Things To Do
Los Angeles Zoo
There are four baby apes at the zoo right now! It's across town from the wedding venue, but it's practically in our backyard, and Katie worked on the education team prior to beginning her PhD.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Not too far from San Pedro. It's not the Shedd (what is?), but it is a great aquarium.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
It's across the parking lot from our wedding venue and free.
Marine Mammal Care Center
Located just up the hill from our wedding venue, the Marine Mammal Care Center inspires ocean conservation through marine animal rehabilitation, education, and research. Reserve a spot for a free visit on their website.
Catalina Island
A one-hour ferry ride on the Catalina Express. Rent a golf cart and explore on your own, snorkel the crystal-clear waters at Lover's Cove, zip-line above the Pacific, or hunt for the island's roaming bison on a guided Hummer tour. Or, Descanso Beach Club has a chair and an umbrella with your name on it. The ferry departs right from San Pedro.
The Broad
Contemporary art museum with free tickets when you make a reservation.
California Science Center
Home of the space shuttle Endeavor + more
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
This might be one of the ones on this list we've been to the most outside of the zoo.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the largest museum in the United States devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking. There is a special exhibit on Jaws that will still be here when you're in town.
Petersen Automotive Museum
Whether you're into automotive history or just want to see the actual Batmobile up close, the Petersen Automotive Museum delivers on both counts.
The Getty
Art from the Middle Ages to today set amid modern architecture and gardens
The Getty Villa
Greek and Roman antiquities are housed in a re-created Roman country home.
The Comedy Store
Despite being famously owned by Shores, I do not get free drinks here. It is my favorite comedy club in the world, though.
Hollywood Improv
Check the bills, and only go here if you prefer the comedians to the ones going up at the Store.
Dynasty Typewriter
A lot of great standup and improv with names and faces you'll definitely recognize.
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
A lot of great standup and improv with names and faces you'll definitely recognize...for slightly less money than the Dynasty Typewriter.
Tide Pooling
San Pedro has some great tide pooling spots close to our venue, including Cabrillo Beach and White Point Beach. Bring sturdy sandals or hiking boots to navigate the rocky beach and check the tide charts online for low tide times to have the best experience! For a longer adventure, Malibu’s Leo Carrillo State Beach has incredible tide pools and sea caves about 60 miles north of San Pedro.
Hiking
Runyon Canyon: The quintessential LA hike. Easy-to-moderate, great city views, you'll spot the Hollywood Sign and probably a celebrity or two. Off-leash dog area too. Griffith Observatory Trail: Hike up from the Fern Dell entrance to the Observatory for panoramic views of the city and the Sign. Stop inside the Observatory (free!) for a bonus. Cahuenga Peak / Wisdom Tree: A Griffith Park gem. Moderate, ends at a lone tree on a ridge with sweeping views of the Hollywood Sign from behind. Solstice Canyon, Malibu: Easy, shaded, and dramatic. Ends at waterfall ruins of a burned-out 1960s house. If you have questions or aren't seeing what you're looking for, please reach out to Andy directly, who will then probably text Jordan Kafenstok.
Food Recs
Din Tai Fung: Cucumber salad, pork XLB, shrimp and pork wontons in spicy sauce, sesame noodles, and chocolate mochi dumplings with the salted creme sauce. You’re welcome. Sonoratown: This is where Andy learned to have an opinion about tortillas. Burritos La Palma: Our favorite bean and cheese burrito in town Mariscos Jaliscos: The most famous taco in LA for a reason. Triple Beam Pizza: Nancy Silverton’s pizza chain in LA Pizzaria Sei: #2 pizza place in the US. Badmaash: Half the menu is traditional Indian food, and the other half includes poutine with butter sauce and unreal fried chicken. Playa Provisions: A Brooke Williamson spot for Top Chef fans. Neptune’s Net: Fried and grilled fish, fish tacos, and great views of the ocean. This is an embarrassingly incomplete list, but it includes some of our favorites and options close to the wedding venue. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re looking for something specific.