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Los Angeles family guide

Things to Do in San Pedro with Kids

San Pedro is L.A.'s working harbor town, where families ride the restored Red Car trolley, tour a tall ship, and watch container ships glide past from the bluffs. The free Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and its tide-pool programs, plus the nearby Korean Bell, make it a maritime-themed day.

Curated by Simir Shah

Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.

San Pedro on the map

📍 Where San Pedro is

San Pedro sits in Los Angeles, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Long Beach (~10 mi / 16 km). It's roughly 22 mi (36 km) from Downtown LA and 96 mi (154 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.

Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.

💡 Local tip: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium runs seasonal tide-pool and grunion-run programs; check their calendar for the kid-favorite events.

Things to do in San Pedro

Family attractions near San Pedro

The closest kid-friendly attractions in neighboring towns — with driving distance from San Pedro.

Free days in San Pedro

Free or free-on-certain-days admission. Rules change and some are residents-only — confirm with the venue before you go.

Always free

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Always free (donation suggested)

A small, very kid-friendly aquarium focused on SoCal marine life, with touch tanks and tide-pool programs; free with a suggested donation (parking is paid).

See all SoCal free museum days →

Festivals & annual events in San Pedro

What San Pedro is known for — the events locals plan the year around.

Sep 12, 2026

Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC)

A Filipino-American arts, food, dance, and music celebration at Point Fermin Park.

Free

Typically the first Saturday in December

LA Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade

Decorated boats, harbor craft and tall ships parade the Port of Los Angeles main channel from the Wilmington marinas to San Pedro, viewable from the waterfront promenade. The tradition dates to the early 1960s.

Free to watch

See all SoCal festivals →

Local restaurants in San Pedro

Pizza & Italian

J. Trani's

Italian-seafood institution near the port, serving San Pedro families for nearly a century.

Mexican & Tacos

The Chori-Man

Artisan chorizo shop slinging house-made sausage tacos and breakfast burritos.

See all 2 restaurants in San Pedro

Local shops in San Pedro

Makers & Local Goods

CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles

Permanent handmade marketplace in a 1940s warehouse with 100+ local artisan booths.

Boutiques & Apparel

Badfish Clothing Company

Locally designed streetwear, tees, and caps beloved by the skate and surf crowd.

Boutiques & Apparel

Rootz Uncharted

Locally founded apparel brand with clothing for men, women, and kids.

Gifts & Home

Drop In Gifts

Charming downtown gift shop with unique items for any occasion on 6th St.

Art & Craft

Cornelius Projects

Independent art project and gallery space showing local artists.

Vintage & Thrift

Cheap Vintage

Vintage and used furniture, antiques, collectibles, and clothing serving the South Bay.

See all 6 shops in San Pedro

Seasonal & outdoors near San Pedro

The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from San Pedro.

More Los Angeles family guides

Browse all SoCal city guides →

San Pedro family FAQ

What are the best things to do in San Pedro with kids?

Family favorites in and around San Pedro include Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Our guide lists 1 spot, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.

Are there free things to do in San Pedro?

Yes — free family spots near San Pedro include Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.

Where can families eat in San Pedro?

Local, family-friendly spots in San Pedro include J. Trani's and The Chori-Man — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.

What does the YourSoCal San Pedro guide cover?

Our San Pedro family guide includes 1 things to do, 2 local eats and 6 local shops — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.

Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.

Where to stay in San Pedro

Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commission

Compare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near San Pedro on one map — then book on your favorite site.