More about San Pedro California

San Pedro is a city in Los Angeles County which was annexed in 1909 and is the largest port on the West Coast and the busiest port in the nation. The city is located on the southern end of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and had gone from a small fishing industry to a large-scale working class city and one of the busiest ports. The city was named for St Peter of Alexandria, a bishop in Ancient Egypt. In 1602-1603, the California coastline, including San Pedro Bay, was officially mapped by Sebastian Vizcaino. Settlement by the Europeans began in the San Pedro area in 1769 in an effort to populate California. The area, which at the time of settlement was known as Rancho San Pedro, is the site of the first Spanish land grants in Alta California; the land was granted in 1784 by King Carlos III. During the early 20th century, San Pedro became an important location for the War Department, from 1919 to 1934, the government used the port to house a number of battleships, aircraft carrier, cruisers and support ships. San Pedro is the home to some well known landmarks including the Vincent Thomas Bridge, the Los Angeles Maritime Museum SS Lane Victory. The Vincent Thomas Bridge is a suspension bridge, spanning 1,500 feet, and connects San Pedro with Terminal Island. The bridge is the third longest suspension bridge in California and was named after Assemblyman Vincent Thomas. The Los Angeles Maritime is the largest maritime museum in the state, and the museum ship the SS Lane Victory is a fully functional World War II ship that is now a National Historic Landmark. The city is also home to the Point Fermin Lighthouse, a Victorian-era tower, built in the late 19th century, the structure still stands as a museum and a park, situated on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Not only does the city house well-known landmarks, but also fun, family friendly festivals; the annual Shakespeare by the Sea, Los Angeles Festival is held in San Pedro at Point Fermin Park every summer. The festival offers guests free presentations of Shakespeare’s works in a fun, friendly environment. The city also hosts the Annual Chocolate Lobster Dive-a-Thon, held at Cabrillo Beach. Participants in the festival must SCUBA dive to find “chocolate lobsters” and win prizes.