Join the VIP Photo Tour Sponsored by Nikon aboard the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach. Gain exclusive access to restricted areas and capture stunning, rare images of this iconic ship.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires moderate walking and standing periods.
Wildlife
History
The Queen Mary sailed from 1936 to 1967 and served as a luxury ocean liner and wartime troopship.
Conservation
Restore the Queen partners with local groups to promote sustainable tourism and preservation of this historic vessel.
Restore the Queen
Join the VIP Photo Tour Sponsored by Nikon aboard the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach. Gain exclusive access to restricted areas and capture stunning, rare images of this iconic ship.
Restore the Queen is a Long Beach, California business that curates photography-driven experiences aboard the historic Queen Mary. Specializing in immersive, behind-the-scenes access, Restore the Queen focuses on delivering guided opportunities for photographers and history enthusiasts to document the ship’s architecture, interiors, and unique atmospheres.
Restore the Queen’s offerings include a VIP Photo Tour Sponsored by Nikon, which provides exclusive entry into three restricted areas of the Queen Mary to capture distinctive images in spaces rarely seen by the public. The business also produces a National Camera Day event on June 29, featuring talks, brand participation, and hands-on shooting opportunities that connect attendees with top camera manufacturers and fellow photographers.
Tours and events emphasize safety, respect for the vessel, and curated access to photogenic locations. Restore the Queen partners with camera brands and event producers to create focused photography experiences that highlight both technical skill and historical storytelling. Visitors can expect guided routing, photo-focused commentary, and opportunities to shoot in low-light and dramatic settings unique to the ship.
By combining exclusive access, camera-brand collaborations, and structured photography programming, Restore the Queen attracts photographers seeking memorable images and supports ongoing efforts to celebrate and preserve the legacy of the Queen Mary in Long Beach.
Location
Long Beach, CA
Historic waterfront setting
Tours Offered
2 Experiences
Photo tours and camera events
Exclusive Access
3 Restricted Areas
Behind-the-scenes exploration
Event Date
June 29
National Camera Day celebration
Reserve photographer-focused access to the Queen Mary in Long Beach — limited spaces for exclusive behind-the-scenes photography.
Bring Extra Memory Cards
With so many unique photo opportunities, having extra storage ensures you don’t miss any shots.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves walking through different parts of the ship, sometimes on uneven surfaces.
Use a Tripod for Low Light Areas
Some restricted sections have limited lighting, so a tripod will help you capture sharp images.
Charge Your Camera Batteries Fully
Bring spare batteries to avoid missing shots due to power loss during the tour.
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
To capture high-quality photos in varied lighting aboard the ship.
Tripod
Helps stabilize shots in low-light or indoor sections of the Queen Mary.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Ensures comfort as the tour involves walking on different ship decks and uneven floors.
Lens Cleaning Kit
Keep your lens clean from ship dust and finger smudges for the clearest shots.