The lifeblood of the community of San Pedro is the two ports and the jobs they create for local residents. The Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor is formed by a series of rock breakwaters. It is the second largest breakwater created harbor in the world. Combined, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles represent the third busiest container port complex in the world, after Hong Kong and Singapore. The port is also the West Coast's busiest passenger port of call. Cruise ships depart on a daily basis for Baja, Mexico, the Mexican Riviera, Alaska and other destinations around the world. The cruise ship terminal complex is also the departure point for the Catalina Express.

While the port is a place for business, it also offers residents many cultural and recreational opportunities. San Pedro is home to both commercial and sport fishing fleets. The harbor area offers many attractions such as Ports O' Call Village, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Cabrillo Beach and the Cabrillo Beach Pier. Shoreline restaurants, quaint shops, harbor cruises, waterfront walks and an international inspiration add flavor to the Ports O' Call Village and allows for the unique energy and vitality of the port to be felt.

San Pedro's restaurants are known for excellent food and friendly service, featuring foods from all over the world. Dining in San Pedro is truly an international experience.

San Pedro's location on the coast provides almost unlimited opportunities for sports and recreation. Scuba diving, jet skiing, sport fishing, sailing, swimming and windsurfing are some of the activities available. San Pedro is most famous for being a great place for diving and sport fishing. The Los Angeles Harbor is the ultimate place to enjoy windsurfing and with consistent ocean breezes the area attracts windsurfers from around the world.

San Pedro has an international culture and a history dating back to 1542. San Pedro was founded in 1899 by Edward Muller, a prominent citizen who built a home at First and Front Street for his parents who resided in nearby Wilmington. When his parents decided not to move, Muller sold the home to his brother in 1901. By 1912, Front Street was widened and became Harbor Boulevard. The house was relocated to 19th Street and Grand Avenue, where it remained until 1986 when it was donated to the San Pedro Bay Historical Society for use as a museum.