When you’re planning a cruise vacation, it’s easy to focus on what you’ll be doing on the ship and during excursions. However, most major port cities have a ton of fun things to do before a cruise as well. Instead of spending your first day racing to the dock, arrive the night before to start your trip early (and with less stress), or extend your stay a day or two to take advantage of attractions near the cruise port—and beat those post-trip blues.

1. Experience history in Galveston, Texas

Galveston's cruise port is adjacent to the city's historic downtown, filled with a plethora of things to do before your cruise. Tour or take in a performance at the Grand 1894 Opera House, an impressive venue with opulent details. Follow it up with Italian bites and wines at Riondo’s Ristorante, one of the best restaurants in Galveston, located in a 125-year-old building (and make sure to order the gulf shrimp spaghetti carbonara). The city’s compact size means you can also venture to the Gulf side and experience old-fashioned thrills at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier amusement park. For even more to do here, check out our Galveston travel guide.

2. Eat like a local in New Orleans, Louisiana

If you’re cruising out of the port of New Orleans, you’re in luck: Both terminals are near the historic French Quarter. Take the streetcar and skip the crowded tourist spots in favor of the best local restaurants in New Orleans. Try the Southern, sophisticated gastropub Sylvain (don’t miss the Chick-Syl-Vain fried chicken sandwich) or grab Mediterranean-inspired bites at Cleo’s (located in the back of a 24/7 grocery). Then, walk off all that fine fare at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, located only a block from each other as two of the best things to do in New Orleans with kids (or without them!). See our New Orleans travel guide for more tips.

3. Explore wildlife in Jacksonville, Florida

The Jaxport Cruise Terminal is farther from the city, so a rental car will be a must. You won’t have to drive into the city for a great time, though. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is the closest attraction west of the cruise port, offering a fascinating mix of animal and horticultural exhibits (plus a very fun train). Afterward, enjoy comfort food like the jumbo shrimp at the unfussy Junior’s Seafood Restaurant or Junior’s Famous Sandwiches, both near the zoo. Check out our Jacksonville travel guide for even more to do.

4. Swim with sharks in Tampa, Florida

There are plenty of things to do near the Tampa Cruise Port—in fact, you can easily spend a day exploring attractions right next to the terminals. The Florida Aquarium and American Victory Ship and Museum are right between Terminals 2 and 3. (If you have time, make sure to book an afternoon Shark Swim at the aquarium!) Next door to Terminal 2 is Sparkman Wharf, a mall in the midst of a makeover but already includes unique experiences, like a dining garden featuring food from local restaurants and a Biergarten with 30+ Florida craft beers on tap. Find even more to do by exploring our Tampa travel guide.

5. Uncover the “old” side of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades is a major cruise hub that’s only 2 miles from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, so you won’t have to drive far to find things to do before a cruise here. Dine in retro comfort at Lester’s Diner, a mainstay since 1967 that’s famous for its 14-oz pours of coffee (and is right near Port Everglades). Then, find a surprisingly peaceful spot across from the airport at Snyder Park, a great place to see wildlife and native trees. Finish the night with a pint at LauderAle Brewery, a quirky taproom hidden among industrial buildings near the port.

6. Enjoy the beach and baguettes in Miami, Florida

What’s one of the best things to do before a cruise? Relax. The beaches near Miami’s cruise port were made for that. Take a quick trip over the MacArthur Causeway to the closest one: South Pointe Beach in the famed South Beach neighborhood. But, before you start sunbathing in the sand, explore the Art Deco Historic District to see the bright buildings that make this area so unique. Then, walk up to the window at La Sandwicherie (a South Beach foodie destination since 1988) for French-inspired fare to go. If you’ve got family in tow, also check out South Pointe Park, which has a playground, a splash pad and bike trails that make it one of the best things to do in Miami with kids. Check out our Miami travel guide for even more to do in Miami.

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