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San Pedro

San Pedro History

   San Pedro is home to Los Angeles Harbor, one of the nation's largest deep-water ports. Each year, millions of shippers and cruise-goers pass through the Port of Los Angeles, which is the busiest cargo terminal in the United States.
   San Pedro, which is actually part of the city of Los Angeles, has a long seafaring history. Spanish ships began using San Pedro Bay in the 1540s. It continued to be used as an unofficial harbor until 1848, when improvements to the area prompted San Pedro to become a major port for the West Coast.
   In 1909, Los Angeles annexed San Pedro and the neighboring town of Wilmington. Along with Terminal Island, these three cities became home to the official Port of Los Angeles.
   Throughout the 20th century, San Pedro remained a popular port of call for U.S. Navy ships. The community is also a popular site for film crews, due to its vintage buildings and eclectic architecture. Some of the movies shot in San Pedro include "Pearl Harbor," "The Usual Suspects" and "Chinatown."

Activities

   You can learn more about San Pedro's maritime history through a visit to the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, which is filled with historic displays, models and photos. The area's military heroes are also honored at the The Fort MacArthur Military Museum, the U.S.S. Los Angeles Naval Memorial and the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial.
   Watch the ships come and go from Los Angeles Harbor, the busiest cargo terminal in the United States. Most major cruise lines offer trips to the Mexican Riviera, the Far East and other destinations from the World Cruise Center.
   Shoppers should visit Ports O' Call, a New England-style village featuring charming shops and restaurants. You can catch a ride to Catalina Island, sail around the bay or take one of several other ocean excursions that leave from Ports O'Call Village.
   Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, located just steps from the Pacific at Cabrillo Beach, offers 38 saltwater aquariums and exhibits of local marine life. See injured seals and sea lions cared for at the Marine Mammal Care Center, which welcomes visitors.
   Other things to see and do in San Pedro include the Angel's Gate Lighthouse, which has guarded the port since 1913; the Point Vicente Lighthouse, which allegedly is haunted; and the annual Lobster Festival, which is held each September.

San Pedro Fast Facts

   Location: San Pedro is located seven miles west of Long Beach, about 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles
   Population: 70,900 (estimated)
   Average annual rainfall: 14.79 inches
   Average temperatures: 70ºF in summer, 56ºF in winter

Schools

   There are 18 public schools in San Pedro: 12 elementary schools, two middle schools, three high schools, and a special education center that serves grades K-12.

Beaches

Maps of San Pedro

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