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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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San Pedro Waterfront Day Trip |
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San Pedro
offers an experience like no other. It’s a fantastic
seaside destination, with many of the attractions offering
very family friendly prices.
To start out your tour of San Pedro, how about a trolley car ride. When the Red Car Line was inaugurated in 2003, it was the first time in over 40 years that the cars had run anywhere in Los Angeles. The Waterfront Line is a 1.5-mile ride on fully restored trolleys returned to their original glory. The trip connects the World Cruise Center with attractions along the beautiful San Pedro waterfront. Three other boarding points are offered, including the Downtown stop, the Ports O' Call and Marina stations. The Downtown Station at 6th Street and Harbor Boulevard is where the original Pacific Electric Depot stood many years ago. Along the ride, passengers will experience all that Los Angeles had to offer during the early 1900s. It’s complete with open-air windows and even vintage product signs. It’s the perfect way to discover San Pedro from its many restaurants and gift shops to its museums and art galleries. Red Car operates from noon to 9:30 P.M. on weekends from Friday through Sunday. When ships are in Port, the line runs during the week. Free parking is available at all the boarding points, and fairs are amazingly only $1. |
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 San Pedro Trolley Car |
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The next stop on your tour
should be the S.S. Lane Victory. Built in Los Angeles in 1945,
she served with distinction during World War II, the Korean
War, and the Vietnam War before concluding military duties
as a member of the merchant fleet that traversed the world.
A full restoration by veterans has returned her to original
condition and she is now a nationally recognized historic
landmark. Every summer, the ship undertakes several "Victory At Sea" cruises to honor our heroes of wars past and present, and allows old friends to reminisce about their adventures at sea. . For the daily visitor, the SS Lane Victory is open 9am to 3 pm and admission is just $3 for adults. Just a short drive from the SS Lane Victory is the Los Angeles Maritime Museum located in the 1941 Municipal Ferry Terminal that is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is celebrating its 30th year of existence. During its heyday from 1941-1963, a ferry system transported thousands of passengers to the local canneries, shipyards, and military bases on Terminal Island. The current exhibit focuses on the underwater world that has fascinated people for centuries. Specifically, the program aims to enhance visitor understanding of the "diving" profession. Inspired by the author of “20,000 Jobs under the Sea”, it is a fascinating look at what lies beneath. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The areas other museum the Fort MacArthur Museum. From 1916-1945, the Fort, was the defense of the harbor against enemy attack from the sea. The museum features photos, drawings, exhibits, and memorabilia of the Fort and Los Angeles Harbor defenses from 1920 through World War II. Every year in February, they have a reenactment of an air raid. Museum Hours are 12 to 5 PM Tues and Thursday, Weekends & Holidays. If you’re just looking to unwind than a visit to the South Coast Botanic Garden may not fit our maritime theme, but it is a great spot to conclude your trip in a serene surrounding. The 87-acre botanic garden and culture center features a lake and stream with many different gardens, including a Mediterranean, Rose, Water-Wise, Garden of the Senses, Cactus, Children's, Herb Garden, and Japanese Garden. The fragrance of a Southern California wooded area defies description. A combination of eucalyptus, evergreen, and musk. Mix all together with a splash of ocean & serve up as paradise. Peacocks are wild and plentiful in this area. Their bellowing shrieks in the forests are both haunting and oddly soothing. |
SS Lane Victory San Pedro |
 South Coast Botanic Garden |
This South Coast Botanic
Garden , incidentally, is one of the first to be developed
over a sanitary landfill and is being studied by horticulturists
to determine the feasibility of similar projects for land
reclamation. Tours of the grounds are by tram on weekends, and strolling along the winding parkways at a slower pace is also allowed. A picnic area is available outside of the gate for lunch, and free parking is available. Gardens are open daily, 9 to 5. As you can see, San Pedro has a lot to offer with nothing on the agenda costing more than a few dollars. If you plan to spend the weekend, lodging is available to fit every budget. When it’s time to eat, try the 22nd Street Landing Seafood Grill. It’s a great setting to take in some local catch. With San Pedro located within an hour’s drive from most locations in Southern California, why not pay visit on you next weekend trip? |
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Discount
Tickets |
Half
Price Family Deals |
Beach
Camping |
Fun
Things To Do |
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