San Pedro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Pedro featuring a city and street scenes
San Pedro showing boating, a bay or harbour and military items
San Pedro which includes a marina and boating
San Pedro which includes a marina, industrial elements and boating
Photo provided by Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

Visit a famous Navy battleship among other sites in one of the largest and busiest ports in the United States.

San Pedro is one of the busiest port districts in the U.S. and the largest on the Pacific coast. The area, which is part of Los Angeles, was once a thriving fishing community. However, upscale residential areas are gradually replacing the area’s port industry roots. Explore the city’s attractions, including the Battleship USS Iowa and the Vincent Thomas Bridge.

San Pedro was populated by the Gabrieleño-Tongva people and discovered by the Spanish in 1542. In the 1800s it became a commercial seaport.

Head down to the Port of Los Angeles and visit the Battleship USS Iowa Museum. Take a tour of the large vessel with your family. See the crew living areas and the Captain’s Cabin, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt once slept. Watch videos that tell the story of this great Navy warship, which served under several presidents and during many wars, including World War II and the Cold War. It is open daily from the morning until late in the afternoon. There is an admission fee and discounts apply for children and seniors.

The port is also home to the World Cruise Centre. From here, you can board an international cruise ship to exotic destinations such as Hawaii, Alaska and the Mexican Riviera. If you prefer to stay on dry land, watch enormous cruise ships dock and replenish their supplies.

Marvel at the 1,500-foot (457.2-metre) Vincent Thomas Bridge. One of the longest of its kind in California, it enables travellers to cross the Los Angeles Harbour to Terminal Island. It has been used as a setting for several Hollywood movies including Heat, City of Angels, Charlie’s Angels and Gone in 60 Seconds.

San Pedro, is a 30-minute drive south from downtown Los Angeles. You can also get there by bus or subway. While you are in the area, explore the neighboring beachside city of Long Beach, which is only about 15 minutes away by car or double that time by bus.

Where to stay in San Pedro

San Pedro showing boating, a bay or harbour and military items

Central San Pedro

2/5(3 area reviews)

While visiting Central San Pedro, you might make a stop by sights like World Cruise Center and Battleship USS Iowa Museum.

Central San Pedro
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Coastal San Pedro

4/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Coastal San Pedro, Korean Bell of Friendship and Cabrillo Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Coastal San Pedro
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Northwest San Pedro

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Northwest San Pedro and surrounding area, you can visit World Cruise Center and Catalina Sea and Air Terminal.

Northwest San Pedro
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Fort MacArthur

If you're spending some time in Fort MacArthur, Cabrillo Beach and Korean Bell of Friendship are top sights worth seeing.

Fort MacArthur
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Vista del Oro

While there might not be top attractions in Vista del Oro, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Korean Bell of Friendship and Cabrillo Beach.

Vista del Oro
DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro - Port of Los Angeles

DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro - Port of Los Angeles

4 out of 5
2800 Via Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro, CA
The price is £119 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£119
per night
17 Aug - 18 Aug
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Pedro. Enjoy a marina, breakfast (surcharge) and a free local area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,229 reviews)
"Would definitely stay again"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro - Port of Los Angeles
Hotel Maya

Hotel Maya

4 out of 5
700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA
The price is £117 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£117
per night
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free cruise terminal shuttle. Our guests praise the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,742 reviews)
"FEELS LIKE A VACATION FROM FAR AWAY"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Hotel Maya
Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is £122 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£122
per night
17 Aug - 18 Aug
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy 4 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the bar and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,785 reviews)
"Enjoyed my stay! Would come again."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3 out of 5
219 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (685 reviews)
"Great value for downtown LA. Big rooms. Good for families. But not walkable. Lots of homeless in this block."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

The Haas, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Venice Breeze Suites

Venice Breeze Suites

3.5 out of 5
2 Breeze Avenue, Venice, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,675 reviews)
"Lovely room with kitchen, beautiful ocean view. Nice hot shower and comfortable bed. Danielle at the front desk was extremely friendly and helpful. She googled Hop on Hop off bus and printed out the address of the stop closest to the hotel as well as the phone number for the company. Delightful! ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Venice Breeze Suites
Venice Suites

Venice Suites

3 out of 5
417 OceanFront Walk, Venice, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Venice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,256 reviews)
"This place was everything I expected it to be and more"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Venice Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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