Ports of L.A./Long Beach & Harbor Bridges

For nearly a century, people have come to the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach to enjoy the spectacle of giant cargo ships being loaded or unloaded with exotic trade goods.

Today, more than $100 billion in goods either enter or leave the country here each year, mainly coming from or bound to Asia. With more than 5,300 vessels stopping here annually, this is the 12th busiest port in the world and the second busiest in the nation, so there is always something to see.

But that’s not all there is to capture your interest at the Ports of L.A and Long Beach. Here, you can also learn about innovative environmental programs to protect waterfront wildlife or perhaps you’ll have time to return for a boat tour of this amazing harbor.

The Harbor Bridges

The 1050 feet long Gerald Desmond Bridge, opened in 1968, spans the Port of Long Beach and carries ten percent of all U.S waterborne cargo.

The Vincent Thomas Bridge, opened in 1963, is the third largest suspension bridge in California with its 1500 foot center span standing nearly 200 feet above the Los Angeles harbor. In 1996, it was designated the City of Los Angeles’ official welcoming monument by Los Angeles City Council.

Do you know?*

• Ironically, the product that is the number one import is also the number one export at Ports of Long Beach – what is it?

• How many stories above water is the top of the tower at the highest point on the Vincent Thomas Bridge?

* Get the answers during your exciting Sunseeker tour!