San Pedro blends maritime history with modern attractions
From the Arts District to the dynamic West Harbor development, San Pedro is a vibrant tapestry of natural, creative and historical spaces. Home to one of the world’s busiest seaports, San Pedro offers cliffside ocean views, lighthouse visits and maritime exploration, along with some of the best shopping and dining options in the area — and there’s more to come.
On the former site of the Ports O’ Call Village, a new waterfront district is coming to life. West Harbor is set to open in 2024 and will include a 6,200-seat amphitheater, upscale restaurants and an off-leash dog park. “In San Pedro, you have this real sense of community and a feeling of being in a small town. We share a history of a fishing culture that built this place, and we’re all looking forward to the redevelopment that’s going to transform the bay into a world-class waterfront destination,” says Karen Anderson, San Pedro resident and Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. “There’s already been a number of leases signed with new restaurants, including some with Michelin-star chefs.”
Peninsula location makes San Pedro a scenic place to live
With so much development on the horizon, it’s no surprise that housing stock is coveted in San Pedro. Coastal residences easily top a million dollars, and styles can range from ranch-style homes to storybook-inspired Tudor cottages. You could be living just a few blocks from the docks, where many homes feature a charming Mediterranean character with stucco finishes and clay tile roofs. Cozy bungalows are built close together, and most homes integrate patios and balconies to embrace the scenic backdrop or ocean breeze. If you’re interested in owning a condo, you’ll find inland options listed closer to $600,000. “I think of San Pedro as the best-kept secret in the South Bay, and now is the time to invest,” Anderson says. “It’s the least expensive coastal community in Southern California where you can buy properties on the ocean or with ocean views. It’s beautiful because we’re on a peninsula, surrounded by water on all sides.”
San Pedro offers beaches, birding and a blufftop lighthouse
San Pedro’s waterfront begins with the tidepools at Royal Palms Beach Park. At White Point Park, you can stroll the Grassland Loop and the Vista Trail or drive directly to the sand. Wilders Addition Park contains a portion of the San Pedro Stair Tour, and you can visit the blufftop lighthouse built in 1874 at Point Fermin Park. The Korean Friendship Bell, spotted in famous films, is a must-see in Angels Gate Park. And whether you walk, arrive by ship or ride the popular Waterfront Red Car line to the Gateway Plaza Fanfare Fountain, you’ll marvel at its 58 water jets that dance along with the music. On the north end of town, Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park includes Machado Lake and is home to over 300 species of migratory birds. Golfers enjoy lake views and clubhouse dining at Harbor Park Golf Course, while athletes can stay active at the San Pedro Softball Complex and the Field of Dreams soccer complex.
STEAM and AP options for San Pedro students
During the school week, students living in San Pedro have a multitude of educational options. At Leland Street Elementary, which maintains a grade of B-minus on Niche, students can participate in the STEAM and Global Awareness Magnet program. Some students may attend Dana Middle School, which maintains a grade of C-plus on Niche and has served the community since the late 1920s. At the well-regarded Port of Los Angeles High School, which boasts an A on Niche, students can get ahead by taking Advanced Placement, or AP, courses.
Dining spots on South Pacific Avenue and shopping in Garden Village
Whether dining along South Pacific Avenue or at the casual Seaside Bistro on West 25th Street, you’ll find a generous mix of cuisines in San Pedro. From fine seafood at 22nd St. Landing Seafood Grill & Bar to Whiskey Flats’ barbecue, there’s something for everyone. Explore a plethora of artwork at the CRAFTED warehouse market at the Port of Los Angeles, enjoy generous Italian and Greek fare at Niko’s Pizzeria or meet up for tacos and margaritas at the Green Onion — a California tradition for decades. And when you need to pick up groceries, you’ll find daily essentials and groceries close by at Vons or Albertson’s in the Garden Village shopping mall. There’s also a Target on North Gaffey Street.
Monthly art walks and regular concerts highlight San Pedro's culture
Going strong for more than 25 years, the First Thursday ArtWalk allows you to tour some of San Pedro’s best murals, galleries and restaurants. The San Pedro lifestyle includes a calendar of events such as Point Fermin Park’s Music by the Sea or stories around the bonfire at the Angels Gate outdoor amphitheater. From oceanside parks to inland restaurants, San Pedro champions recreation, convenience and comfort with a stellar view of the sea.
Photography Contributed By
Paul Winner
