Your TL;DR Travel Guide to Finding this Significant Landmark
TL;DR: Perfect for a picnic-date, Angels Gate Park is a free and easy to access park in Coastal San Pedro. Not only does the park offer a beautiful view of the ocean (and has an amazing basketball court), it also is home to the Korean Friendship Bell – an important landmark symbolizing the relationship between the U.S. and South Korea. If you’re looking for a beautiful place to spend a few hours or love visiting local landmarks, be sure to stop by this free Los Angeles County location. Just keep in mind that this location is best visited by car (and the streets are on the hillier side).
- What is the Korean Friendship Bell
- How to Find the Park & Parking for the Korean Friendship Bell
- Other Things to Do in San Pedro
- Explore More
Just west of the classic downtown parts of Los Angeles, sits the coastal neighborhood of San Pedro, known for its shipping and industrial lots. With winding and hilly roads reminiscent of San Francisco, San Pedro offers a beautiful look into a very different side of Los Angeles County.
On my first visit to the Korean Friendship Bell, I was struck by just how beautiful and peaceful it all was. Surrounded by the hustle-bustle of the Port, San Pedro was always a hurried “shipping city” in my mind (L.A. is actually a sister-city of Busan!). Instead, however, I was greeted by a beautiful serene hilltop and some of the best views of the ocean.
What is the Korean Friendship Bell
In 1976, the Republic of Korea donated the Bell as a way of commemorating the friendship between the two countries and honor the veterans of the Korean War. Championed by Phillip Ahn, a Korean-American actor and advocate, the Bell is an important symbol that reminds us to hope for peace.
With expert craftsmanship, the Bell stands marvelously overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I am always struck by the beautiful vibrancy of the colors. And while you really only need a few minutes to check-out this impressive landmark, it certainly is worth the visit.
How to Find the Park & Parking for the Korean Friendship Bell
Address: 3601 Gaffey St., San Pedro, CA 90731
Parking Lot Hours: Sunrise – Sunset daily
Located in Coastal San Pedro, the Korean Friendship Bell is easy to access. With free parking in Angels Gate Park, you’ll be able to easily spot the Friendship Bell once you park your car. Just a little heads, up, however – the streets are a toned-down version of San Francisco, so expect a few hills during your drive. There is also a public restroom that you can access from the parking lot.
If you’re looking for an extra-special way to enjoy the Park, consider stopping by when the Bell is being rung. The Bell is rung 13 times on the first Saturday of the month and on certain special occasions.
Other Things to Do in San Pedro
The Park is the perfect place to walk around, have a picnic, and check out the sunset (it’s one of my favorite places to see the sunset). I also like to visit a few of the lookout points to capture some photos of the city (keep in mind, however, that many parks including Angels Gate Park have regulations restricting formal photoshoots).
If you’re looking to make a more complete day-trip in San Pedro, consider checking out:
Angels Gate Park and Korean Friendship Bell are peaceful, beautiful gems to visit in Coastal San Pedro. If you’re looking for a quick get-away, love visiting local landmarks, or are in search of a romantic spot for a date, then you should definitely consider adding Angels Gate Park to your list. With easy parking and no entrance fees, this free landmark is a special must-visit on your next visit to San Pedro. Let me know what else you like to do in San Pedro!
TL;DR Travels 
Leave a comment