Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Series: How to spend a full day in San Pedro

6.18.26

Fun fact: San Pedro is a neighborhood in the City of LA thanks to a 1909 land grab by LA to expand its port access. It’s now known as The Port of Los Angeles for that same reason. This one-day visit - to see the port and more -  is worth the trip!

Getting There

  • Metro: The Metro J (silver) line runs straight down to San Pedro
  • Driving: Park at one of the LA City lots for free, preferably the one on 8th and Pacific

Morning

  • 9:00am: Start the day with a mermaid kiss (latte) and a breakfast sandwich at Sirens Java & Tea. 
  • 9:45am: Walk about 17 minutes to West Harbor, a brand new development featuring food, shopping, water sports, and more. Rent a hydro bike or kayak from San Pedro Ocean Sports and spend an hour leisurely floating across the harbor.
  • 11:30am: Walk about 20 minutes to Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles to browse handmade goods, vintage finds, and oddities. 

Afternoon

  • 1:30pm: Head about 25 minutes South to grab lunch at Chachi’s sandwich shop along the way to your next big stop.
  • 2:30pm: Make your way 17 minutes farther South to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, where you can enjoy several exhibits, a hands-on exploration center, and coastal park (beach).
  • 5:00pm: Follow the coast Westward until you arrive at Point Fermin Park. This area includes a “sunken city” destroyed by landslides, a historic lighthouse, the Korean Friendship Bell, a beautiful park, and - of course - beach access.

Evening

  • 6:30pm: Before the sun sets, steel yourself for the 1-hour walk  (or 14 minute bus ride via the 246) North back to central San Pedro where you began your day. Have dinner at one of the Little Italy area’s best restaurants, Raffaello Restaurante.
  • 8:00pm: After resting your feet and filling your belly, head a few blocks West to try your hand at a top notch escape room at Brain Games.
  • 9:00pm: If you’re not ready to call it a night, stop in at Iron City Tavern for a pint and some live music if you’re lucky.

Tips

  • Total walk time: 3h 5m or 2h 27m with a 14 minute bus ride
  • This itinerary can be done Saturday - Sunday.
  • There’s a lot of walking in this itinerary! The neighborhood and city streets are not particularly scenic, so we recommend sticking to the marina/coast even though it makes the walk a touch longer. If it’s too much walking, stop after breakfast at Wheel Fun Rentals just a few blocks away to rent a bike or surrey ($13+/p/hr).
  • If you (or your boyfriend) are into naval history, visit the Battleship USS IOWA and/or the LA Maritime Museum.

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