We would have only 1 1/2 days to explore the Los Angeles area as we waited to embark on the first leg of our World Cruise Adventure, set to depart from San Pedro, California on January 19, 2023. We had arrived two days before we were due to set sail, to ensure there were no last minute challenges.
We chose the Crown Plaza for our accommodations since it would be easy to get to the ship and also offered a nearby drop off for our rental car.
I am not generally a fan of big cities and prefer the quiet of the countryside and nature. It was in this way that I had come to discover a hidden gem known as Averill Park, as I sought some refuge from the concrete jungle and traffic of the city of Los Angeles.
San Pedro is best known as a busy cruise and container port. Located about 30 minutes south of Los Angeles airport, on first appearances, San Pedro doesn’t appear to have much to offer but since we had the rental car, getting around was fairly simple. I was determined to find the beauty.
After arriving by plane, we had spent the first day stopping at the beaches which dot the coast between the airport and San Pedro. Today our adventures would carry us from the hotel, to the Korean Friendship Bell, then to Averill Park and all around the Palo Verde area.
I chose Averill Park as our letter “A” because it had been described as offering spectacular views of the city and harbor. It sounded like a delightful place to practice with my camera.
The neighborhood park was created by Herbert Averill an early developer of the Vista del Oro area of San Pedro, and was deeded to the city of Los Angeles in 1920. It has remained a peaceful oasis for local residents ever since.
Parking for our hike through the park was a little interesting. The 10 acre park is set among steeply rolling hills and the paths challenging. We tried to guess which would offer the least resistance. It was futile. Since this is just a neighborhood green-space, there are no fees to park.
As we set out on our walk, I enjoyed seeing families perching their children in the gnarled wood of the amazing trees. I imagined the memories which have been made in this over 100 year old park.
Holding the hand of my love, Alan and I enter the park along the rose lined path. The roses were not in bloom this time of year but I could visualize the amazing colors which lead to the gazebo at the end. In the summer, this is considered one of the top wedding venues. I can feel the love here.
San Pedro is a neighborhood of Los Angeles, not a separate city. With a population of over twelve and a half million, green space is at a premium. Word has been getting out about this special place. Today is a weekday but the park is still alive with activity as people breath the fresh air and escape the hustle of the nearby city. I can only imagine the droves of people who make their way here during the summer.
As we make our way down the steep hillside we round a bend in the path and I pause to take yet another photo of the amazing trees. Arriving at the babbling brook, I breath in the newly sprouting greens of spring and gaze into the small stream which meanders through the valley. I think of the countless reflections of the people who have been photographed on the little stone bridge which crosses over to the other side. Today a turtle is the only thing I see in the water.
My ears follow the sound of rushing water to the little waterfall cascading down the hillside. This is a reminder that the path back to the car, is all uphill!
It is time for us to move to our next location. As the sun shines bright upon my face and the turtles rest quietly on the rocks of the stream, it is hard to tear myself away from the tranquility but our adventures for the day have only just begun. There is still much to explore, so we begin the trudge upwards.
If you would like to discover this quiet neighborhood park for yourself, it is located at:
1300 Dodson Avenue San Pedro, CA 90732