Top 15 Attractions and Activities in San Pedro, CA

San Pedro is a suburb of Los Angeles located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The area offers the benefit of easy access to a major urban center, filled with various attractions and services, while simultaneously presenting a charming small-city atmosphere comprised of historic buildings and beautiful seaside vistas.

San Pedro is prominently recognized for hosting the nation’s busiest seaport at the Port of Los Angeles.

The city also features a quaint downtown area that blends artistic flair with cultural diversity. Here, one can find many of the city’s entertainment venues, galleries, boutique shops, and dining establishments, including the prominent San Pedro Fish Market & Restaurant, noted as the largest seafood restaurant in California.

The locality is dotted with shopping centers such as Superior Fashion Mall and Park Plaza. Throughout the year, San Pedro plays host to numerous festivals and events, including Cars & Stripes Forever, Shakespeare by the Sea, Dia de los Muertos, and the San Pedro International Film Festival.

Below are 15 of the prime activities to engage in whilst visiting San Pedro, California.

1. Learn about Local Seafaring Culture at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum

San Pedro and the broader Los Angeles area boast a rich maritime heritage, and this legacy can still be noted in the region’s culture today. An ideal way to explore this history is by visiting the Los Angeles Maritime Museum.

For more than four decades, this museum has diligently collected and preserved the vibrant maritime culture of the area. Noteworthy displays include a model of the SS Poseidon and an exhibit dedicated to the fishing industry that once flourished here.

Moreover, the structure that houses the museum holds significant historical value.

2. Admire The Korean Friendship Bell

Located in Angels Gate Park within a splendid pavilion overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Korean Friendship Bell serves as a testament to cultural heritage. In 1976, South Korea gifted the bell to the residents of Los Angeles in celebration of the country’s centennial commemorations.

Currently, the bell symbolizes the enduring friendship between the two nations. This remarkable bell weighs 17 tons and stands 12 feet tall, making it one of the largest in existence.

3. Savour French Cuisine at Compagnon Wine Bistro

Regardless of whether you visit for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Compagnon Wine Bistro offers exceptional French cuisine and wine.

This establishment pays homage to the bistros of southern France by recreating the quality of service, atmosphere, and dining experience typical of these traditional venues.

The authentic French dishes are crafted using the finest available ingredients. Available menu options include a selection of appetizers, desserts, and main courses such as shrimp pasta, steak and frites, and chicken provencal.

An extensive wine list features a selection of organic wines from France and California, along with a variety of local craft beers.

4. Enjoy Sand and Sun at Cabrillo Beach

Stroll along the mile-long Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro with your feet in the sand and the surf at your side.

Delight in breathtaking ocean views while inhaling the salty air, or engage in a myriad of activities at the beach, including windsurfing, swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, volleyball, and scuba diving.

The fishing pier is a favored location for cycling and fishing or simply enjoying the sunset. Furthermore, amenities on-site include fire pits, picnic areas, a playground, and a small eatery.

5. Spend an Afternoon at Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse

Point Fermin Park offers a perfect escape, merging fresh air and striking ocean views with educational experiences.

This 37-acre park boasts picturesque trees, lawns, gardens, and pergolas, where visitors may catch glimpses of monarch butterflies during the cooler months, along with harbour seals and dolphins visible just offshore. The park provides amenities like picnic areas, a playground, and an amphitheater.

Additionally, the historic Point Fermin Lighthouse, constructed in 1874 with Victorian architecture, is located within the park. Guided tours are available for those interested.

6. Take a Ride on an Antique Trolley with Waterfront Red Car Trolley Line

Historically, the city of Los Angeles relied on electric railway systems for public transit. This system operated for six decades. Over 40 years after the last trolley ran, a segment of the original system has been revitalized.

Currently, visitors can experience a ride along the San Pedro waterfront on an antique trolley car, including an original model in operation over a century ago. Notable stops along the route include the LA Cruise Terminal and the 22nd Street Marina.

7. Watch the Water Dance at The Fanfare Fountains

Few experiences are as tranquil as observing water fountains choreographed to music. Guests in San Pedro can momentarily pause their explorations to enjoy The Fanfare Fountains. This facility showcases two expansive pools featuring jets that project 18 streams of water to heights of 100 feet.

The fountains are also outfitted with a light display and are synchronized to classical and popular music, with performances scheduled at various intervals throughout the day.

8. Brouwerij West

At Brouwerij West, patrons can taste a diverse selection of local craft beers, including Saison Extra Belgian-Style Farmhouse Ale, Bears Ears Marzen, and Bounce West-Coast IPA.

This brewery in San Pedro provides picnic tables for outdoor enjoyment alongside your beverages. Visitors can also appreciate food trucks and live music on weekends.

9. Visit the Fort MacArthur Military Museum

Since its establishment in 1985, the Fort MacArthur Military Museum has welcomed visitors eager to explore the history of this fort that provided defense for Los Angeles Harbour over a span of 60 years.

Inside the museum, numerous exhibits narrate the history of Fort MacArthur and Los Angeles during its tenure as a significant military port. Artefacts and documents collected over the years detail various military campaigns.

The museum hosts various events throughout the year, including Old Fort MacArthur Days, a prominent military celebration.

10. Learn About Local Marine Life at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Individuals of all ages can acquire a thorough understanding of local marine ecosystems at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium located in San Pedro. This museum is housed in an elegantly designed building and features an extensive array of marine organisms that inhabit Southern California’s coastal waters.

On site, there are diverse exhibits, including the Southern California Marine Habitat Hall, which showcases ecosystems like Rocky Shores, Mudflats, Sandy Beaches, and Open Ocean.

Interactive attractions include the Mud Walkthrough Tunnel, Naturalists Corner, and a Crawl-in Aquarium.

11. Start Your Day at the Omelette & Waffle Shop

Breakfast holds paramount importance as the day’s first meal, particularly when traveling. Adequate sustenance is essential to prepare for the day’s activities, including shopping and exploration.

At the Omelette & Waffle Shop in San Pedro, patrons can indulge in an extensive array of homemade, high-quality breakfast items.

The menu offers burgers, egg-centric dishes, soups, salads, sandwiches, pancakes, waffles, and over 80 unique omelettes, including options like Italian meatball, eggplant, and Ortega & Jack cheese.

12. Pay a visit to The Battleship Iowa Museum

The USS Iowa has served as a warship for over five decades, and individuals can gain insight into its fascinating history at The Battleship Iowa Museum located on the Los Angeles waterfront.

This floating museum features exhibits that describe the ship’s numerous missions, which included various operations during World War II as well as transporting several presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, and George H. W. Bush.

13. Browse the San Pedro Farmers Market

The San Pedro Farmers Market occurs weekly, showcasing a wide selection of offerings, such as fresh local produce, honey, bread, cheese, flowers, and artisanal crafts. Visitors can enjoy lunch or dinner from food vendors while listening to live performances from local artists.

14. Spend a Day Outdoors at Royal Palms State Beach

While Royal Palms State Beach features rocky terrain, it remains an ideal location for a variety of activities, including surfing, swimming, snorkelling, fishing, scuba diving, and beachcombing. It also serves as a perfect spot for enjoying lovely days, picnicking, or simply relishing picturesque views.

Adjacent to the beach lies the White Point Nature Preserve, presenting a splendid opportunity to explore numerous nature trails.

15. Spend a Day on the Water Fishing or Whale Watching

A variety of boat excursions are available from numerous ports in San Pedro. For a tranquil experience close to shore, one might embark on a harbor tour of Los Angeles.

Whale watching excursions venture into deeper waters, allowing participants to observe various migrating whales as well as marine species such as dolphins and sea lions.

For those interested in fishing, numerous sport fishing excursions are also accessible.