might, or simply put it on a list to be further researched to enhance their displays for the future.
My friend and I know quite a bit about historical events and the accoutrements associated w/​some in specialized areas. We have both found errors or shortcomings in some museum displays and when we have brought them to the attention to staff, they were either slow to respond, or simply failed to address them
Angela and Scott made that extra effort on several different issues. An example was my question on the nice display of diving hard hats. I was curious about the progression of the different models they had, to compare earlier versions to any design improvements made on later versions. They thought it was a relevant observation, and made a note to further research the items to address this.
They also assisted other visitors w/​other «non-​museum» related items like getting cab phone numbers, recommending nearby restaurants or other sites to see in the area. They also suggested a book (which I happily purchased) that I’d enjoy describing historical maritime events in the Los Angeles area.
Top marks for this museum! If you’re the curious type that enjoys this subject and yearns to learn more, you will truly be impressed by the help of the staff and its knowledge

Came here Friday as a morale day for work. They waited till i made my donation to tell me skateboards were not allowed inside (not posted anywhere outside). The lady suggested I hide my 209 dollar skateboard outside and return, I politely declined for obvious reasons. Pretty sad they’re gonna wait till I pay 3 dollars to see a museum dedicated to men and women like my grandfather to tell me I can’t bring an item in, really? Over 3 dollars?

Great little museum with awesome exhibits. I really enjoyed the Art of Tattoos & Scrimshaw.

Stopped in here while waiting for the Red Line trolley to open.
I’d never been in here so it was quite interesting to browse around. It’s a well kept museum with a lot of historic information about San Pedro and The Port of LA.
I paid a $ 3 donation, my mom $ 1, and my son was free. There is a winding ramp leading up to the 2^nd floor, and along the way there are boats, both real and replicas (no touching please, as the signs clearly state).
Up on the 2^nd floor in the corner is a great space for kids to play. Cardboard brick blocks for building, a dressing area with costumes for kids to try on, a little boat to sit in, a table with wood trucks, trains, and boats. It’s a clean area that is perfect for the 2 – 5 year old set.
There is a small gift store at the entrance with a lot of ocean and maritime trinkets.
Can’t believe I’d never been in here before. It was a great find, and we’ll be back to support the museum again soon.

Most people think of war as something fought between two armies dictated by angry rulers. Quite often the citizens get forgotten. The maritime museum was built around the reminder of the grateful effort our merchant marines selflessly dedicated themselves to.
My wife’s father was just such a man. Born in Denmark but drawn to America’s freedom, he put his life on the line to keep that freedom.
The merchant marine statue and dedication wall in front of the museum was part of a project he was proud to be part of.
It’s not a huge museum but it has a story to tell.

One of the better maritime museums, lots of models and exhibits, all for suggested donation of $ 3 for adults. Kids would love this place.

This is a great little museum! Was looking for a place to take students on a field trip last minute, and this museum was exceptionally accommodating! The people at the museum offered an informative and age appropriate tour to our younger school-​age children, and they really enjoyed it. The staff members were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They were able to answer the questions of our children and provide an experience that was both educational and fun.
We will definitely consider this location for field trips in the future… and not just for field trips, this museum would be a great place to check out if you’re in the area.
For a smaller museum, this place has a lot to offer! Check it out.

So what if the front desk girl isn’t perky. Get over it.
I was really impressed with this little museum. We heading up the ramp to the 2^nd floor to see all the hand carved boats, model ships, awesome sailor knots, and we can’t leave out the lighthouse lens, which is gorgeous. We then made our way back down to the 1^st floor to see a cases filled with old memorabilia and diver suits.
Finally…restrooms! Score! Make sure to walk to the back door to view the port, boats and a bad ass canon.
I recommend making the most out of the trip and perhaps parking in the ports o’call parking lot to take either
1. The free trolley (berth 80, berth 79) in front of the shops and restaurants. A little advice, ask security or a worker where the stop is. They are unmarked. What an effing fail!
Me: Excuse me? Do you know where the trolley stop is?
Cool security on bike: It’s right there in front of the Dreyer’s sign.
I look over to see a cheap plastic Dreyer’s ice cream sign standing next to 2 benches on the sidewalk.
Me: Thank you!
Me in my head: Wth kinda sh** is this?!
2. Take the Electric trolley, which is more ideal. There’s a station right near the end of the ports o’call lot and no one’s seems to like to park over there. BINGO! Runs every 20 mind and will stop at the station right in front of the museum. (P.S. Thank you crappy trolley website for not telling me I needed exact change. $ 1 fare)
Wow. How did this review end up being half about trolleys? Maybe because I showed up to the museum 30 minutes before closing and most of my time was taken up by being lost in finding out where the he’ll the trolley was.

Checked out LA Maritime Museum at the Port of LA. It’s by donation $ 3 for an adult.
Since we had time to kill we went here, B. loves boats so we went.
Lots of model boats. I took lots of pics. I didn’t read everything, way too boring.
Did you know that Chicken of the Sea and Star-​Kist started in San Pedro? Now you know! Lots of info on that. That to me was interesting.
Outside in the back you can see a boat, can’t get on it, and see a missile.
Small gift shop was selling lots of rubber duckies because Mama Duck and Baby Duck were in town.
Bathrooms available inside.

Brought my nephews over the weekend and I think we all walked out feeling — that was it?
The girls at the front greeted us (by obligation I suppose) but made sure to emphasizes that the place closes at 5 so start at the 2^nd floor and work our way down because we arrived close to 4:30. 10 minutes into our «tour» they started to shut off the lights in some of the exhibits. We asked that they be turned on because there was still more than enough time and we weren’t finished. I couldn’t help but feel rushed. The staff is young and I could tell they were eager to get out and on with their Sunday elsewhere.
Overall:
Admission $ 3 per adult, 17 and younger –free
Some of the stuff there is pretty dated; then again it is a museum. I think adults would get more out of it since it doesn’t really seem too appealing to the kids.
My thoughts, just take the kids to the park next time.

It’s not like I remebered it growing up. I don’t recall being greeted at the door. The younger staff members at the door just kind of looked at us. Um, hello is normally a good salutation. They were too busy talking to themselves and playing on their phones.
It’s a suggested Donation of $ 3/​Adults and like $ 2/​kid. I had some change I dropped in. I don’t carry cash.
Anyhow, place was very stuffy. There was no AC and they had a few fans here and there. The bathrooms were pretty dated and gross. They looked liked they hadn’t been cleaned in a while.
They’re open during construction. Not sure how much they can do to improve upon it though. It’s a very small museum. We just wanted to show the kids some ships. Mostly everything says do not touch, so be careful with little ones as this is not an interactive museum.

I chose this hidden gem of a museum for where I wanted my family to take me for my birthday. Very glad we came. It’s a charming place, lovingly assembled and thoughtfully arranged. I recommend it to anyone in the area, but thought it was underwhelming. My wife and daughter loved it.
Admission was super cheap, $ 3 and free for under 18. We came on a Saturday afternoon, and it was almost empty. Very clean and brightly lit. Takes about 45 minutes and you can see everything. The theme of the LAMM is a little bit of everything that went to sea. It’s 1 part each of Merchant Marines, commercial fishing, Navy, and local historical shipping museum. To me, like a half hour show on The History of Man.
The highlight for me was the display of knots. If you can tie all of them, you get promoted from bilge rat to Captain Horatio Nelson in one voyage.

After being turned away from the Lane Victory, I came here. I had seen in on my last trip to San Pedro and was intrigued. I had several hours to kill, and walked in. I realized it’s not a big place. It’s one of those ‘quaint’ little museums you find all over the state. I like them, never know what tidbit of information you can pick up in a place. I saw a sign that read, ‘$ 3 entry fee.’ I fumbled a bit for my wallet, held it up, and looked at Smokin’ hot girl behind the counter; ‘I’ve got no cash, should I go get cash?” To which Smokin’ hot girl behind the counter said «Well, you can come in as the museum’s guest.» She proceeded to tell me about the various exhibits in the place. I must admit, I kinda zoned out a bit and got hopelessly lost in her beautiful eyes. When she handed me a map, I snapped back into reality and thanked her.
I looked at the map, and proceeded into the place. While the place isn’t all that big, they’ve got alot of stuff. They’ve got ship models of all sizes. Each with it’s own plaque describing the ship, and any factoids about the vessel. I wandered about for a bit. Saw models of Christopher Columbus’s three famous ships, the Mayflower, and several other neat historical boats I knew the historical significance of, but knew nothing about the ships that carried the significant people on their famous events.
They’ve got photographs of some early naval journeys, and paintings and there’s a whole room devoted to the navy and it’s great warships. They’ve got a display the history of canning, and working divers. I even got a new recipe. It’s a neat little place that took me an hour or so to get through. They’ve got a nice patio in the back where you can watch the ships pass by. I could also hear the mariachi’s at Acapulco next door.
Before I left, I made sure to spend at least the $ 3 I didn’t spend on my entry in the gift shop. This trip I picked up a tin of mints with the museum’s name on it, as well as a Harmonica with a booklet of instructions and tunes. So thanks to the museum, I will have great breath and bug the everliving be-​jesus out of my neighbors.

I went here on a weekend outing. It happen to be in the area so I decided to check it out since I have never been here before. If you have never been here I would encourage anyone that’s interested in history to come and check this place out. Plus it is a great place to take your children if you have any.