LA WATERFRONT DELIVERS AN AUTHENTIC VISITOR EXPERIENCE STEEPED IN HISTORY AND THE AMERICAN SPIRIT

With Small-Town Charm and Family-Friendly Attractions, the LA Waterfront at Port of Los Angeles Offers a Slice of American Life, Both Past and Present

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — May 29, 2013 — Many who visit Los Angeles often miss out on the rich history and heritage that made Southern California the thriving metropolis that it is today.  

Much of region’s growth over the past 150 years was – and continues to be – connected to retail goods and other cargo flowing through the Port of Los Angeles, also known as America’s Port®, anchoring the largest trade gateway in the western hemisphere. For wanderlusters near and far, the 2013 summer season provides a great opportunity to experience both the old and new at the historically authentic LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles. 

Whether you visit on weekday, weekend or come down for one of the many special events, there's something for everyone on the LA Waterfront.

From historic landmarks and museums, to one of the largest indoor craft marketplaces in the country, to authentic, ethnic eateries, trendy cafes and shabby-chic art galleries in downtown San Pedro, the LA Waterfront is a destination for visitors seeking a truly authentic American experience. 

Staying true to a rich culture of a port town influenced by European and Asian working-class immigrants who settled the area generations ago, the LA Waterfront allows visitors to see a working port in action while taking in the old-town seaport culture, cuisine and character.  Substantial investments by the Port of Los Angeles over the last several years have added a new and growing mix of visitor-friendly elements, like expansive public promenades and bike paths, public art, a new outer harbor marina and beautiful parks not far from the water’s edge. 

In addition to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Banning Residence Museum, and a handful of other historic landmarks, new attractions like the Battleship IOWA, CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles and eclectic shops and eateries in San Pedro’s historic downtown district make for a full day of exploration and fun. Next summer, a downtown-adjacent public harbor and plaza will be completed and, in the future, the waterfront’s Ports O' Call Village – another popular weekend attraction – will also be re-developed.

“With something for everyone, the LA Waterfront is a place where visitors can experience an authentic slice of Los Angeles’ heritage and history, while exploring what’s new too,” said Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz.

The once predominantly industrial waterfront now offers a mix of activities and attractions that provide visitors a full day – or even an overnight stay – with plenty of things to do, including: 

EXPLORE –

• The free vintage Waterfront Red Car Line trolley runs along a 1.5 mile route connecting the World Cruise Center and the spectacular Gateway Fanfare Fountain on the north end, to other attractions, shops and restaurants along the waterfront and historic downtown district.  
• Along the ride, stop for a visit at the L.A. Maritime Museum or Ports O' Call Village, or end the journey at the 22nd Street Landing, where it’s just a quick walk to the picturesque park there or the famous CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles marketplace (open Friday through Sunday).
• Los Angeles’ newest “floating” museum attraction is the Battleship IOWA.  This 887-foot, 45,000-ton World War II battleship has been designated the “World’s Greatest Naval Ship” because of her power, speed, heavy armor, longevity and modern technology. Tours are held daily.
• Or continue the exploration of local military history with visits to the S.S. Lane Victory, a nationally recognized historic 1945 battleship; Fort MacArthur Museum, a former U.S. Army post that guarded the L.A. Harbor from 1914 – 1974; and the Drum Barrack Civil War Museum, the only Civil War-era U.S. Army building still standing in Southern California.
• With its spectacular natural setting adjacent to Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park and the Port of Los Angeles, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has provided a great place to explore sea life for 75 years.  First to offer whale-watching tours along the coast, the historic Frank Gehry-designed aquarium displays the largest collection of Southern California marine life in the world.  Just a short walk away is also the famous Point Fermin Lighthouse circa 1874, the first navigational light into the San Pedro Bay.
• Located in the historic 1941 Municipal Ferry Terminal, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Los Angeles Maritime Museum celebrates the history of Los Angeles Harbor and the ferry system that transported thousands of passengers to canneries and shipyards, as well as to military bases on historic Terminal Island. 
• Or for a breath of fresh air, take a self-guided Historic Walking Tour called “Windows of the Past,” which takes visitors on a visual experience of the LA Waterfront’s colorful and rich past. Or head to Wilmington and visit the Banning Residence Museum. Built in 1864, this exquisitely restored 23-room Greek revival mansion was once home to General Phineas Banning, best known as the "Father of the Port of Los Angeles."