Surrounding Activities

CYM Offers Tips for Enjoying Beautiful San Pedro Weather

California Yacht Marina has three full-service premier boat marinas in Southern California, including our Wilmington Marina located in the Los Angeles Harbor between San Pedro and Long Beach. There are plenty of fun, exciting things to see and do in the LA waterfront area. Whether you’re a California native or a visitor, keep reading for tips on how to make the most of the gorgeous San Pedro weather while you’re here.
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An Eclectic Blend of Attractions With Small-Town Charm

San Pedro, California can be found on the southern tip of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. As one of LA’s oldest regions, San Pedro offers small-town charm and an eclectic blend of cultural attractions to suit all interests, including the following:
  • 1st Thursday Art Walk: If you happen to be in the area at the beginning of the month, taking a stroll along the 1st Thursday Art Walk in downtown San Pedro can be an enriching experience. Many local art galleries, shops, and restaurants participate in the fun.
  • CRAFTED: Want to see one of the area’s largest permanent craft marketplaces? CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles showcases the colorful work of hundreds of craft artisans, designers, and more with live music and food trucks from Friday to Sunday.
  • Point Fermin Lighthouse: The Point Fermin Lighthouse was built in 1874 and was the first beacon of light guiding ships into the San Pedro Bay. You might recognize this historic lighthouse from the wedding scene in the 2009 movie (500) Days of Summer!
  • Propane-Powered Trolleys: For those looking to explore the LA waterfront area, the city offers a free propane-powered trolley service between Thursday and Sunday. If you don’t mind spending some cash, check out LA Waterfront Cruises for eye-opening tours of the harbor.
  • West Harbor: If the idea of strolling a waterfront food hall and park sounds enchanting, you won’t want to miss spending time at West Harbor. Enjoy the best waterfront restaurants, small shops, and recreational opportunities in this unique public space suitable for everyone.
  • Little Italy: Experience the rich and lively Italian culture with a visit to San Pedro’s Little Italy. This central gathering spot boasts plenty of shopping and cultural events year-round. The state-of-the-art piazza or “town square” offers unique Mediterranean-Californian aesthetics.
  • San Pedro Farmers Market: Held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays near the San Pedro City Hall in Pepper Tree Plaza, the San Pedro Farmers Market is not to be missed. Stock up on the freshest fruits and vegetables sourced from certified, small-family farms in the region.

San Pedro Kid-Friendly Attractions You Won’t Want to Miss

San Pedro, CA is one of the most family-friendly areas of LA. Don’t miss any of the following activities:

  • Cabrillo Marine Aquarium: Established in 1941, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium was designed by Frank Gehry and features many fun, interactive exhibits for kids and their parents to explore. This beautiful aquarium boasts the largest collection of Southern California marine life globally.
  • Point Fermin Park: This 37-acre park has plenty of sheltered pergolas for picnics and an esplanade with breathtaking views of the coast and Santa Catalina Island in the distance. Enjoy a peaceful day watching the dolphins play at sea while your children play at the park’s playground.
  • Meaning-Full Art: If you’re looking for hands-on art activities to try with your children, don’t miss spending an afternoon at Meaning-Full Art. You don’t have to be a Picasso to enjoy a class here, as this art center caters to artists of varying skill levels who like experimenting with various mediums, including water marbling, paint pouring, and more.
  • Center for Marine Studies: Kids can learn all about the rehabilitation efforts of marine biologists along the LA County coastline at the Center for Marine Studies. Founded in 1992, the center focuses on treating seals and sea lions found stranded on local beaches due to injury or illness and releasing them back to their natural habitats.

Historic Sites You May Be Interested in Seeing While You're Here

San Pedro is a region of LA steeped in history. Enjoy browsing these popular historic sites in the area:

  • Fort MacArthur Military Museum: Fort MacArthur protected the Los Angeles Harbor from 1914-1974. Today, you can visit a museum dedicated to its legacy that features historical exhibits and displays related to the World Wars and early American Air Defenses.
  • The Korean Bell of Friendship: Given to the United States as a gift by the South Korean government, the Korean Bell of Friendship is made of bronze and remains one of the world’s largest bells. You’ll find this unique symbol of friendship sitting in a stone pavilion in Angel’s Gate Park in San Pedro. It is rung the first Saturday of every month for an added thrill.
  • Battleship Iowa: Dubbed the “World’s Greatest Naval Ship,” the Battleship Iowa was built in 1940 and was revered for her fast speed and heavy armor. The ship opened to the public in 2012 and has become a familiar staple in Berth 87 in San Pedro ever since.
  • Los Angeles Maritime Museum: Boating enthusiasts will not want to miss seeing over 700 ship and boat models in the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, including an 18-foot scale model of The Titanic. Visitors will also enjoy seeing ship figureheads, Native American artifacts from the sea, exhibits showcasing the history of the whaling industry, and much more.

Hungry? Grab a Bite to Eat at These San Pedro Restaurants

No day of exploring the area would be complete without enjoying a mouthwatering meal or two. These are some of the most famous San Pedro restaurants renowned for their cuisine:

  • San Pedro Fish Market & Restaurant: Dubbed the “Fifth Most Instagrammed Restaurant in the U.S.,” the San Pedro Fish Market & Restaurant gives visitors their choice of seafood freshly prepared with delicious toppings. Open daily, this restaurant boasts 3,000 seats.
  • Trani’s Ristorante: If you’re looking for a romantic meal at an iconic San Pedro restaurant, it doesn’t get any better than J. Trani’s Ristorante. You’ll find everything from grilled octopus to rib eyes, lasagna, pizza, and black truffle carbonara on this diverse menu.
  • 22nd Street Landing Seafood Grill & Bar: This popular bar and grill boasts one of the best views of the San Pedro waterfront. A friendly word of advice: Sunday brunch is one of the busiest times at this local favorite.
  • COMPAGNON Wine Bistro: It doesn’t get more fabulous than breaking bread with your sweetheart at COMPAGNON Wine Bistro in San Pedro. This popular restaurant features rustic French cuisine and excellent wines to create unforgettable meals full of the “Joie de Vivre.”

Contact California Yacht Marina for More Information

While you’re in the area, be sure to visit the Port of Los Angeles (also known as America’s Port®), San Pedro, and California Yacht Marina’s three first-class boat marinas (Cabrillo Marina, Wilmington Marina, and Port Royal Marina). Contact us today for more information about things to see and do in the surrounding area or arrange a private marina tour if you’re considering renting a boat slip from us. We would love to welcome you to our bustling boating community!

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