A guide to San Pedro

There's a quiet history that pervades the San Pedro coastline through the Point Fermin Lighthouse, Sunken City and the last vestiges of Fort MacArthur, with its decommissioned battery of heavy artillery that once protected the port. But just up the hill, perched over the Pacific, sits one of the most idyllic spots in all of L.A.: the Korean Bell of Friendship. The mighty metallic bell's rusty green finish complements the ornately painted chipped roof—its paint job has seen better days, but that doesn't detract from the beauty of the 1976 goodwill gift from South Korea. The exposed, grassy bluff is an ideal spot to fly a kite or just lounge in the grass of Angel's Gate Park. 

She carried FDR across the Atlantic Ocean during WWII, and nearly 60 years later the USS Iowa found herself docked in San Pedro as a museum. History buffs can embark on a self-guided tour of the battleship every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Parking is available in the adjacent lot for $1 an hour. Check out the ship's website for super cool events that take place onboard throughout the year, from concerts to tasting events. 

Dedicated to Southern California marine life, this low-key aquarium is home to a jellyfish farm, a hands-on tidal pool exhibit and 30 ocean-life tanks. Special seasonal events include two-hour whale-watching trips, occasional guided walks to the tidal pools at Point Fermin Marine Life Refuge and grunion runs (held during the migrating season of this small, pencil-sized fish).

When you're done at the aquarium, head over to Cabrillo Beach. Cabrillo is actually two beaches: one facing the L.A. Harbor and the other facing the ocean. There's plenty of space on the beach to set up camp for the day and there are playgrounds and spots for family picnics. Cabrillo is also a prime spot for windsurfing and other water sports. 

Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles is a permanent handmade artisan marketplace inside a restored 1940s-era warehouse. Here you'll find work from more than 100 artisans, including everything from art to bath and beauty to home decor and accessories. Want to become an artisan yourself? Crafted hosts various workshops and events of all kinds throughout the year, from flower-crown workshop to jewelry making. right next to Crafted is Brouwerij West, making this a popular weekend destination. 

These are L.A. County’s very own ancient ruins, minus the ancient part. In 1929, a landslide caused a few blocks of seaside San Pedro to crumble into the ocean. Today, you'll find graffitied slabs of concrete that once functioned as streets and house foundations. The once semi-secret site has become a popular spot since the rise of social media. It's technically illegal to access the site and decidedly unsafe—let's not forgot how it became sunken in the first place—but you can walk along a fenced-in trail to peer in from steady ground.

With all of the flak Los Angeles gets for being a hostile environment, we take solace in the fact that the city’s southernmost border greets the ocean with a humble, wood frame lighthouse from the 1800s. One of a half-dozen similar Victorian structures across the state, Point Fermin is like an idyllic East Coast export with all the natural beauty of the South Bay. You can visit on your own or take a guided tour, offered at 1, 2 and 3pm Tuesday through Sunday.

For more than 80 years, the Warner Grand Theatre has been hosting films, performances and special events. The Art Deco-style structure was built in 1931 by architect B. Marcus Priteca, who is also responsible for Hollywood's legendary Pantages Theatre, and remains one of the last great authentic theaters from its era.

Little Fish Theatre is a community gem in the heart of San Pedro. At the 65-seat venue, the theater company presents a variety of plays, from classics to contemporary to their annual Pick of the Vine series which features shorts from a variety of playwrights, some of which get turned into full-length shows later on.

The largest maritime museum in the state covers the history of fishing in California and the story of San Pedro's canning industry, and boasts an array of model boats and ships. Check online for details on temporary shows, which cover related topics. The handsome 1940s Streamline Modern building that houses the museum once acted as a ferry terminal.