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Some locals have dubbed it Mayberry-by-the-Sea. And, for the moment at least, you’ll find plenty of history and culture but little in the way of pretension in breezy San Pedro, a port town dangling from the tip of L.A. Come say howdy while there’s still time, though. Lofts are rising as we speak.

Cabrillo Beach (3720 Stephen M. White Drive) may not win any beauty competitions, but you can indulge in s’mores and bonfires in this rare spot where that’s still legal. If you prefer your water in falls, pull up a picnic table at Averill Park (1300 S. Dodson Ave.), a convergence of shady slopes surrounding a stone bridge, picturesque gazebo and rippling pond. There’s no water within reach up by the Korean Friendship Bell, above, (Angel’s Gate Park, Gaffey and 37th streets), just stunning panoramic views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

If historic scenery’s more your thing, saunter down to the Art Deco Maritime History Museum (Berth 84), surrounded by a veritable sculpture park of ship bits, including a 16-inch armor-piercing projectile and a diving bell. To the south are the restaurants and shops of Ports o’ Call, but head north along the Promenade in progress, a wavy granite walkway inset with informative medallions.

Outside

WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE

FOR OLD SALTS

Inside

SILVER SCREEN, BLACK COFFEE

The sole survivor of Southern California’s three early-20th century Warner Bros. movie palaces, the Warner Grand Theatre provides an ornate setting for concerts and screenings (478 W. 6th St.). Next door, and almost as entertaining, sits Sacred Grounds, a 20-year institution, below, serving reliably superior java and assorted bands in a mix-and-match aesthetic that extends to the clientele (468 W. 6th St.).

A TROVE OF SHOPPING FINDS

The compact old downtown core leaves little room for big-box retailing, so the one-of-a-kind approach lives on. Find a huge assortment of vintage shoes at Threads of Time (446 W. 6th St.), while glittering generalities lurk across the street at Best of Times (416 W. 6th St.). Charles Bukowski used to sneak in to the literary casserole that is Williams’ Book Store (443 W. 6th St.) and secretly sign his books. And at heavily scented Z Fabrique (421 W. 6th), mermaids and sugar skulls are in stock.

THROUGH AN ARTISTIC LENS

Art galleries are colonizing the area as well. All are worth a visit, especially during the boisterous First Thursdays art walks, but this month marks the last chance to visit Taso Papadakis’ photography studio (731 S. Pacific Ave.). A commercial photographer and part of the family that owns popular Papadakis Taverna, Papadakis is signing off with a show shot by a 62-year-old bus driver. For culture in a more unexpected setting, visit Angel’s Gate Cultural Center (3601 S. Gaffey St.). Housed in a weathered 1937 Army barracks, this nonprofit center is opening two new shows Nov. 17.

Tableside

MOROCCAN FANTASY

Sleek restaurants are moving in, but the immigrant traditions of this hard-working port are still evident. Belly dancers, below, and tarot card readers await at red-carpet-drenched Babouch (810 S. Gaffey St.). Yes, there’s powdered sugar on your chicken and the expectation you’ll eat with your fingers, but Chef Youssef trained in the royal court of Morocco -- can you argue with that?

PUB GRUB AND PEANUTS?

Jimmy Carter recently dropped in on the flamboyantly homey Whale and Ale Pub (327 W. 7th St.). Word is he went for the prime rib, but he would’ve done just as well to order flaky fish and chips and one of the 14 British beers on tap. (Chantey singing is relegated to the upstairs balcony.)

FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD THROWBACKS

Renovations at the septuagenarian Indian Room (952 S. Pacific Ave.) came down to new appliances, upholstery and newly exposed brick walls. After all, who could have painted over that brave on horseback? Wood-paneled Godmother’s (302 W. 7th St.) -- a de facto museum of boatyard paraphernalia -- is likewise still kickin’ it old school, adding karaoke and a second room, but no attitude.

-- Mindy.Farabee@latimes.com