One of San Pedro's numerous historical treasures, the James H. Dodson Residence became Historical…read moreMonument #147 in the 1970's. The beautiful gingerbread Victorian was built in the 1880's. Dodson's wife was the daughter of Jose Diego Sepulveda, which adds to the historical significance of the house, originally located on Vinegar Hill at 7th & Beacon. Apparently the house was later moved to a 10-acre location on Meyler, where the property had killer views of the harbor. Then the house was moved again to its current location, a big corner lot at 13th & Parker. The "views" at this location are not so good. The house now faces a ball field's bleachers & is bordered on one side by a National Guard facility......good news, I suppose, for those who don't want residential neighbors at close proximity. More good news for the Dodson House: the heavily-damaged (partly a result of all the moves) & deteriorated/neglected structure has recently been restored & tastefully updated, preserving most of the original features including the stained-glass windows, the secret hidden room, the doors/knobs, and the 3-way fireplace. And the property is currently for sale, allowing people an opportunity to see the interior. Unfortunately I missed my chance to get into the house a couple weeks ago. I got my dates mixed up for the realtor open house, so couldn't get in on the day I drove down there.....but I was able to wander around the outside, which is impressive indeed. The property appears to now be in pristine condition, even the landscaping. I'm told there's new electric & plumbing, and even A/C. And I noticed a porch swing, how cool. No, I'm not gonna consider buying the house.....I just appreciate historic/vintage architecture. And still haven't given up hope of seeing the interior of the house, armed with camera. Meanwhile, it warms my heart to see that this proud & charming old residence has finally received the loving attention it deserves.

Beautiful building in the Historic Downtown Arts district of San Pedro. Open atrium with fountain…read more Must see! Across the street from the historic Warner Grand Theater, office suites for rent, also can rent the for special events, e.g. Weddings, parties, filming

From the owner: The magnificent Arcade Building, located in historic old town San Pedro, is a setting of…read moreextraordinary beauty and tranquility. The Italian Renaissance building has been beautifully restored to its' original look and feel. The fountain, skylight and convenient location make it the perfect place for your office, your film shoot or your wedding. As a film location it has striking Italian Renaissance architecture, skylights that admit an abundance of natural light; a central enclosed interior courtyard with fountain; and polished brass, copper and bronze finishes. It is conveniently located at the bottom of the 110 freeway close to the Port of Los Angeles , and the Vincent Thomas Bridge. As an office, clients will be impressed with your company from the minute they walk into the Arcade. All units have individual air conditioning. There is oceans of parking right behind the building.

I really don't need nothin' fancy in this life. Sometimes I just need a scenic trip to San Pedro…read moreon a Sunday afternoon. I drove down Palos Verdes Drive from Redondo, surrounded by views of the yellow wild mustard in bloom on the PV hills, & could see hang gliders off the bluffs at Trump National. I love how the crazy inclines in the road at Portugese Bend scares hell out of the tourists and they go 2 miles an hour, gripping their steering wheels.....haha.....but I digress. Anyway, today's adventure destinations included the Muller House Museum, which is open a few Sundays each month, in addition to group tours by reservation. San Pedro Historical Society volunteers give guided tours of the house, you're not allowed to wander around unescorted. A $3 donation is suggested, I gave more. If you love antiques, vintage woodwork & tile, and cool old artwork.....this is the place for you. I had a dream the other night about the stairway leading to my grandparent's attic in their old house in Chicago, and the Muller House stairs were almost identical, crikey. As was the bathroom tile, the bookcases by the fireplace, the rugs, and more. I went back in time. No photos are allowed inside the house or I would have gone wild with my camera. The Stickley furniture in the Muller House living room is not original to the house, but it sure is cool. The house does have its original windows, I could tell by the waviness of the glass. The doorknobs are original, and the original shower head in the downstairs bathroom is too cool. The original piano is there, as well as all the original light fixtures...operated by push button switches on the walls. The beautiful original floors are African Gum wood & walnut. The house has been meticulously restored from what was almost a ruin. They showed me photos of what the property looked like when it was donated to the Historical Society. The house was built in 1899 by Edward Mahar for his parents, at a different San Pedro location....but they decided not to move in. They wanted to stay in Wilmington, which was the social hub at that time. So the house was bought by William Muller, and moved to a different SP location....by mules! Then, in 1984, when the house was donated for use as a museum, it was moved yet again....to its present location atop a hill overlooking the harbor. Muller was a ship builder, so I'm guessing he would have approved. In fact, my tour guide told me that San Pedro is expanding its cruise ship terminal to this end of town (to make it easier for captains to turn the big ships around), so at some point the Muller House will have views of passing cruise ships in the harbor. The downstairs of the house includes the living room, two dining rooms, enclosed sun porch (used as an office way back when & now the museum's gift shop), kitchen (complete with vintage appliances), and full bath...the one with the old shower head. Volunteer guides were picking fragrant roses from the gardens & putting them on the big dining room table when I was there. Then my guide took me up the narrow wood staircase (reminiscent of the one that led to my grandparent's attic), where I saw two large bedrooms and another full bath. Two bathrooms in a house of this era was unheard of, and the upstairs bath was huge, with a tub in the middle of the room. I announced that I wanted to move in. This house is so quiet, due to the plaster walls. I could be quite comfy there. I had to settle for purchasing a little book (for 3 bucks) that tells the house's story in detail & includes a bunch of photos. I did have a wonderful time today chatting away with the friendly volunteers & asking a zillion questions. Muller House Museum is not a huge house, but it sure is a perfect place to stop and smell the roses while you get lost in time. I'm betting my grandparents will be in my dreams tonight.

This two-story colonial revival house was built in 1899 by Edward Mahar. Capt. William Muller(an…read moreearly shipbuilder who built the Catalina Steamers for the Banning family) bought the house in 1901. The Muller family lived in the house for many years. They later donated it to the San Pedro Bay Historical Society who refurbished and now operates it. It's furnished as a family home to reflect the style of the 1920's. It's open the first three Sundays of the month from 1pm-4pm. Guided tours are available on these days and admission is free. The house was declared Cultural Heritage Monument #254 in 1982.

This neighborhood is on the eastside of Wilmington surrounding Banning Park. The neighborhood is…read morefilled with character and beautiful homes. The people in this neighborhood take pride in their homes and you can tell. Lots of beautiful tall shady trees line the streets. Take a stroll down Banning or Lakme and you will see what I'm talking about. Wild peacocks roam the streets. Pretty cool when your kickin' it on the porch and one comes strutting by. Lots of tasty local eateries border this area (Tres Cochinitos,Red West Pizza, Shamrock Seafoods to name a few). This is my home away from home. When I'm not at home there's a good chance I'm posted in "The Dub".

My childhood friend Billy retired from the US Coast Guard. He lives in San Pedro and took me out on…read morehis boat for my birthday. Part of this gorgeous cruise included visiting this beautiful, cylindrical and uniquely shaped lighthouse that has a remarkable history and record. It was built in 1913 at a cost of $36,000. It withstood a 5 day storm. It was used by our US Navy during World War II. The deep throated two tone fog horn named "Moaning Maggie" was replaced by " Blatting Betty", an annoying high pitched single tone horn in 1959. Everyone hated it. It became automated in 1973. No human worked here thereafter. Currently, the 225,000 candle power light is monitored and maintained by the amazing personnel from the Terminal Island Coast Guard unit. It has faithfully guarded our port's very busy gateway for 112 years. This is an absolutely must see and sail by for all locals and visitors to this beautiful area. It is stunning.

Walking around after visiting the Korean Friendship Bell, we found this military museum and…read morelearned a lot in a guided tour. The artifacts are very well preserved and our guide did a great job explaining everything with many historical facts in an interesting narrative. Bonus: there's a hidden gift shop in the end of the tour!

We stumbled onto this with our walk around the Bell and the volunteers dressed in World War…read moreuniforms were kind enough to give us a tour of what's underneath the bell. Historical World War military site under the Korean Bell of Friendship. Look for the military jeeps on the left side and check in with the volunteers for a free ten minute tour inside.

On Juneteenth I attended a celebration at the Korean Bell of Friendship to celebrate freedom by…read morehelping ring the bell. It was a wonderful day, and one I recommend for others to attend, not only to feel the vibrations of the bell when it is hit with a large hanging tree trunk, but also to celebrate the liberation that was given to a criminally oppressed people. And to also understand that liberation, although won at battles, still has not full embraced and enveloped all. So that bell has not fully been rung, and thus we must continue, until we hear the greatest knell in history the one that indicates that all humans have an unfettered chance to reach their best future with confidence. The celebration was sponsored by local political players. Suitably, there were a lot of speeches. But I never hate a speech just because its long. I genuinely hear speeches because they might contain words that move me into action or new perspective, and thus I always try to hear them to understand their value. One of the most memorable speeches of the day, was a person who explained that freedom and liberty has not reached all modern day people (duh!) because freedom, true freedom, means that all have a fair and equitable chance to attain economic prosperity. And from my limited perspective, what she said made sense, a whole lot of it. A person might have the freedom to wear what they chose, to eat what they crave, to dance in their style and funk, to offer their devotion to their deity. However, if all these freedoms do not include a chance to build wealth, without external interruption that is driven by who a person is, then freedom is superficial. Yes, money is the root of all evil, but money is also the foundation for legacy, protection and choice, and, well, freedom. And thus, she reminded all present that we must continue to fight against injustice and thus the bell rang and made each of us an instrument of peace. Beyond speeches from political leaders there was also songs performed by vocalists- a mother and daughter. A lot was happening fast, and sometimes the sound system gave up, so I am afraid I did not get their names. But I do remember them singing a song, right before the bell rung that had the following lyrics: "What would you do, if you had nothing to fight for and nothing to die for?" What would a person do in a world marked by substantial peace? Would we be happy or would we miss the fight? Meaning is the gift of the battle the persistence needed to continue even when all seems at rest? Injustice has created warriors that understand that a white flag will never be planted. The day was meant to celebrate freedom and deliver of message of positive togetherness as the moment celebrated Juneteenth using Korean spirt. But the speeches brought the seemingly opposing concepts together using the thread of a universal recognition that freedom is a wonderful thing. This link was greatly conveyed but fell short in the Mexican sweetbreads that had small Juneteeth flags planted on them. I know I am being petty because Mexican bread can be used to celebrate Juneteenth, for sure I get that. But I would have rather had celebratory bites from the Black/African American community. I know I am being petty, but, hey, that is my freedom. That choice seemed more convenient rather than being connected to the greater purpose of freedom. The last activity of the celebration was ringing the actual bell. Like 7 people, grabbed the wooden log. And we gently slammed it into the bell. The bell rung with vibrations that my skin could feel. We could slightly hug the bell to have ur bodies feel the vibrations. And the experience was memorable. I do not know how many people have the opportunity to hug a bell as it sends off vibration after being hit. But if you have the opportunity seize it, I think you will be a better person for it, or at least, know what ringing feels like on the skin not just the ear drums. As I walked back to the car, I enjoyed the blue views and ocean breeze. I also saw a kite flying high. Yes, it had a string to it, but it was flying free.

Why does it take years and moving away to actual experience places that's been there for a while. A…read morenice sunny afternoon driving around and seeing what's there to offer. Plus it's been decades since I was last around this area. There's so many stops along the way during our drive which this was the first along the path. It's a nice decent size park that it part of. A good amount of parking in the lot next to the basketball courts. Right along the bell is a massive grassy knoll where people were enjoying picnics and laying out. Of course today was beautiful but it was quite windy. Didn't help that the park was little higher than the rest so it made the wind a bit more aggressive. The focal point, the massive bell. With a walkway that leads you to the prize possession. Right in the middle looking out to the Pacific Ocean, she sits there on full display. The bright beautiful color of the details painted was a sight to see. Stairs leading up to the bell where you could walk around. It is roped off. Regardless whatever side you're looking at, it's was quite amazing. Something like this on a hill that's part of the city. If you walk down the grassy knoll, the view of the pacific ocean and cliffs were spectacular. Having a seat and just taking it all in was nice. It was windy so it did get cold but on a nice sunny and clear day, you could see miles and miles of the coastline and tide pools. These little hidden spots in the city are cute when you find them. There's also a little playground around the corner from the bell by the exit and entrance.

Loved our sunset stroll recently at Roessler Point. It has free parking, nice coastal and ocean…read moreviews, doggie trash dispensers just to name a few. Many locals have children playing soccer and basketball. It also has a nice trail and those without dogs can visit the tidepool along with direct access to the water. It connects right over to Rats Beach and Torrance Beach. I quite enjoyed my short and relaxing walks with the dogs here. Too bad there's no benches to sit down so one can really gawk at the ocean and people watch at the same time!

This magical location in Malaga Cove is so special to us as it secures such a sentimental place in…read moreour hearts !! We've been visiting this little gazebo for over 25 years and the view is always stunning any time of the day or evening !! I am very lucky and grateful ! Cheers !

Point Fermin Marine Life Refuge is probably one of the most scenic areas of San Pedro, California…read more This is a marine refuge area that is bordered by the ocean on one side and the cliffs of San Pedro on the other. The refuge itself has a beautiful set of tight pools as well as some old cement structures from homes and businesses of times gone past. As the warning signs proclaim, they ask you to be careful of falling rocks. This is because of the fact, if you look up, you see that there's not only rocks, but vegetation, and even some homes that are right on the edge of the cliff. This being said, I would imagine you don't have to worry too much about any of those things falling down on you unless there is a rain storm going on or something like that. As would be expected, this is a very beautiful and nature driven environment. Here, you will find seashells, ocean, rocks, crabs, and all one would expect. Overall, this is a very beautiful Southern California location. It's a great place to visit, take a walk around, and explore the nature of the costal environment.

Wasn't aware these tide pools existed. I noticed the walkway first. Very cool. Lots of marine life…read moreand large shells. It's the perfect place to view and learn about ocean life with the kids. The beach is mostly rocks and the side of the hill that has fallen over the years, including succulents from homes that the ground squirrels run and play around. Numerous ground squirrels. Look like they've been eating well. During low tide, you can walk all the way to Sunken City. It's paid parking if you decide to park at the beach. There's plenty of free street parking in the nearby neighborhood.