Things to Do and Places to Go

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Tidepools

Los Angeles Harbor Fire Museum

Fort MacArthur Military Museum

Marine Mammal Care Center

Korean Friendship Bell

Los Angeles Maritime Museum

S.S. Lane Victory

International Bird Refuge Center

Grunion Runs                                                        Phone:  (310) 548-7562

Despite local concentrations, grunion are not abundant. The most critical problem facing the grunion resource is the loss of spawning habitat caused by beach erosion, harbor construction, and pollution. By the 1920's the fishery was showing definite signs of depletion and a regulation was passed in 1927 establishing a closed season of three months, April through June. The fishery improved and in 1947 the closure was shortened to April through May. This closure is still in effect to protect grunion during the peak spawning period. 

Spawning occurs from March through August, and occasionally in February and September. Peak spawning period is between late March and early June. Once mature, an individual may spawn during successive runs at about 15-day intervals. Females can spawn as many as six times during a season. Mature females lay between 1,600 and 3,600 eggs during one spawn, with the larger females producing more eggs.

While grunion spawn on many beaches in southern California, the Department of Fish and Game does not recommend any particular beach because of changing safety conditions and local curfews. One of the best ways to find out which beaches have had recent runs is to call the state and county beach lifeguards who can often tell if spawning has taken place. There is a grunion program offered to the public at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro on several nights of the season. Call (310) 548-7562 for details. 

A fishing license is required for persons 16 years and older. Grunion may be taken by hand only. No holes may be dug in the beach to entrap them. There is no limit, but take only what you can use. It is unlawful to waste fish.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium                                    Phone:  (310) 548-7562

Los Angeles Harbor Fire Museum

Located at 638 South Beacon Street in San Pedro, Old Fire Station 36 was opened in 1928 when San Pedro City Hall opened.  The fire station closed in 1972 and was reopened as a museum August, 2003.  It is owned and operated by the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society.  Many of its volunteers were stationed at this old fire house.  The theme of the museum is Harbor Fire-Fighting and Rescue.  It contains four retired Los Angeles Fire Department fire apparatus, and many displays of LAFD and harbor-related items such as a fireboat and dive display, hose fittings, various tools and equipment. 

The museum is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and donations are appreciated.   

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From 1916-1945, this was the Upper Reservation of the Fort, and operation post for defense of the harbor against enemy attack from the sea. The site housed four batteries, each secured under 12 feet of concrete, and with walls from 16-30 feet thick. Each battery housed a giant 14 inch seacoast gun, called a disappearing rifle, capable of firing 14 miles. The guns could be loaded and pre-sighted safely from behind their 20-foot thick parapets, then raised up, fired and retracted back into the loading positions in less than 20 seconds. The museum features photos, drawings, exhibits and memorabilia of Fort MacArthur and Los Angeles Harbor defenses from 1920 through World War II. Open Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5PM. Donation. They request that you call ahead for groups.

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Marine Mammal Care Center                                 Phone (310) 548-5677

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Korean Friendship Bell        Angels Gate Park, Gaffey and 37th Street

The bell is set in a pagoda-like stone structure which was constructed on the site by thirty craftsmen flown in from Korea. It took them ten months and costs $569,680. The pavilion is supported by twelve columns representing the twelve designs of the Oriental zodiac. Animals stand guard at the base of each column.

Resting peacefully on the knoll overlooking the sea gate from which U.S. troops sailed into the Pacific, the bell site affords an unsurpassed view of the Los Angeles harbor, the Catalina Channel and the sea terraces of San Pedro hill. The bell is rung only three times each year: the Fourth of July, August 15 (Korean Independence Day) and New Year's Eve.

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Founded in 1980, the museum is located at Berth 84, approximately two miles from our front gate. Parking is Free. The changing exhibits explore the maritime history of Southern California, while their educational affiliate, the Los Angeles Maritime Institute, provides sail-training opportunities for students year-round. Museum hours are Tuesday - Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm. (Closed Mondays). Tours in English and Spanish are available by appointment. There is a donation of $1.00 per person. TDD: 310-548-2049 - Fax: 310-832-6537

The museum is A.D.A. - accessible.

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S.S. Lane Victory                                                     Phone (310) 519-9545

Come aboard the S.S. Lane Victory, a 10,000 ton World War II "Victory" cargo ship, lovingly and meticulously restored by volunteers and operated by U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II. This national historic landmark is a living memorial to the seamen who lost their lives at sea. It includes a museum of ship memorabilia including whistles, flags and cannons; gift shop and library. One-hour guided tours of the bridge, crew's quarters, ham radio room and engine rooms are available, as are occasional all-day voyages recalling the adventures of its service in World War II, Korea and Viet Nam. Visitors can go from the bridge to the galley to the cargo holds. Not wheelchair-accessible; no sandals or high heels. Open for self-guided tours from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. Donation: $3.00 per adult, $1.00 per child 15 and under. Group rates are available for tours. Two hours of free parking is available at the site.