Museums

Banning Residence Museum
401 E. M Street
Wilmington, CA 90744
(310) 548-7777

The Banning Residence is a 19th century mansion that sits on a grand 20-acre property originally owned by Phineas Banning, "Father of the Los Angeles Harbor." Fashioned after popular Delaware homes of the era, the Banning Residence combines exquisite ancient Greek Revival design elements with much sought-after Victorian furnishings. Complete with antique coaches and carriages and modern-day picnic tables and tennis courts, the Banning estate has something for everyone. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and the museum shop is open during public tour hours. A $3 donation is suggested for admission. For more information, visit www.banningmuseum.org.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
3720 Stephen M White Drive
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 548-7562; TDD (310) 548-2052

Fort MacArthur Museum
3601 S. Gaffey Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 548-2631

The Fort MacArthur Museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the history of Fort MacArthur, a U.S. Army post, which guarded the Los Angeles harbor from 1914 to 1974. The Museum was established in 1985, and it is housed in the corridors and galleries of historic Battery Osgood-Farley. The Fort MacArthur Reservations hold an important collection of historical structures that were part of the U.S. Army's role in the defense of the American continental coastline from invasion. These structures clearly trace the development of American coastal defenses, from the all big gun era of the turn of the century to the missile era of today. Hours of operation are from 12 to 5 p.m., on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Contact the Museum directly for the holiday schedule. A $3 donation is suggested for adult admission; $1 for children. For more information, visit www.ftmac.org. 

Los Angeles Maritime Museum
Berth 84 (at 6th Street and Harbor Boulevard)
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 548-7618

Explore Southern California's nautical heritage tracing the growth of the Los Angeles Harbor from a tidal mudflat to one of the world's busiest seaports at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. The museum is housed in the former San Pedro Municipal Ferry Building, which ceased operation in 1963, coinciding with the construction of the Vincent Thomas Bridge. One of the largest maritime museums in California, it boasts 75,000 square feet and features more than 200 ship and boat models, a variety of navigational equipment and an operating amateur radio station. Historical references cover the fishing industry, tall ships, commercial shipping, U.S. Navy, Merchant Marine and recreational sailing. Hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and from 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Donations are suggested for admission: $3 for adults, $1 for seniors and children are free. For more information, visit www.lamaritimemuseum.org.

Point Fermin Lighthouse
807 W. Paseo Del Mar
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 241-0684

The Point Fermin Lighthouse sits on the southernmost tip of Los Angeles. Built in 1874, the Victorian-style lighthouse is banked upon a 100-foot cliff above the Pacific Ocean. It served as a beacon for the growing Los Angeles harbor until World War II, when the lantern was replaced with a lookout tower. Situated in Point Fermin Park, the lighthouse is a historical reference point within a picturesque ocean setting, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the rocky coast line, Federal breakwater, Angles Gate Lighthouse, Catalina Island and surrounding Palos Verdes and San Pedro Hills. The Lighthouse Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free and donations are welcomed. For more information, visit www.pointferminlighthouse.org. 

S.S. Lane Victory
Berth 94 (at Swinford Street and Harbor Boulevard)
San Pedro, CA 90733
(310) 519-9545

Get a true perspective of wartime in the 1940s aboard the fully-operational, restored cargo ship, S.S. Lane Victory. Designated as a national historic landmark, the Lane Victory is the only surviving victory-class ship in the world. She carried arms, supplies and personnel over thousand of miles during World War II. This vessel is a national historic landmark and guided tours are offered throughout the day. Below deck, you can tour the soldiers’ quarters, pick up antique artillery and be part of the action with mock battles and staged air raids. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekly. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children under age 15. For more information, visit www.lanevictory.org.