32 Times Small-Town America Felt Like a Hidden European Village

31. The Croatian Coastline Vibes of San Pedro, California

Tucked into the Los Angeles harbor, San Pedro’s Croatian-American community adds a distinctly Dalmatian flavor to this working-class port town. Fishermen still haul in the catch, and local restaurants serve grilled seafood, olive oil-soaked dishes, and rakija with pride. The town’s layered history and seaside charm feel reminiscent of Split or Dubrovnik—minus the tourists. Sun-bleached boats, stone courtyards, and weekend picnics create a textured portrait of life lived by the sea. San Pedro’s authenticity lies not in design but in rhythm—a living, breathing nod to coastal Europe embedded in Southern California.