San Pedro Travel Guide

Plan your trip to San Pedro, California with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best attractions, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to San Pedro

Located in Southern California’s South Bay, San Pedro is a thriving community rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. This port city in Los Angeles County is where you get to see an eclectic mix of cultures, architectural styles, food, and art that you won’t find anywhere else.

San Pedro is home to many popular tourist attractions, including the USS Iowa Museum, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, and Fort MacArthur Museum. With its stunning seaside location, it’s also a great destination for outdoor adventurers, hikers, bikers, surfers, and beachcombers.

If you’re planning a trip to San Pedro, you’ve come to the right place. In this travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.

List of Places to Visit in San Pedro

San Pedro has a lot to offer visitors. Here are some of the top attractions to put on your list:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • USS Iowa Museum: This majestic battleship provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the history of the US Navy while taking in amazing views of the ocean from its deck.
  • Cabrillo Marine Aquarium: Those who have a passion for marine life and enjoy learning about the ocean’s creatures will find a trip to this aquarium fascinating. The aquarium has over 230 species on display in tanks of varying sizes.
  • Fort MacArthur Museum: History buffs will enjoy a visit to this museum that exhibits military memorabilia and offers fascinating insights into the country’s military history.

Natural Attractions of San Pedro: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Palos Verdes Peninsula: A visit to Palos Verdes Peninsula will provide you with stunning ocean views and even some adventurous hikes.
  • Abalone Cove Shoreline Park and Ecological Reserve: The park boasts several trails that overlook the ocean, tide pools full of marine life, and a beach club constructed in the 1920s.
  • Point Fermin Park: Point Fermin is an expansive park that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and offers visitors beautiful views, picnic areas, and a historical lighthouse.

Hiking/Biking Routes in San Pedro

San Pedro is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking or biking. Here are some of the best routes to take:

  • White Point Trail: This trail snakes along the coast offering spectacular views of the ocean and Catalina Island in the distance.
  • Bluff Cove Trail: Bluff Cove Trail is located in Palos Verdes Peninsula offering scenic views of the Pacific coastline. It’s a 3-mile round trip, but it’s worth it to catch the fantastic sunset over the ocean.
  • Cabrillo Coastal Trail: Cabrillo Coastal Trail is a 1.5-mile trail located in Cabrillo Beach that offers stunning views of the ocean and the nearby historical lighthouse.

Best Things to Do in San Pedro: Activities and Tours

San Pedro offers a diverse selection of activities that cater to different interests. Here are some recommendations:

  • Harbor Breeze Cruises: Offering both whale watching and harbor cruises, harbor breeze cruises let you experience San Pedro’s seafaring heritage firsthand.
  • San Pedro Art Walk: Held on the first Thursday of every month, the Art Walk allows visitors to stroll through downtown San Pedro while viewing art exhibits in galleries and museums.
  • The San Pedro Fish Market: No trip to San Pedro is complete without a visit to the world-famous San Pedro Fish Market. Here you can enjoy various seafood dishes while taking in the stunning harbor views.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Pedro

If you’re planning a week-long vacation to San Pedro, here’s an itinerary you can use to ensure you get the most out of your stay:

Day Activity
1 Visit the USS Iowa Museum
2 Hike the White Point Trail
3 Visit the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
4 Take a Harbor Breeze Whale Watching Tour
5 Check out the San Pedro Fish Market and surrounding area
6 Explore the Fort MacArthur Museum
7 Have a picnic and enjoy the outdoors at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park

Food and Drink Scene of San Pedro

San Pedro is a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in its diverse food scene.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish Tacos: Being close to the ocean, it’s no surprise that San Pedro has several great spots to try fish tacos. We recommend trying the Baja-style fish tacos at the San Pedro Fish Market.
  • Korean BBQ: San Pedro’s Korean community is an integral part of the city’s food scene, and Korean BBQ is a must-try. Try the delicious BBQ ribs at Rolling Hills Plaza while dining out in the surroundings of a classic Korean-style BBQ joint.
  • Mexican Food: San Pedro is a top spot for Mexican food in the United States. El Sarape is a fantastic spot to try classic tacos and burritos while taking in the local’s vibe.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: San Pedro has a thriving craft beer scene, with a beer garden being located in Brouwerij West. The location is perfect for a cold beer on those sunny California days.
  • La Costa Coffee Roasters: This local roaster is famous for its offerings and is a great place to grab a smooth, cold brew or a hot latte.

Where to Stay in San Pedro: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

San Pedro has several accommodation options available, whether you’re looking to stay in budget-friendly hostels or luxurious hotels:

  • Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel: This hotel is located by the harbor and provides guests with stunning views of the ocean. Prices start from $90 per night.
  • Sunrise Hotel San Pedro: This hotel immerses visitors in the spirit of San Pedro and is located near several top attractions. Prices start from $75 per night.
  • HI Los Angeles South Bay Hostel: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to stay, this hostel provides guests with shared and private rooms. Prices start from $35 per night.

What to Buy in San Pedro: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

San Pedro offers a range of souvenir shops and markets where you can pick up unique, locally made items. Some of the best things to buy include:

  • Glass Art: San Pedro has several art galleries that offer hand-blown glass art, which makes for a unique souvenir.
  • Korean Goods: Korean markets are excellent places to pick up great quality products at affordable prices. Check out Shin’s Korean Market for a great variety of snacks and trinkets.
  • Local Wine: San Pedro’s wine country is up and coming. If you’re a wine lover, be sure to pick up a bottle for yourself or as a gift.

Local Culture and Customs of San Pedro

San Pedro has an eclectic mix of cultural influences, including Korean, Croatian, Mexican, and Filipino. The residents’ friendly nature and laid-back vibe offer a fantastic community feel. The locals are also deeply passionate about the area’s history and work hard to preserve the city’s heritage.

Best Time to Visit San Pedro

San Pedro enjoys a subtropical Mediterranean climate, which means warm, dry summers and mild winters. If you’re looking for the best time to visit, we recommend going between June and September for the warm weather and a buzzing outdoor dining scene. However, note that the city can get crowded at this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of San Pedro

Do:

  • Take the time to explore the port: San Pedro is a port city. It’s a hub of activity, and there is always something interesting happening.
  • Try the seafood: With its seaside location, San Pedro has some of the best seafood in the state. Be sure to give it a try while you’re here.
  • Respect the local culture: San Pedro is rich in cultural diversity. You should be respectful and aware of the customs and traditions of the area.

Don’t:

  • Forget to pack sunscreen: The sun gets hot and intense. You don’t want to get sunburnt and ruin your trip because of some painful skin irritation.
  • Leave valuables and electronics visible in your car: As with any area, you need to keep your property safe from prying eyes and sticky fingers.
  • Expect constant nightlife: While San Pedro does have a thriving food and drink scene, parties come to a close typically by midnight. This is particularly important to bear in mind if you’re used to staying out late.

Safety and Health

Safety in San Pedro

Overall, San Pedro is a safe place to visit. However, it is best to take reasonable precautions as petty theft can occur with no notice around touristy locations or beaches.

Health in San Pedro

There are several medical facilities available in San Pedro for visitors who fall sick during their stay, including the Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Torrance Memorial Medical Center.

Getting to San Pedro: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near San Pedro

San Pedro is primarily served by the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is about 24 miles away.

Bus Stations Near San Pedro

There are two bus stations in San Pedro that serve the area – the Harbor Gateway Transit Center and the San Pedro Transit Center.

Other Options

Another option is to fly into Long Beach Airport, which is only 13 miles away and serviced by JetBlue, Delta, Southwest, American Airlines, and even more.

How to Get Around in San Pedro

Getting around San Pedro is relatively easy with several options available, including car rentals, Uber, taxis, and bicycles. Some attractions and trails are quite a distance apart, so planning ahead is key.

Where to Go Next from San Pedro: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

San Pedro is in close proximity to several attractions, making it an excellent base camp for day trips or quick getaways:

  • Catalina Island: A 26-mile ferry ride from Long Beach will take you to Santa Catalina Island, a beautiful island known for its crystal-clear waters, beach resorts, and outdoor activities.
  • Los Angeles: As San Pedro is only a short distance from Los Angeles, you can effortlessly embark on city sightseeing by visiting places like Universal Studios or Hollywood.
  • Long Beach: San Pedro’s neighboring town has plenty of exciting things to do, beaches to visit, and parks to explore.
  • Orange County: San Pedro is also within easy driving distance of Orange County, which has several beaches and shopping areas, among other things.

Conclusion

San Pedro is a delightful destination that offers visitors an immersive experience that caters to a range of interests. We hope this travel guide has helped you plan your San Pedro trip.

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