Built in 1941, this Public Works Administration (WPA) “Streamlined Moderne” building was the base for an auto ferry which crossed the channel at regular intervals from San Pedro to a sister building on Terminal Island. It served navy personnel, fishing industry employees, and people who wished to avoid the long circuitous route through Wilmington and Industrial Long Beach. With the completion of the Vincent Thomas Bridge in 1963, ferry operations ceased, and the building became an overflow office for the Harbor Department.
Saved from demolition by historically-minded citizens, the building has been beautifully restored, and now houses the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. Exhibits highlight the history of Los Angeles and include ship and boat models, the fishing and canning industry, the US Navy, figureheads, and an amateur radio station.
Try your hand at tying any of the 64 types of seaman’s knots on display. Grip the wheel of a 19th-century sailing ship. Visitors can views an old fishing boat and a tugboat while watching ships in the harbor, or participate in classes on such topics as small boat handling, scrimshaw, celestial navigation, and ship model building.
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.)
Closed Monday – Tuesday
Special Hours
December 23, 24 & 25 – CLOSED
December 31 – CLOSED
January 1 – CLOSED
Berth 84 at the foot of 6th Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 548-7618
