Los Angeles

Los Angeles cruise ships dock in San Pedro at the World Cruise Center, or at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal further south. San Pedro's waterfront has restaurants and the Battleship Iowa museum. The city itself sprawls for miles in every direction, and a car is the practical way to see it, though traffic is legendary. The Metro exists but doesn't reach many tourist areas. Santa Monica has the beach, the pier, and Third Street Promenade for shopping. Hollywood Boulevard has the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre, though the surrounding area is less glamorous than expected. The Getty Center has free admission and views over the city. Venice Beach boardwalk has the street performers, Muscle Beach, and the canals. Griffith Observatory above the Hollywood sign has free exhibits and city views. Mexican food in LA is excellent, especially tacos from street stands. The US dollar is the currency.