San Pedro, a vibrant neighborhood nestled within the city of Los Angeles, offers a unique blend of maritime history, artistic expression, and scenic coastal beauty. Often considered a gateway for cruise passengers embarking from the Port of Los Angeles, this charming locale boasts a wealth of attractions that extend far beyond its role as a transportation hub. While industrial fishing has receded from its peak, San Pedro retains the character of a working fishing town, evident in its modest cottages with an East Coast-inspired aesthetic gracing the waterfront residential areas.
Unlike the predominantly sandy stretches of Southern California coastline, San Pedro showcases a rugged, picturesque shoreline defined by dramatic cliffs. Point Fermin, a prominent promontory, juts southward from the eastern edge of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, marking a transition before the coast turns northward into the bustling port area. Overlooking the harbor channel, the hills of San Pedro provide sweeping vistas of downtown Long Beach across the water.
The essence of San Pedro’s appeal lies in three primary themes: its rich maritime heritage and captivating nautical attractions, its significant military history and the preserved historical structures that stand as testaments to its strategic importance, and its flourishing arts community that infuses the area with creativity and culture. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique Southern California experience, San Pedro offers a diverse range of activities to captivate and delight. Let’s explore the 16 Best Things to Do in San Pedro, California.
1. Visit the Point Fermin Lighthouse Historic Site and Museum
Perched atop the bluffs of Point Fermin Park, the Point Fermin Lighthouse stands as a beacon of history and architectural beauty. Constructed in 1874, this meticulously preserved structure exemplifies stick-style Victorian architecture, characterized by its gabled roofs, horizontal siding, decorative cross beams, and intricately hand-carved porch railings. In its heyday, the lighthouse boasted a powerful 2100 candlepower light equipped with a Fresnel lens, guiding ships safely along the coastline.
During World War II, the lighthouse underwent modifications, including the replacement of its dome, ultimately leading to its decommissioning to prevent potential enemy attacks. However, in 1974, the dome was painstakingly restored to its original glory, and the lighthouse was opened to the public as a museum. Today, visitors can explore the interior, learn about the lighthouse’s history, and marvel at its stunning architecture. The Point Fermin Lighthouse is operated by the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks, and donations are gratefully accepted.
2. Appreciate the Korean Friendship Bell
A symbol of international camaraderie and a tribute to the sacrifices of war, the Korean Friendship Bell is a striking landmark nestled within Angel’s Gate Park. This magnificent bell was gifted to the city of Los Angeles by the people of the Republic of Korea in 1976 to commemorate the U.S. bicentennial. Inspired by the Bronze Bell of King Songdok from 771 A.D., the Friendship Bell serves as a poignant memorial honoring U.S. veterans of the Korean War.
Suspended within a specially designed pagoda crafted by skilled Korean artisans, the 17-ton bell stands 12 feet tall and measures 7 1/2 feet in diameter. Unlike traditional bells, it lacks an internal clapper; instead, it is rung by striking the exterior with a large log suspended from cables. The bell resonates with its powerful tone only four times each year: on New Year’s Eve, the Fourth of July, Korean Independence Day (August 15), and during Constitution Week in September. Its presence adds a touch of cultural richness to San Pedro.
3. Learn About Coastal Defense at the Fort MacArthur Museum
Delve into the history of coastal defense at the Fort MacArthur Museum, housed within the historic Battery Osgood-Farley at Angeles Gate Park. Fort MacArthur, a former U.S. Army post, played a crucial role in safeguarding the Los Angeles Harbor from 1914 to 1974. The museum’s exhibits trace the evolution of coastal defense strategies, from the World Wars to modern missile systems.
Visitors can explore the Battery, constructed between 1914 and 1919, which once housed two imposing 14-inch disappearing guns named Osgood and Farley. From the 1920s through World War II, Fort MacArthur’s arsenal expanded to include formidable 14-inch railway guns capable of firing projectiles up to 27 miles. Although most of the larger guns were decommissioned after 1945, the fort transitioned into a key component of the Nike surface-to-air missile defense system in 1950, overseeing over 18 missile launch sites across Southern California until 1974.
4. Peruse Artists’ Studios at Angels Gate Cultural Center
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of art at the Angels Gate Cultural Center, a unique complex housed within repurposed military barracks at Angeles Gate Park. This creative hub is home to a thriving community of artists who maintain studios and public galleries. The complex’s location, perched on a hill overlooking the Korean Friendship Bell and Point Fermin Lighthouse, provides a stunning backdrop for artistic inspiration. Galleries are open regularly, and the center hosts open-house events several times a year, offering visitors a chance to meet the artists, view their works, and experience the creative energy of the space. Admission is free.
5. Lounge at Cabrillo Beach
Escape to the sandy shores of Cabrillo Beach, a mile-long stretch of sand and rocks divided into distinct sections by rugged cliff formations and a protective breakwater. The sheltered cove to the east of the breakwater is a popular destination for windsurfers, drawn to the consistent breezes and calm waters. Cabrillo Beach is also an excellent spot for exploring tide pools, revealing a fascinating array of marine life at low tide. During grunion season (March through July), the beach comes alive as these silvery fish gather to spawn during the new and full moons. Uniquely, Cabrillo Beach is one of only two beaches in Los Angeles County that provide fire pits for evening gatherings.
6. Learn About Sea Life at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Discover the wonders of the marine world at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, a renowned institution operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. Housed in a striking Frank Gehry-designed complex near Cabrillo Beach, the aquarium showcases the diverse marine life of Southern California through interactive, family-friendly exhibits. Highlights include a crawl-under aquarium, offering a unique perspective on underwater ecosystems, and a Mud Walkthrough tunnel, providing an immersive experience of the region’s mudflats. Admission is free, with donations encouraged. During grunion season, the aquarium hosts special evening programs featuring educational presentations followed by a guided visit to the beach to witness the grunion run.
7. Browse, Shop, and Eat at Ports O’ Call Village Marketplace
Experience the charm of a traditional East Coast fishing village at Ports O’ Call Village in San Pedro. This waterfront marketplace features a network of lanes lined with restaurants, shops, and fish markets. While the village has experienced some vacancies, it remains a delightful destination with plenty to offer. Its location along the main channel of the Port of Los Angeles provides excellent views of ships, including cruise liners, entering and leaving the harbor. Harbor tours and whale watching excursions depart from Ports O’ Call, offering opportunities to explore the surrounding waters.
8. Ride the Waterfront Red Car Trolley Line
Step back in time and experience the charm of vintage transportation aboard the Waterfront Red Car Line. This antique trolley car connects key attractions along the San Pedro waterfront, providing a convenient and nostalgic way to explore the area. The line features four stops: the L.A. Cruise Terminal, 6th Street Downtown, Ports O’ Call, and 22nd Street Marina. The fleet includes Red Car 1058, a meticulously restored original 1907 Red Car from the Pacific Electric line, as well as Trolleys 500 and 501, reproductions of cars that operated in the 1920s.
9. Immerse Yourself in Maritime History
Embark on a journey through maritime history at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, located in the historic Municipal Ferry Terminal building on the San Pedro waterfront. From 1941 to 1963, the terminal served as a ferry landing, transporting passengers to Terminal Island for work at canneries, shipyards, and military bases. Inside the museum, visitors can explore exhibits showcasing San Pedro’s cannery history, the lives and work of commercial divers, art created by sailors at sea, and historical artifacts from the USS Los Angeles.
10. Learn About a Landmark Fireboat
Discover the history of marine firefighting at San Pedro’s Fire Station 112, home to two remarkable vessels: the Ralph J. Scott, a 1925 fireboat and National Historic Landmark, and Fireboat #2, a state-of-the-art firefighting vessel. The 99-foot Ralph J. Scott, retired in 2003, rests on a cradle behind the fire station, a testament to its service. Fireboat #2, stands ready for action under a clay-colored concrete shelter. Fire Station 112 features exhibits showcasing both boats and the history of marine firefighting in Los Angeles.
11. Tour a Navy Battleship
Step aboard the USS Iowa, a historic battleship that served the U.S. Navy for 50 years, from 1940 to 1990. This floating museum, operated by the Pacific Battleship Center, offers visitors a glimpse into naval history. The USS Iowa not only participated in numerous battle missions, but also transported several U.S. Presidents.
12. Hop on a Cruise
The Port of Los Angeles, home to the Los Angeles Cruise Terminal, is a bustling hub for cruise travel. Embark on cruises to Mexico, Hawaii, and beyond. The terminal, modernized in 2010, can accommodate multiple cruise ships simultaneously.
13. Admire the Fanfare Fountains
Witness the spectacle of the Fanfare Fountains, located near the Los Angeles Cruise Terminal. These two large pools feature 40 programmable water jets and 18 streams that shoot up to 100 feet in the air, choreographed to music and light.
14. Tour a World War II-Era Merchant Cargo Ship
Explore the SS Lane Victory, a World War II merchant cargo ship built in 1945. This national historical landmark serves as a museum and memorial to Merchant Marine sailors and Navy Armed Guardsmen. Visitors can tour the engine room, wheelhouse, gun deck, and more.
15. Drive Through the Port of Los Angeles
Experience the scale of the Port of Los Angeles, "America’s Port." Spanning 7,500 acres along 43 miles of waterfront, the port handles a massive volume of container goods. A drive through the port offers a unique perspective on global trade and logistics.
16. Take a Walk at White Point Beach
Discover the natural beauty of White Point Beach and White Point Nature Preserve. The rocky beach is ideal for tide pool exploration, while the nature preserve features miles of trails through restored coastal habitat.
San Pedro, with its rich tapestry of maritime history, artistic vibrancy, and coastal allure, offers a truly unique Southern California experience. From exploring historic landmarks to immersing yourself in the arts and enjoying the natural beauty of its coastline, San Pedro provides a wealth of activities to suit every interest. The 16 Best Things to Do in San Pedro, California is just the start to your adventure.
