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On my quest to discover all the nooks and best hidden secrets in LA, I have a new addition today.
Located on the southern end of my favorite place in LA, Palos Verdes, is San Pedro. A small-town community part of the city of LA. San Pedro is dominated by the port industry due to its proximity to the Port of Long Beach, the second-busiest container port in the United States. Did you know that San Pedro is the heart of the Croatian community in Los Angeles? Or that it’s home to the largest Italian-American community in Southern California? There’s even a Little Italy! — It truly is a multicultural town and you’ll be bound to have an exciting culinary adventure.
Here’s a roundup of the must visit places in San Pedro:
Korean Bell Of Friendship Tower
3601 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731
Beautiful place located atop the hill of Angels Gate Park, this place provides amazing coastal views of the ocean and the city of Long Beach. When you get there, you are just blown away by the contrast of colors of this Asian tower monument and its magnificent roof. There is also a play court which it’s used for multiple purposes.
From the green rolling cliffs, to the breathtakingly beautiful sunset views, this place is a diamond in the rough. This park is also perfect for kite lovers since the wind is pretty strong.
Side note: before you drive all the way to San Pedro, make sure the forecast is clear and cloud-free to truly enjoy and take in the beauty of the scenery this place has to offer.
Point Fermin Park
807 W Paseo Del Mar, Los Angeles, CA 90731
Another hidden gem in LA, it’s right down the hill from the Korean Bell tower and within walking distance. What can I say about this place? Otherworldly. This park is perfect for photo ops, and stunning views of the ever-present coastal bluffs that extend all the way to Palos Verdes, alongside the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.
There is also a steep road that takes you all the way down to the beach but in my opinion, there wasn’t really much to see as the beach was not only small but super rocky. On the park, I was seriously awestruck by the majestic leafy trees that make this park such a unique destination unlike any other. Additionally, the park offers a picnic area, playground for kids, an amphitheater and the beautiful historic Point Fermin Lighthouse. It was a sheer delight to walk around this park while taking in the ocean breeze.
Note: there are “No Trespassing” signs posted on the edge of the cliffs because people have fallen off and died. So be mindful and don’t climb over the railing to take photos.
Busy Bee Market
2413 S Walker Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731
Photo: EaterLA
This place is a staple in San Pedro. Known for their unique marvelous tasting sandwiches, it’s located in a liquor store. I don’t remember exactly what I ordered but the sausage was one-of-a-kind: super tasty and it just melted in your mouth. The meat is cut fresh and they also have a meat station behind the counter, in which you pick all the ingredients of your choice. There is usually a long line but it moves pretty quickly. The only cons for me were the non-existent seating area and the eating experience. The sandwich was huge, which made it difficult for me to eat it without getting messy and the sauce dripping off the sandwich. Though it was such an onerous task, it was worth it.
Sunken City
Location: Gate located off of Point Fermin Park
I had seen this place on Instagram photos before. The colorful graffiti rocks and the deep blue water with the whitecap waves of the Pacific Ocean in the background, drew me instantly to know more about this place. Unfortunately, after I drove all the way to San Pedro and asked a few locals, this place is closed off to the public but people trespass it by sliding under a gate.
From the information I could glean online, the place was once a landslide that was sunken into the ocean, therefore, the name of Sunken City. It’s illegal to trespass it and it’s also very slippery and steep. If you go there because you want to live on the edge; bring good sturdy shoes, have someone to come with you and visit it during the early hours of the day as it can get a little bit sketchy once the sun is down.
Vincent Thomas Bridge
Photo: mapio.net
This bridge links San Pedro with the harbor areas, Terminal Island and Long Beach. According to Wikipedia is the fourth longest suspension bridge in California with 1,500-feet. It has been featured in numerous films, among them “Charlie’s Angels” (2000) and “Fast And Furious” (2009).
If you haven’t driven through the Golden Gate of San Francisco or any other suspension bridge, I can’t recommend this enough. The only drawback is how narrow it is and the lack of pedestrian access, which impedes the enjoyment of the views of Long Beach and the seemingly never-ending colorful containers from the Port.
The engineering work, design, and construction of this bridge are magical. The LED lights at night make for an unforgettable drive.
Photo: Flickr
Do you want to go to Italy? Then head over to Raffaello Ristorante for an authentic Italian experience. Read my full review here
A friend of a friend who lives there highly recommended to check out Sebastian’s Mediterranean Cuisine.
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has the largest collection of Southern California marine life in the world.
Eat fresh fish at San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant.Have you ever been to San Pedro? Let me know in the comments below.
