A boat tour of Los Angeles Harbour – the largest port in the country – is an interesting way to spend an afternoon, if close-up views of container ships coming, going, loading and unloading are your thing. Contact the Port of Los Angeles (310 732 7678; www.portoflosangeles.org) for more information. For a more idyllic boating experience, many companies offer sport-fishing excursions, dinner cruises and private charters.