A few weeks back, I took a short trip on the Red Cars in San Pedro. As it was late, we couldn’t ride them to their last stop. Since then I have gone back several times and would like to share all the wonderful things to enjoy on the waterfront.
First of all, it’s worth taking the Red Car to it’s last stop at the World Cruise Center. At the end of the line, is a large fountain which puts on a show to music every twenty minutes. A mini Bellagio in San Pedro, who would have thought? I haven’t had the opportunity to see it at night yet, but they say with the lights on, it’s quite a show. From what I saw though, it was pretty exhilarating.
The fountain is split in two, with a walkway in between. During the show, if you’re walking between the two fountains you’re guaranteed to get wet. This could be a problem if you plan to board the Red Car again. The conductors, rightly so, prefer you don’t drip on their well maintained seats. However, the walk to the next station isn’t far and if you get too warm there’s another fountain on the way that you can play in, the kind with the intermittent popping water balls that thrill children and confounds dogs.
This walk between the World Cruise Center and the 6th Street Station is pleasant with lots of park benches to sit and enjoy watching the ships. According to the conductors, this renovation of the waterfront cost the people of San Pedro absolutely nothing. The port tax on the cruise ships has provided the funding to beautify the local area.
If you’re really into ships, the Los Angeles Maritime Museum at the 6th Street station is ideal for a visit. This lovely building, built in the former Los Angeles ferry terminal, at one time housed the passengers and cars waiting to be shuttled across the straight to Terminal Island. Now, it’s a museum dedicated to the local sea faring industry. It’s full of information and exhibits on how the port was formed, the 1933 Earthquake and how it affected the area, along with several beautiful, small boats and ship models. It’s worth more than the three dollar cost for admission.
Right next door to the museum is an Acapulco’s. It’s the ideal spot for sipping a margarita and watching the cruise ships and freighters pass through the port to the open sea. Being right on the waterfront, these gigantic ships sail only a 100 yard span from where you’re sitting enjoying your nachos or fajitas. It’s a nice way to spend a weekend afternoon or a weekday happy hour.
If you’re into shopping, Ports O’Call Village is at the next stop. There are more restaurants along with plenty of small artisan shops to choose from to spend your money all while enjoying the sights of the waterfront. Next month, come down and see the Tall Ships which will be berthed at the port during the weekend of August 15th to the 17th!
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