(First in an occasional series on “Hidden Cities of Los Angeles County”)
The elegant Banning House, a rare Southern California example of Greek Revival architecture, is included in my tours of San Pedro
Looking for a fun day trip that can fulfill your desire for design eye candy and engrossing history right in your own back yard – though maybe you did not know these local treasures were close at hand?
In this and future issues of Delicious Design, I am going to recommend several hidden cities of Los Angeles County, but will start with San Pedro.
As some of you know, I have led two trips to San Pedro through my Meetup group. On my itinerary have been the Point Fermin Lighthouse in San Pedro and the Banning House & Museum in nearby Wilmington. Just those two sites alone make the drive worth it, though there is plenty more to see, including the monstrous Port of Los Angeles.
The historic Drum Barracks site shines a light on California’s role in the Civil War
(I’ve also visited the fascinating Drum Barracks Museum in Wilmington, though I have not yet included it on my San Pedro tours. The Drum Barracks is where Union soldiers were stationed during the Civil War, and it is now a museum about California’s role in the war, which, though not widely known, was significant.)
The Point Fermin Lighthouse transports me to another time and place. Built in the 19th century, the Victorian-style lighthouse stands as a charming reminder that there once were such structures along California’s coast, though few remain today. And the stories of the lighthouse keepers and their families adds depth and interest to a visit there.
One of my lovely Meetup groups in front of the historic Point Fermin Lighthouse
What I particularly love about the elegant Banning House is its Greek Revival architectural style, rare in Los Angeles, and that it speaks to an early era in the city. Phineas Banning— entrepreneur, the founder of the city of Wilmington and “the Father of the Port of Los Angeles”— built the 23-room residence in 1864.
A nice way to break up what promises to be a busy day in San Pedro is lunch at the touristy but fun Ports O’ Call, with plenty of dining choices. Enjoy!