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San Pedro, CA

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Arts District San Pedro

4.5 (11 reviews)

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Joan S.

I decided to review the Arts District separate from the city of San Pedro because it is such a cool area it deserves its own shout. This developing yet thriving section of San Pedro lies between Pacific Ave. & Palos Verdes St., between 8th Street & 4th. It's between Pacific and the harbor, with beautiful climate and views. To get there by freeway, take the 110 south to the end, which is Gaffey. Turn left and go to 6th Street, take another left and you're there. From South Bay, I take Palos Verdes Drive along the ocean to San Pedro, it's on the Scenic Drive register for very good reason. I have a bunch of photos I've been taking over the past several weeks that will give a hint as to the flavor of this area of historic buildings. San Pedro is cool because it retains its original history, has not been torn down to make way for McMansions yet. Although.... there are new loft high rises going up like mad along the harbor. I could live in one of them, I like this area so much. Within the boundaries of the Arts District there are some 25+ art galleries and studios. And as many restaurants. And I don't know how many antique stores and specialty shops, but there are a ton. The oldest operating bookstore in LA is there. There's a vintage military surplus store that is a jewel. Thrift shops, too. And Little Fish Theatre. And the historic Warner Theater. And coffee houses and unique bars. The Vinegar Hill Historic District is right there too. I have yet to explore all the cool shops, it's gonna take some time. There so many - every time you go, you find something else to delight the eye and the palate. I also have yet to experience the first Thursday art walk, which I am told is a big hit with a large turnout. It's from about 6-9pm, on the first Thursday of every month, and I can't wait to check it out. http://www.1stthursday.com/ San Pedro Arts District is well worth the trip from other parts of LA. You can walk a couple blocks down to the harbor and see the Maritime Museum while you're there, and other harbor sights. Stay at the Crowne Plaza LA Harbor Hotel and make a weekend getaway of it, or just do a day trip. I should note that some restaurants are not open on weekends yet....this area is at its liveliest during the week. That will change as its popularity grows. For now, it's a partly undiscovered treasure, so now is the perfect time to hang out there. Parking is not a hassle, not yet. So far I've reviewed about 6 restaurants in the district and one bar. http://www.yelp.com/biz/mishis-strudel-san-pedro#hrid:9wGT0fxEW9V-3gj8LdccCg http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-whale-and-ale-san-pedro#hrid:wrB76uY67Ue-6KGtwv7dIg http://www.yelp.com/biz/godmothers-san-pedro#hrid:yLseQZKG_vgyHaaZ4Tkcnw http://www.yelp.com/biz/nikos-pizza-san-pedro#hrid:ztMpT4z20KlDComQs7NWNg http://www.yelp.com/biz/nosh-cafe-deli-san-pedro#hrid:RChkr19lm-Gr9is7CCtdWw http://www.yelp.com/biz/port-gelato-san-pedro#hrid:1GnsjY9j1AENQxm2QsdgTw http://www.yelp.com/biz/san-pedro-brewing-co-san-pedro#hrid:5Y3lu2ccQbbYZpP2a6gYYQ http://www.yelp.com/biz/beach-city-grill-san-pedro#hrid:tTfHYTr1-MScizU4wGrv6w And the old bookstore. http://www.yelp.com/biz/williams-book-store-san-pedro#hrid:Q20sShqeTDRyywiba7kH7w More reviews to come. Check out the photos.

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Vintage hangouts and old school charm! Great record stores. The food and atmosphere will bring you back in time and back for another visit.

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Great studios quaint neighborhood... And the Lobsta Truck! A great cultral evening...

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Review Highlights - Arts District San Pedro

“There is something for everyone here in my small buy lively town, the theater coffee shops shopping artist doing what they do best and you can always find some one singing...”

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Korean Bell of Friendship - Take your dog where there's nice grass and a cool breeze Rex the pug loves the Korean

Korean Bell of Friendship

4.7(612 reviews)
2.0 mi•San Pedro

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.

The bell is beautiful and housed in colorful, traditional Korean architecture. Statues greet you on…read morethe path leading to the bell, with plagues detail the bell's history and significance. Parking is free, with restrooms available in the parking lot. It's family friendly, with a play structure. There are beautiful, relaxing views of the ocean and a harbor. This is my third visit here. I've noticed there is significant wear and tear on some columns. I hope they can be repaired in a timely manner.

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Korean Bell of Friendship - Such a beautiful place

Such a beautiful place

Korean Bell of Friendship - Purplish

Purplish

Korean Bell of Friendship - Sunset

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Sunset

Ghost Fish 107

Ghost Fish 107

4.0(2 reviews)
0.6 mi•San Pedro

The Ghost Fish 107 Statue in San Pedro is a pretty cool piece of public art. It's about 40 feet…read moretall (ok, I'm bad at that type of stat but I did have to Google) and fits in perfectly with the area! The sculpture is a huge bluefin tuna hanging by its tail. It's made entirely of wire and is designed to look like it's just casually floating in air. The whole thing kind of gives off this ghostly vibe, which is actually where the name "Ghost Fish" comes from. This sculpture was created by artist Cheng, who spent five years putting it together before it was unveiled in 2012. What makes it even cooler is that the materials used in the sculpture weren't just random. They were actually donated by local fishing families in San Pedro, so it really feels connected to the community. The fish's design looks like a fishing net too, which is a perfect tribute to the town's commercial fishing industry. During the day, the Ghost Fish is pretty impressive just by its size alone, but at night it totally transforms. The big tuna is lit up with light shining through the wire with a magical glow. I guess if you really love modern sculptures and fish, I'd recommend you visit at different times of the day for taking pics.

Brandon D. and I happened to be rolling by on a whim after taking a walk through Ports O' Call. We…read moresaw this new statue and just felt compelled to stop and check it out. Hanging over the water, near Utro's and the many fishing vessels of Berth 73, is the outline of a giant tuna with net for skin, and filled with hooks, floats, ropes, and other implements that might be found on a fishing boat (photo: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ghost-fish-107-los-angeles?select=4A77FH1GwLMDIXxC5Gmkkg#0oEf2_scgn_z7tnZ9mEmxw). Artist Carl Cheng created the piece to call attention to "lost or abandoned fishing gear that continues to catch fish" (source: http://www.thelog.com/Local/Article/-Ghost-Fish--Sculpture-Unveiled-in-San-Pedro). Ghost fishing, as it's called, kills and wastes wildlife and is largely preventable. With it being placed adjacently to all the fishing boats, it's aptly located in terms of whom the message is directed toward. It's an excellent public piece.

Photos
Ghost Fish 107
Ghost Fish 107

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Cars and Stripes Forever - Love the classics. Stay for the fireworks.

Cars and Stripes Forever

3.5(4 reviews)
1.5 mi•Terminal Island

Very nice event! I never give 5 stars. This had everything we expected. Classic cars live bands and…read morea firework show. Hard to beat! The bands sounded good!! The food trucks were just ok. Don't come here super hungry but they were okay. I had the pulled pork French fries. They were okay. A little dry. All in all a good time! For free it's hard to beat. Parking across the street is free.

Over 100 classic cars and motorcycles, live bands, food stands, a beer garden, and last but not…read moreleast fireworks set to the backdrop of the beautiful Vincent Thomas Bridge and flanked by the awesome cruise terminal fountains which were designed by the same company that did the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel(both fountains are truly a sight to behold). 7/4/11 marked the 3rd annual Cars and Stripes Forever Car Show. Eddie G.,Laura P., Maritza S., Jen R., and Angie V.(other wise known as the Crew) came and peeped this awesome event out with me. Good times were had by all(even though we spent most of our time in the beer garden haaha!!!). I have been to the 1st and 2nd shows and plan to keep coming each year because good times are sure to be had here each and every time. Admission is freeeeee and when you roll with a crew of such good caliber peeps like mine how could you not have a good time!!?? Plenty of free parking. Photo opportunities everywhere you look whether it was a fly ass hot rod, the Vincent Thomas lit up with it's blue lights shining down on the harbor, the fireworks bursting in the air, or the lit up fountains shooting 50 feet in the hot summer air. One of the vendors was slangin' funnel cakes, fried twinkies and fried Oreos and for dedicated Yelpers like us you know that was a photo opp!!! Not to mention you can ride the red car trolley to ports o'call and back. This event is a classic example why I love my adopted hometown of San Pedro!!! See you all there next year!!!

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Cars and Stripes Forever
Cars and Stripes Forever - Eddie G. up close & personal w/ Impala

Eddie G. up close & personal w/ Impala

Cars and Stripes Forever - Classic Ride&Vincent Thomas Bridge

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Classic Ride&Vincent Thomas Bridge

Julie Bender - he's hangin' around

Julie Bender

5.0(1 review)
1.7 mi•San Pedro

Go big or go home. I'd say a 200 foot long outdoor mosaic…read moremural that is ten feet tall is going big. The "25th Street Mural Project" is the brainchild of artist Julie Bender (not her first mural in the area but one of the largest). Nearing completion, it's evolved into what appears to be a labor of love for the artist, working volunteers, and the entire community. After reading about the project for months in local newspapers, I had to go see it yesterday. All at once it's spectacular, heartwarming, and informative. Spectacular in concept & creation. Heartwarming because it's adorned with local residents' personalized, hand-decorated tiles. Informative, displaying San Pedro's very rich history as well as historic landmarks & attractions. The mural is on a retaining wall that runs along 25th Street (can't miss it). The lengthy process of obtaining permissions, amending an ordinance, securing permits & funding, is explained in detail on the artist's website. The planning & prep for the mural, followed by placement of custom tiles along with donated random glass & ceramics, etc. began over a year ago according to a volunteer I was fortunate to encounter during my visit. LynnDee told me all about the tile-making process, the use of colors, the layout & design, and more. Certainly no small challenge, but so worth everyone's efforts. Soon, she said, the sky will be added. Then grout will be applied which should make the artistry pop even more than it does now. I regret that I didn't get around to taking advantage of the "make your own tile" opportunity, which has ended. Although I don't live in San Pedro I certainly do appreciate the city's unique & interesting treasures, all of which are proudly represented on the mural wall. I did make a small contribution, however, by heading over to The Corner Store to buy a t-shirt that reads "Making History On 25th Street". This is certainly true. All proceeds from t-shirt sales go to help cover costs of materials. I personally think this mural is a masterpiece & predict it will be another major tourist attraction for San Pedro (judging from the groups of people there yesterday it already is, the reason I decided it was not premature to post a review). It's whimsical, delightful & one of the coolest works of art I've seen. I couldn't stop smiling the entire time I was there. So to Julie Bender especially, as well as everyone involved: big congrats on your accomplishment! Well done.

From the owner: I create one-of-a-kind, multi-dimensional custom mosaics for residential, community and commercial…read moresettings. My mosaics are artistically derived from a unique combination of hand-sculpted, hand-painted, and glass-infused clay pieces. I get inspiration from colors and movement in both natural and mythical landscapes. Past commissions have been a careful collaboration of my clients' visions and my own creative inspirations. Services include design, consultation, fabrication, and installation. Mosaics can be individually designed and customized to any dimension required. Have an existing area, open wall, floor or structure that needs a little character, texture and statement? Mosaics are a great way to add conversation, depth, and ambiance to any space. Need to bring a community together? I have worked on multiple community projects from obtaining permits to creating enthusiasm and generating community involvement. Have a custom idea in mind? I am ready to make your dream a reality. Pricing will vary depending on complexity of design and scope of project. For inquires and consultation, please contact me via email to set up a phone or in-person.

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Julie Bender - Eye of the gray whale

Eye of the gray whale

Julie Bender - Never say San Paydro!

Never say San Paydro!

Julie Bender - Marineland represented

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Marineland represented

Pow! Wow! Long Beach

Pow! Wow! Long Beach

4.8(4 reviews)
5.9 mi

Summertime in the LBC. The weeklong public mural festival has been renamed Long Beach Walls and…read moreArt Renzei. Read all about it here: https://lbpost.com/hi-lo/pow-wow-is-now-long-beach-walls-heres-your-guide-to-the-colorful-mural-festival https://www.longbeachwalls.com/ https://www.artrenzei.com/ https://www.instagram.com/longbeach_walls/ There are events centered around this week. One past year, Sun Bum (sunscreen) was a sponsor and held an event at the beach that ended in a movie showing. Some year before that, KCRW held a party in collaboration. This last time, I joined in the free yoga session (with RSVP). Led by Pedal Movement, bike tours are held during this time to visit the murals. The run club I'm involved in throws a couple of the murals in the downtown area being worked on into the running route during this time. Volunteer opportunities are available (such as being on site with the artist making sure they have what they need.) Look out for it next summer!

"Pow! It's the impact that art has on a person. Wow! It's reaction that art has on a viewer."…read morePowWow - a gathering that celebrates culture, music and art. The weeklong event that originated in Hawaii has expanded out to other parts of the country and world, including its 5th year in Long Beach. I was a bit disappointed the first year or so because they brought in a lot of outside artists when there are so many talented ones here. It also seems as if there is little collaboration between the artists and the places they paint. Businesses offer their walls and artists are given the freedom to create whatever inspires them at the time. Sometimes, the pieces seem random, whereas, others perfectly reflect the feel of the establishments. This year, I was happy to see a lot more local artists represented in the community. Some of them even took the time to collaborate with either the business or Parks & Rec to design pieces that emulate the nature of the places. I live close to Drake Park and was happy to see 3 artists beautifying it by adding more color and character. By request from neighborhood folks, Crisselle Mendiola and Jason Keam added butterflies to match the playground while Bodeck Luna depicted young people shooting hoops along the wall facing the basketball court. Another highlight from Pow! Wow! Long Beach was the closing party in the Promenade. I absolutely loved that KCRW DJs Mathieu Shreyer and Anthony Valadez came and served us some eclectic dance music. I can't wait to see what's in store next year!

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Pow! Wow! Long Beach
Pow! Wow! Long Beach
Pow! Wow! Long Beach

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Arts District San Pedro - localflavor - Updated November 2026

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