Catalina Express, the company that runs the ferries from Southern California ports to Catalina Island, has a very nice terminal building in San Pedro.. The Catalina Express terminal is beautiful. The building is clean and bright and gives a nod to Catalina’s transportation past with a small replica of a seaplane hanging from the ceiling, But it’s the patio that’s the star.
It’s huge, L-shaped and can easily hold a few hundred people. It has fire pits and couches like a Las Vegas lounge and is on the water with a view looking out to the harbor and up at the Vincent Thomas Bridge. With the weather we have in Southern California, it’s an ideal place to spend an afternoon or evening.
The large patio is a great warm-up or wind-down spot before going to, or after returning from, Catalina.
Tbe Catalina Bistro serves dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings (4-9 p.m.). For other times, it has the Express Grill, and there’s also a small but very nice bar. The Catalina Express terminal stands out in San Pedro’s waterfront, whic is itself undergoing a rennovation.
San Pedro needs something classy to bring people down from PV and over from Long Beach. Even the South Bay and beyond. The USS Iowa is a great addition to the waterfront as an tourist attraction, but wine tastings and beer events at Catalina Express’ huge outdoor deck would be a huge boost to social scene.
With the Catalina Express and the cruise ships, most people go to San Pedro only so they can leave it immediately. The Bistro certainly makes for an desirable dining destination. Adding a taste of classy events would be a step toward making it a happening hangout.
- Hours of operation: Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
- Free parking for the 1st hour.
- Parking is $2.00/hr for first 10 hours or $18.00/24hr.
- $18.00 Daily Maximum
- $18.00 for the first 24 hours and each additional day or a portion thereof.
- All parking rates are based on per space only. If you occupy more than one space, you will be charged all occupied spaces.
- Post Pay Parking Only
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