Galleries set up in a historic ferry building tell the story of LA’s relationship with the sea and display enough ship models (including an 18ft cutaway of the Titanic ), figureheads and navigational equipment to keep your imagination afloat for an hour or so.
If you enjoy clambering around old ships, head a mile north to the SS Lane Victory , a museum vessel that sailed the seven seas from 1945 to 1971. Self-guided tours take in the engine room and the cargo holds. See the website for directions.
Further south, you’ll be besieged by shrieking gulls and excited children at Ports O’Call Village . Skip the trinket stores and fill up on fresh fish and shrimp at the raucous San Pedro Fish Market & Restaurant. Afterwards, hop on a port cruise or join a whale-watching trip (January to March).
