San Pedro California Day Trip Points of Interest Things To Do

San Pedro is a great place to visit the USS Iowa battleship. In addition to this attraction, this seaside town has many other family-friendly things to see and do. Plenty of things to do in San Pedro can keep you occupied for an entire day. Begin your tour of San Pedro by heading to the historic waterfront district, where you will find numerous popular attractions, including the USS Iowa battleship and S.S. Lane Victory.

Things to do in San Pedro, California

Take a Tour of the Massive USS Iowa Battleship

San Pedro’s biggest waterfront attraction is the USS Iowa battleship. The USS Iowa welcomes visitors to explore her decks and interior. This massive battleship is an interactive naval museum that honors the USS Iowa and its crew. Nearly every part of the ship is open to the public, including the command center, top decks, and powder magazine rooms. The tour of the boat is self-guided. Just follow the markers on the floor. There are many steep, narrow stairways to negotiate throughout the time. Some parts of the ship may not be accessible to all guests.

Visit S.S. Lane Victory, a National Historic Landmark

The next destination on your tour should be the S.S. Lane Victory. Constructed in Los Angeles in 1945, it played a crucial role in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War before retiring as a member of the merchant fleet that sailed across the globe. Following a comprehensive restoration, the USS Iowa has been restored to its original state and is now a nationally recognized historical landmark. Guided tours and special events are available. For more information, visit the S.S. Lane Victory website.

Los Angeles Maritime Museum

Just a short drive or walk from the SS Lane Victory is the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, located in the 1941 Municipal Ferry Terminal on the National Register of Historic Places. During its heyday, from 1941-1963, the Municipal ferry system transported thousands of passengers to the local canneries, shipyards, and military bases on Terminal Island. Exhibits include an exhibit about San Pedro’s Fishing and Canning history, Several large-scale ship models, and an Angels Gate tugboat. The museum location is 6th St Berthing, San Pedro, California. Website.

Fort MacArthur Museum

Another museum in the area is the Fort MacArthur Museum. From 1916 to 1945, the Fort was the harbor’s defense against enemy attacks from the sea. The museum features photos, drawings, exhibits, and memorabilia of the Fort and Los Angeles Harbor defenses from 1920 through World War II. Fort MacArthur Museum is an extraordinary place to visit, especially if you are a history buff. We have seen the Fort several times and funded and enjoyed each visit. Please check the website for details; open hours are limited. Address: 3601 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, California. Website.

Enjoy the View from the Korean Bell Of Friendship

The Korean Bell of Friendship is housed in a pagoda-like stone structure constructed by thirty artisans flown in from Korea. The pavilion is supported by twelve columns representing the twelve designs of the Oriental zodiac. The bell only runs five times a year. It’s a short walk from Fort MacArthur and offers breathtaking views of Point Fermin Park and the Pacific Ocean. There’s also a popular basketball court adjacent to the bell. The Korean Bell of Friendship address is 3601 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, California.

Tour The Point Fermin Lighthouse

The Point Fermin Lighthouse is a beautiful Victorian-style building beneath the Korean Bell of Friendship. It was constructed using California Redwoods and was in use until the early 1970s. The Lighthouse is open to the public for tours from Tuesday to Sunday. During the tour, a docent will guide you through the historic building and take you to the top of the Lighthouse, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view. Please note that the tour might be too detailed for some children, and some individuals may wish to avoid climbing the stairs to reach the top of the building.

Take the Kids to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, although smaller than the Aquarium of the Pacific, is still worth a visit while visiting San Pedro. The aquarium was established in an abandoned Cabrillo Beach bathhouse built in 1935. Lifeguard Bob Foster would display his collection of ocean artifacts for visitors to enjoy. Over the years, the collection and the number of visitors grew. In 1981, the current museum, designed by Frank Gehry, was opened, replacing the old Cabrillo Beach bathhouse. Address: 3720 Stephen M White Dr, San Pedro, California. Website.

South Coast Botanic Garden

If you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax, the South Coast Botanic Garden is an excellent destination, even though it doesn’t fit our marine theme. The garden was built on top of a former landfill, making it a pioneer in this type of development. Horticulturists from across the country come to the garden to study and learn about the possibilities for similar projects. The botanical garden and cultural center encompasses over 80 acres and features diverse parks such as the Mediterranean, Rose, Water-Wise, Garden of the Senses, Cactus, Children’s, Herb Garden, and Japanese Garden.

San Pedro Ports of Call Red Line Cars

The San Pedro Red Line Trolley closed in September 2015, despite what you might read on other websites. The tracks have been pulled up, and the right of way has been paved or turned into parkland.  A free bus shuttle called the San Pedro Trolley runs on weekends. It is very similar to the Laguna Beach Trolley. These trolleys are small rubber-tired buses decorated to look like red car trolleys. Also, the very popular Ports of Call village has closed. West Harbor, a new development, will eventually be built in the Ports of Call Village location.

As you can see, San Pedro has much to offer day-trippers. It’s easy to fill a day with activities when you visit this historic city and the entrance to the Los Angeles harbor.

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