West Harbor: San Pedro’s Waterfront Reimagined by Local Visionaries

San Pedro’s iconic waterfront is undergoing a spectacular transformation with West Harbor, a massive development spearheaded by local brothers Eric and Alan Johnson. This ambitious project seeks to recreate the magic of the old Ports O’ Call while embracing a modern, authentic vision for the community and visitors alike.

From Ports O’ Call to a New Crown Jewel

For Eric and Alan Johnson, growing up in Palos Verdes meant frequent bike rides to San Pedro’s Ports O’ Call in the 1960s. This sprawling entertainment district, with its unique blend of 19th-century New England charm and Polynesian touches, was a childhood wonderland of pearl divers, joke shops, and glass blowers. Ports O’ Call thrived for decades, even inspiring elements of Walt Disney World Village, but eventually entered a long decline.

By the early 2000s, Ports O’ Call’s demolition became inevitable as regional leaders sought to revitalize the waterfront. In 2013, the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners made an unusual choice, selecting Jerico Development – a relatively small, family-owned company led by the Johnson brothers – over larger, more experienced firms. Their secret weapon? A century of family roots in the South Bay, decades of investment in downtown San Pedro, and a lifelong, intimate knowledge of the area.

West Harbor’s Dynamic Offerings

A dozen years in the making, West Harbor is now opening in phases, promising a vibrant destination unlike anything San Pedro has seen. The development features over 200,000 square feet of diverse attractions:

Dining and Entertainment Hubs

• Mike Hess Brewing will operate a 15-barrel brew house with a 20,000-square-foot beer garden.
• King and Queen Cantina will boast a massive 9,000-square-foot over-water deck and bar.
• Yamashiro, the revered Japanese restaurant, opens its first location beyond Hollywood Hills.
• A food collective will feature over a half dozen smaller operators, including a Michelin-starred taqueria from Tijuana.
• The expanded San Pedro Fish Market offers a 3,000-person capacity and mariachi bands, situated next to the amusement park.

Unique Attractions and Experiences

• A 175-ft Ferris wheel, the tallest in California, capable of spectacular light shows.
• A 6,200-seat music amphitheater, comparable to the Greek Theater, hosting up to 100 large-format shows annually.
• A mile-long waterfront promenade, offering stunning views of the active port.
• A dog park and pickleball/padel courts for active visitors.
• Hopscotch, an immersive, cutting-edge art gallery with changing installations.
• An array of waterside activities, including harbor cruises, a 1,200 ft courtesy dock (the longest in Southern California), fishing, water taxis, and unique floating attractions like a spa and a tiki bar on barges.

Adding to its appeal, West Harbor leverages a special provision allowing the entire site (excluding parking) to be treated as a single area for common alcohol consumption, enhancing the “going to Mexico” vibe.

Embracing San Pedro’s Authentic Spirit

Unlike Ports O’ Call’s “faux” New England village, West Harbor embraces its true identity as a modern waterfront development within an active, working port. Designed by Studio One Eleven, the buildings feature a warehouse aesthetic with clean lines, expansive glazing, and a rhythm that complements the industrial landscape. At night, these structures glow against the backdrop of the port’s lit-up cranes and passing container ships, offering a direct, unparalleled relationship with the water that other coastal cities lack.

A Partnership for Community Growth

The success of West Harbor is a testament to a unique public-private partnership with the Port of Los Angeles, which invested nearly $200 million in infrastructure improvements. This collaboration, built on trust and shared vision, is rare for projects of this scale. The Johnsons’ commitment extends beyond West Harbor; their family foundation supports AltaSea, a blue tech campus, and Eric chairs the Los Angeles Maritime Institute board, showcasing a holistic approach to waterfront revitalization.

The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Rather than opposition, the developers mostly hear, “Why is it taking so long?” This strong local support underscores the deep desire for a revitalized waterfront that resonates with San Pedro’s character. The project is already spurring growth, with 5,000 new housing units added in the last five years and rising property values, signaling an economic upswing for this proudly working-class town.

Comparing the Past and Present Waterfront

Frequently Asked Questions About West Harbor

• What is West Harbor?
  West Harbor is a major new waterfront development in San Pedro, California, transforming the site of the former Ports O’ Call into a modern entertainment, dining, and retail destination.
• Who is developing West Harbor?
  The project is led by Eric and Alan Johnson of Jerico Development, a local, family-owned company with deep roots in San Pedro and the South Bay.
• When will West Harbor be fully open to the public?
  Parts of West Harbor are already open, with the entire development expected to be fully operational by 2026.
• What unique features can visitors expect at West Harbor?
  Highlights include a 175-foot Ferris wheel, a 6,200-seat amphitheater, an expanded San Pedro Fish Market, a mile-long promenade, and innovative floating attractions like a spa and a tiki bar.
• Can I enjoy alcoholic beverages throughout the West Harbor site?
  Yes, the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control has designated the entire site (excluding parking areas) as a common consumption zone, similar to practices in Mexico.

West Harbor promises to be a multi-day destination, a vibrant convergence of entertainment, dining, and unique waterfront experiences that invites visitors of all ages to create lasting memories. It’s a testament to the Johnson brothers’ enduring vision: to build an authentic, fun, and unique playground for future generations, just as Ports O’ Call once was for them.

West Harbor Transforms San Pedros Waterfront