Cabrillo Beach

Cabrillo Beach is a sheltered harbor beach at 3720 Stephen M White Drive in San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, about 25 miles (40 km) south of downtown Los Angeles. It lies at the southern end of the San Pedro waterfront beside the Los Angeles Harbor breakwater, and its position gives it two contrasting sides. The inner harbor side has calm, shallow, protected water with small waves, which makes it one of the more suitable swimming beaches in Los Angeles for young children and cautious swimmers. The outer ocean side faces the open Pacific and has stronger surf, drawing surfers and bodyboarders. The sand is light and soft, though the water is often cloudy because of the harbor setting, and water quality should be checked after rain. The mood is relaxed, local and family-oriented, with picnics, barbecues and school groups, and it is much quieter than the pier beaches of the Westside. Amenities include lifeguards through the day in the warm season, restrooms, picnic tables, a snack stand and the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, which features local marine life exhibits and tide pool programs. A rocky area and the breakwater are used for fishing and tide-pool viewing, with care needed on slippery surfaces. Grunion run events, when small fish spawn on the beach on spring and summer nights, are a seasonal attraction. Parking is in a paid lot beside the beach, and spaces are usually available except on peak summer weekends. Access is by car or rideshare, and the DASH San Pedro bus connects to the Metro Silver Line at Harbor Gateway for those traveling by transit. The nearby Point Fermin Park and the San Pedro waterfront offer additional sights, including coastal views toward Catalina Island on clear days. Visitors should check posted water quality advisories before swimming.