San Pedro sits at the southern edge of the Los Angeles area, wrapped around the Port of Los Angeles and the waterfront of San Pedro Bay. It is a working harbour district rather than a resort strip, and its appeal for a visitor lies in that maritime character and in its position on the coast.
For a traveller, the practical question is where to base yourself relative to the water and the main roads. The source material identifies a small number of distinct areas within San Pedro, and this guide covers those areas only, along with the general kinds of accommodation you can expect at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in San Pedro
1. Via Cabrillo Marina
This is the marina area on the waterfront, built around the boat harbour and its approaches. It suits visitors who want to be near the water and the port-side atmosphere, and it is the most clearly defined place to stay in the source material.
Accommodation here is of the larger, full-service kind, with check-in and check-out times set by the property. The practical point is that this area sits on the marina itself, so your base is the harbour rather than the inland street grid.
2. Palos Verdes Street area
This area is named for Palos Verdes Street and is associated with the harbour-side hotel cluster. It suits visitors who want to be close to the port and the waterfront while staying on a named, identifiable street.
It is a straightforward base for a port-oriented visit. The practical point is that it is defined by its street address rather than by a separate neighbourhood, so you are still within the San Pedro waterfront frame.
3. Gaffey Street area
Gaffey Street is the third named location in the source material, and it is associated with simpler, more modest accommodation. It suits budget-conscious travellers and those who want a plain base rather than a full-service property.
Properties here run to the smaller, no-frills end, with set check-in and check-out times. The practical point is that this is the most budget-oriented of the named areas, so expect a simpler stay than at the marina.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Smaller inn-style properties on Gaffey Street, with basic rooms and set check-in and check-out times.
- Mid-range: Full-service hotels in the harbour and Palos Verdes Street areas, with reception, set check-in and check-out times, and phone contact for bookings.
- Splurge: The larger marina-side hotel, with a marina address, a 4PM check-in and noon check-out.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself around Via Cabrillo Marina. It puts you on the waterfront in the most clearly defined area of San Pedro, with the largest full-service property and the easiest sense of the harbour setting. From there the rest of the port-side district is within reach.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best for a first-time visitor to San Pedro?
Via Cabrillo Marina, because it is the waterfront marina area and the most clearly defined base in the source material.
Where can I stay if I am travelling on a budget?
The Gaffey Street area, which is associated with the simpler, inn-style accommodation in the source material.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
They vary by property. The marina-side hotel uses a 4PM check-in and noon check-out, while the Gaffey Street inn uses a 3PM check-in and noon check-out.
How do I contact accommodation in San Pedro?
The properties in the source material are reachable by phone, and some also list a fax number for bookings.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.