From exciting new restaurants and attractions to World Cup festivities and future Olympic events, here’s the latest on one of Southern California’s most anticipated waterfront destinations.
Written by Melani Morose Edelstein | 2026 | July | Issue 74
When Palos Verdes Magazine first sat down with Eric Johnson, President of Jerico Development Inc. and Senior Project Executive of West Harbor, and Alan Johnson, CEO of Jerico Development Inc. and West Harbor’s Director of Community and Communication in late 2024, the transformation of San Pedro’s historic waterfront was still taking shape. Today, visitors are beginning to experience what has long been envisioned as one of Southern California’s most exciting new waterfront destinations.
Building Momentum on the Waterfront
As this issue goes to press, West Harbor is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors as an official Los Angeles World Cup 26™ Fan Zone on July 14, 15, 18 and 19, offering fans the opportunity to gather along the waterfront to watch the tournament while experiencing San Pedro’s newest destination. The Fan Zone serves as an exciting preview of what’s ahead as restaurants, attractions and public spaces continue opening in the months to come.
Despite the progress, Eric Johnson says the project’s mission has remained the same from the beginning.
“The core vision remains consistent, guided by our mantra of ‘unique, authentic and fun’, but over time we’ve been able to focus more closely on the details that bring that vision to life. With tenants now building out their spaces and shaping their own environments, a new layer of character is beginning to emerge across the development.”
Recent milestones include securing final environmental approvals for the waterfront amphitheater and amusement park, completing a $61.5 million refinancing with Bayview Capital, achieving over 80% leased gross leasable area across the project, and being selected as an official Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone.
New Attractions at West Harbor
Among the newest additions is El Escudo, a first-of-its-kind electric excursion vessel being developed with Harbor Breeze Cruises. West Harbor will also feature the Port of Los Angeles’ first public electric vessel charging station and is expected to play a key role in a future hybrid-electric ferry connecting San Pedro and Long Beach.
“A lot of attention naturally goes toward the dining and entertainment side of the project, with anchor food and beverage tenants like the San Pedro Fish Market, Yamashiro, Mike Hess Brewing, Glass Box and Tacos El Franc along with entertainment anchors, Hopscotch and Sky Wheel, which will rise 175 feet and help define the Port’s iconic skyline,” Eric says.
While the lineup of restaurants and attractions has generated plenty of excitement, Eric believes the harbor itself remains the destination’s greatest asset.
“As the project has continued to come into focus, it’s the waterfront itself that really anchors the West Harbor experience”, he says. “West Harbor’s waterside attractions and opportunities to get down to and out on the water to explore the marine environment, through operators like Harbor Breeze Cruises and San Pedro Ocean Sports are integral to and help distinguish the West Harbor experience.”
Looking Toward the World Stage
When fully complete, West Harbor will feature a mile-long waterfront promenade, Harbor Breeze Cruises, San Pedro Ocean Sports, expansive public gathering spaces, the 175-foot Sky Wheel, immersive art installations, pickleball and padel courts, and a 6,200-seat amphitheater which will host concerts, festivals and year-round community programming.
Looking ahead, the waterfront is also expected to play a significant role during the 2028 Olympic Games, with sailing competitions taking place just offshore.
“West Harbor is already positioned to play a major role in these international events, with a natural advantage given our location within one of the world’s busiest maritime gateways. We will be hosting an official Los Angeles World Cup 26 Fan Zone, for both semi-final games, and the 3rd place and final games (July 14 & 15 and 18 & 19).” Eric says, “West Harbor will also be central to the large boat sailing events for the 2028 Olympics taking place within approximately a mile of the site. We expect to be a hub of activity and watch parties during the Olympics’ exciting return to Los Angeles.”
More Than a Development
For Eric and Alan Johnson, who grew up visiting the original Ports O’ Call Village with their family, the project has always been personal.
“Revisiting the site throughout this process has brought many of those memories back and served as a reminder that we are not simply developing a property.” Eric says, “We are helping shape a place that people will enjoy for decades to come. That responsibility is something we take very seriously, and it has deepened my appreciation for both the community and the waterfront itself.”
West Harbor, Just Minutes from the Peninsula
For Peninsula residents, West Harbor offers a new kind of coastal outing just minutes from home. Less than a 20-minute drive from many Palos Verdes neighborhoods, the destination brings together waterfront dining, harbor cruises, entertainment, concerts, water activities and family-friendly attractions without requiring a trip across Los Angeles.
As more businesses prepare to open, West Harbor is poised to become not only a destination for San Pedro, but a new gathering place for residents throughout the South Bay.
See updated photos and learn more about future events at West Harbor here!
Photo Credit: Studio One Eleven
