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Came back here for a second time because we've got major grunion fever! Our first visit was a total bust (just waiting around for nothing), so this time we did a proper grunion tour before heading to the beach. Still didn't spot any, unfortunately! Because we've only been here late at night searching for fish, I can't give a super detailed review of the whole park. All I really know is that there's water under the sink in women restroom.
When you think of SoCal beaches, this is not quite the image one holds in mind. Yes, it is a beach. Yes, there it is right up against the Pacific Ocean. But, as it is link to the L.A. Harbor, it just does not give one that true feeling of Surf Lifestyle. There are really two parts of this beach. There is the North-Facing side that is lined by the San Pedro Cliffs. Cliffs that are quickly falling into the sea. On this side, you can view houses that are barely in place and teetering on the cliff. If it was me living there, I would be very nervous. On this side of the beach is the more open, majestic space of Cabrillo Beach. Here the waves freely crash on the shore and you are just a short walk from the tide pools of the marine reserve, which I highly recommend visiting. You just have to be careful of the homeless and those using drugs like Crack over in that section. Because I have seen a few scary situations unfold. The other part of Cabrillo Beach is where most people congregate. This section is in direct view of the the ships that travel in and out of the L.A. Harbor. This area holds the main swimming area that has a buoyed safety rope strung across the outside reaches of the swimming area. This is where most people swim and enjoy the water. Due to this area of the beach being enclosed by the harbor breakwater, there are virtually no waves in this section. The water seems much more stagnate here. Thus, you really miss the feeling of the natural flowing ocean. Overall, though perhaps not the beauty one expects from the SoCal Oceanside, this is a unique contribution to the California Coastline.
It's not the kind of beach where you come to lay out on the beach. I come here often though because it's close by, after catching breakfast in the area. I usually park outside where parking is free. Once I walk onto the grounds, I turn right and check to see if the tide is low. There's a great tide pool on the other side of the bridge. Then, I walk on the sidewalk through the small park where people are gathered to picnic or hold a wedding ceremony. You'll notice a significant amount of ground squirrels in their burrowed holes or running up a tree. The restrooms are large with many stalls. There are also multiple showers to wash the sand off. I enjoy walking down the pier, all the way to the end. There are always people fishing. Dogs are allowed, leashed of course. You run into many individuals walking their dog on the sidewalk. By the way, there's also a ping pong table.
The tide pools here beautiful, but I was sad to see a person carry a bucket putting sea stars, crab, and sea urchins into it even though signs clearly say not to. I was also disappointed to see all the trash in such a beautiful area.
I have not been to the beach in quite some time. The wind was picking up a bit here and there. Parking was $1.00 per hour, and there is ample parking available There was many folks sunbathing just a few children playing in the shallow part of the ocean, a few picnics. Restrooms were clean and just cold ! There is a walkway to explore on the other side of the beach. I noticed many folks and children walking on walkway. So I decided to be a follower at this point It was obvious I needed to learn where they were headed. I found a safe place for my mother in law to sit ans enjoy the ocean views. I explored and walked around found some tidepools. Families were out thier with pales and all the tools they needed.
Cabrillo Beach is a nice peaceful beach. There were only a handful of people at this beach. It wasn't windy here at all. The water is calm, no waves, perfect for the little ones to get introduced to the ocean water.when you done with the beach you can along the marina and look at the boats. I didn't get a chance to look at the restrooms to see how clean they are or if they were wheelchair accessible.i have shared this location with family to bring their little kids to this beach since there wasn't too many people here. I didn't see anyone fishing, so you don't have to worry about losing a toe or two.
I was in the area trying to locate the Los Angeles Port for my cruise the following day and wanted to watch the sunset at a nearby beach. With 1/2 hour to sunset, this beach was the closest to me so I thought I'd check it out. Upon driving to the gate, I tried several times to pay the entry fee at the gate via my credit card. The machine kept giving me an error code and after a few minutes of trying, a few cars behind me started honking and yelling at me to move. Other cars just drove around me to the exit side of the guard shack and entered the beach. Eventually, I realized the machine didn't work and drove into the beach like the others. As I drove closer to the water, I started to see a lot of trash in the parking lots and on the beach. I also saw some sketchy characters walking around that made me feel uncomfortable, as well as homeless people digging in the trash bins. This was definitely not the peaceful or comfortable beach experience I was expecting for my sunset viewing. I drove to the end of the road and we all got out of my truck. Whew, it was super cold (68 degrees in the middle of July). I had just driven here 5 hours earlier from Vegas where it was 115 degrees, so we definitely weren't dressed for cold temps like these. I walked around for a few minutes and saw people sitting near the water literally wrapped in huge blankets. It was a very interesting experience. Overall, I didn't feel very comfortable at this beach, I cruised the heck outta here as soon as the sun went down. Our visit was on a Sunday, so I don't know if it was so trashy due to the weekend or if all the trash is normal. Regardless, I don't ever see myself coming back to this beach again. Cannot recommend.
I came here around 11:30pm to see the grunion run yesterday, and it was such a cool phenomenon to witness! The parking lot was closed, and there is no parking anywhere else in the neighborhoods nearby, but that was expected since I was going so late. There were a few police offers present, likely due to the fact that the grunion run was predicted to happen last night, and boy did they show up to spawn! There were probably thousands of fish wiggling all over the sand. This seems like the best beach in LA County to witness it, so I highly recommend coming to this beach at night to see it. Make sure to check the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife website for the predicted grunion run dates beforehand!
Nice, quiet beach. Prob alot busier in sumner. Waves are super small cause u got the jetty on both sides. Water seems clean. There is a marina here. Lifegaurd on duty. Cost a 1 dollar per hour, no cash only takes credit or debit cards. Kinda far to drive but worth it.
If you're going fishing by the pier make sure to park your car away from the jetty rocks. The rats will make your way into your car. I had some dog food for my dog and they got in my truck through the cabin pressure vents. Other than that cool place to fish and ppl are nice. Water is pretty clear too
I went to the Grunion Run... it was so much fun! I got to hatch grunion eggs, watched a fun film from the 60s or 70s about the mating process of the grunion then finally I got to watch hundreds of not thousands of grunion miraculously wash up on the beach and just as quickly wash back out with the tide. PRO TIP: You don't have to be early or 1st in line cause you get to walk around the aquarium before going to the beach!
This place has everything you'd like if you enjoy picnic at the beach or water sports or even fishing! There's a convenient boat launch. The beach is split up into 2 sides which is the calm side and the one with good waves due to the 2 jetty's there it's just perfect! For fishing this is heaven for kayakers, pier fishing and spear fishing. Many people enjoy SUPs, and other sail boats and sail surfing. I highly recommend this beach area!
This little corner of Los Angeles City is amazing. I CANNOT believe I've never been to this part of LA before. This is what I love about this city: You can live here for decades and still find something new. This beach has the following: - plenty of parking spaces - Surfing - Fishing. There were a dozen people on the pier trying their hand at fishing. One guy caught a, I think, a shark! I'm not sure that's allowed and I don't know whether or not the dude tossed it back. - an AQUARIUM! which is a working research lab - a Youth Center - playground set on the sand - fire pits And I didn't even get to walk the entire beach!
4 months ago
11 days ago
They took all my money off my card multiple times leaving my account in negative parking is $3 a hr i leave park and $88 was taken out not $3 read more
Came back here for a second time because we've got major grunion fever! Our first visit was a total bust (just waiting around for nothing), so this time we did a proper grunion tour before heading to the beach. Still didn't spot any, unfortunately! Because we've only been here late at night searching for fish, I can't give a super detailed review of the whole park. All I really know is that there's water under the sink in women restroom. read more
When you think of SoCal beaches, this is not quite the image one holds in mind. Yes, it is a beach. Yes, there it is right up against the Pacific Ocean. But, as it is link to the L.A. Harbor, it just does not give one that true feeling of Surf Lifestyle. There are really two parts of this beach. There is the North-Facing side that is lined by the San Pedro Cliffs. Cliffs that are quickly falling into the sea. On this side, you can view houses that are barely in place and teetering on the cliff. If it was me living there, I would be very nervous. On this side of the beach is the more open, majestic space of Cabrillo Beach. Here the waves freely crash on the shore and you are just a short walk from the tide pools of the marine reserve, which I highly recommend visiting. You just have to be careful of the homeless and those using drugs like Crack over in that section. Because I have seen a few scary situations unfold. The other part of Cabrillo Beach is where most people congregate. This section is in direct view of the the ships that travel in and out of the L.A. Harbor. This area holds the main swimming area that has a buoyed safety rope strung across the outside reaches of the swimming area. This is where most people swim and enjoy the water. Due to this area of the beach being enclosed by the harbor breakwater, there are virtually no waves in this section. The water seems much more stagnate here. Thus, you really miss the feeling of the natural flowing ocean. Overall, though perhaps not the beauty one expects from the SoCal Oceanside, this is a unique contribution to the California Coastline. read more
It's not the kind of beach where you come to lay out on the beach. I come here often though because it's close by, after catching breakfast in the area. I usually park outside where parking is free. Once I walk onto the grounds, I turn right and check to see if the tide is low. There's a great tide pool on the other side of the bridge. Then, I walk on the sidewalk through the small park where people are gathered to picnic or hold a wedding ceremony. You'll notice a significant amount of ground squirrels in their burrowed holes or running up a tree. The restrooms are large with many stalls. There are also multiple showers to wash the sand off. I enjoy walking down the pier, all the way to the end. There are always people fishing. Dogs are allowed, leashed of course. You run into many individuals walking their dog on the sidewalk. By the way, there's also a ping pong table. read more
The tide pools here beautiful, but I was sad to see a person carry a bucket putting sea stars, crab, and sea urchins into it even though signs clearly say not to. I was also disappointed to see all the trash in such a beautiful area. read more
2 months ago
1 month ago
4 months ago
2 years ago
I have not been to the beach in quite some time. The wind was picking up a bit here and there. Parking was $1.00 per hour, and there is ample parking available There was many folks sunbathing just a few children playing in the shallow part of the ocean, a few picnics. Restrooms were clean and just cold ! There is a walkway to explore on the other side of the beach. I noticed many folks and children walking on walkway. So I decided to be a follower at this point It was obvious I needed to learn where they were headed. I found a safe place for my mother in law to sit ans enjoy the ocean views. I explored and walked around found some tidepools. Families were out thier with pales and all the tools they needed. read more
Cabrillo Beach is a nice peaceful beach. There were only a handful of people at this beach. It wasn't windy here at all. The water is calm, no waves, perfect for the little ones to get introduced to the ocean water.when you done with the beach you can along the marina and look at the boats. I didn't get a chance to look at the restrooms to see how clean they are or if they were wheelchair accessible.i have shared this location with family to bring their little kids to this beach since there wasn't too many people here. I didn't see anyone fishing, so you don't have to worry about losing a toe or two. read more
I was in the area trying to locate the Los Angeles Port for my cruise the following day and wanted to watch the sunset at a nearby beach. With 1/2 hour to sunset, this beach was the closest to me so I thought I'd check it out. Upon driving to the gate, I tried several times to pay the entry fee at the gate via my credit card. The machine kept giving me an error code and after a few minutes of trying, a few cars behind me started honking and yelling at me to move. Other cars just drove around me to the exit side of the guard shack and entered the beach. Eventually, I realized the machine didn't work and drove into the beach like the others. As I drove closer to the water, I started to see a lot of trash in the parking lots and on the beach. I also saw some sketchy characters walking around that made me feel uncomfortable, as well as homeless people digging in the trash bins. This was definitely not the peaceful or comfortable beach experience I was expecting for my sunset viewing. I drove to the end of the road and we all got out of my truck. Whew, it was super cold (68 degrees in the middle of July). I had just driven here 5 hours earlier from Vegas where it was 115 degrees, so we definitely weren't dressed for cold temps like these. I walked around for a few minutes and saw people sitting near the water literally wrapped in huge blankets. It was a very interesting experience. Overall, I didn't feel very comfortable at this beach, I cruised the heck outta here as soon as the sun went down. Our visit was on a Sunday, so I don't know if it was so trashy due to the weekend or if all the trash is normal. Regardless, I don't ever see myself coming back to this beach again. Cannot recommend. read more
3 years ago
I came here around 11:30pm to see the grunion run yesterday, and it was such a cool phenomenon to witness! The parking lot was closed, and there is no parking anywhere else in the neighborhoods nearby, but that was expected since I was going so late. There were a few police offers present, likely due to the fact that the grunion run was predicted to happen last night, and boy did they show up to spawn! There were probably thousands of fish wiggling all over the sand. This seems like the best beach in LA County to witness it, so I highly recommend coming to this beach at night to see it. Make sure to check the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife website for the predicted grunion run dates beforehand! read more
Nice, quiet beach. Prob alot busier in sumner. Waves are super small cause u got the jetty on both sides. Water seems clean. There is a marina here. Lifegaurd on duty. Cost a 1 dollar per hour, no cash only takes credit or debit cards. Kinda far to drive but worth it. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
If you're going fishing by the pier make sure to park your car away from the jetty rocks. The rats will make your way into your car. I had some dog food for my dog and they got in my truck through the cabin pressure vents. Other than that cool place to fish and ppl are nice. Water is pretty clear too read more
4 years ago
I went to the Grunion Run... it was so much fun! I got to hatch grunion eggs, watched a fun film from the 60s or 70s about the mating process of the grunion then finally I got to watch hundreds of not thousands of grunion miraculously wash up on the beach and just as quickly wash back out with the tide. PRO TIP: You don't have to be early or 1st in line cause you get to walk around the aquarium before going to the beach! read more
This place has everything you'd like if you enjoy picnic at the beach or water sports or even fishing! There's a convenient boat launch. The beach is split up into 2 sides which is the calm side and the one with good waves due to the 2 jetty's there it's just perfect! For fishing this is heaven for kayakers, pier fishing and spear fishing. Many people enjoy SUPs, and other sail boats and sail surfing. I highly recommend this beach area! read more
This little corner of Los Angeles City is amazing. I CANNOT believe I've never been to this part of LA before. This is what I love about this city: You can live here for decades and still find something new. This beach has the following: - plenty of parking spaces - Surfing - Fishing. There were a dozen people on the pier trying their hand at fishing. One guy caught a, I think, a shark! I'm not sure that's allowed and I don't know whether or not the dude tossed it back. - an AQUARIUM! which is a working research lab - a Youth Center - playground set on the sand - fire pits And I didn't even get to walk the entire beach! read more
Not the prettiest beach but I came a few times for the sunsets. Sunsets can only be seen from the far end of the parking lot by the stone wall. If you enter via the end of Pacific street, proceed to the far end of the parking lot which takes a turn. You can also get here from the other entrance, but at first you feel like you entered cruise Harbor until you drive past to the shoreline across the road. read more
4 years ago
It's a nice local beach with great ocean view. People just hang out at the beach or enjoy marine activities. It was little windy and not too hot when I visited in August. read more
5 years ago
4 years ago
Best parking next to the rocks on the beach with a beautiful view and not that many people. It's truly peaceful just to sit down and watch the waves read more
3 years ago
Cute beach! They have swings, the aquarium, sand crabs, outdoor showers, and cheap parking. The waves are very mild so if you plan on boogie boarding do it later in the day during high tide. read more
Cabrillo Beach is different than most other beaches I have been to. It is more like a park with grass, benches and a BBQ area, it gets very full, tons of military due to being right next to a base. Very pretty as all beaches, but I did not get the relaxed, in another world vibe. I can't knock the beach, but there are others in the area I would go to before I come here again. This is great for groups or a picnic, not so much for a romantic stroll. read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
After the gate being removed on Friday night (4/2) the city of LA has put up a new gate today (4/5). The pier remains closed and awaits repairs read more
Go early to reserve a bon fire pit. The beach itself is ok. The sand is pretty dirty and rough, the bon fire pits are nice but too close to each other, the rest rooms are too far, the parking gets crowded ($1 per hour, max $9 for parking), and the beach itself is overly crowded with locals. The beach is also hard to find if you're not from the area. Make sure you move your car out of the paid parking lot by their posted closing times for the parking lot. You don't want to leave your car overnight, you'll probably get your car towed and ticketed or vice versa. It was a good time out there for a birthday but I don't think I'd be back to Cabrillo Beach. We're spoiled in SoCaL....I'd drive a bit north to find a cleaner, more secluded beach to chill on. Thanks to the birthday party for setting up the bon fire though, it was fun!! read more
9 years ago
Bottom line: don't come here to swim. The water is filthy. It's attached to the port of la so what do you expect. The beach itself is nice to walk/run along the sand. The parking is convenient. The bathrooms are filthy. The lifeguards are non existent. They just sit in their tower and collect a check. A new problem is that the beach itself has become infested with earwigs. The seaweed that has come ashore is not removed and left damp on the sand mixed with trash. This has become a breeding ground for earwigs. So you can no longer sit lay on the sand without the fear of earwigs crawling all over you. There was mention of a Sketchy people walking around and I was about to mention that there are none. I saw a guy peeing in a bush. Clearly could have walked to the restroom but maybe he knew it was already disgusting in there. read more
2.5 stars. I'll start with the pros. Wasn't hard to find parking space in the lot and parking is close to the beach. Lots of benches and tables and free wifi (spotty). They have a free aquarium, although you should really donate something. They have a free trolly that makes a few stops like ports o' call, uss iowa, downtown San Pedro. I'm not sure if the free trolly is during fleet week only though. 3 stars for the pros. Cons: it's dirty and a tad bit "ghetto". Sketchy characters everywhere. The restrooms were so filthy and smelly even after they just cleaned it. I walked to the aquarium to use the restrooms which were 1000x better but aquarium closes at 5. The beach itself 2 stars. read more
4 years ago
Cabrillo beach has perfected the parking and controlling of the home boys hanging out. With that I gave an increase with a star. The pay as you park with the attendant on site is excellente'. Because it adds a since of observation and call for the Calvary to come if needed. The life guards are concerned with pay issues as I hear in the distant discussions. For example, "how much overtime are you getting A and B who's working tomorrow." They should help with the law enforcement as well l guess that is a whole other story. read more
9 years ago
This beach is pretty cool, although I wouldn't suggest going swimming. It looks very dirty, and there's trash everywhere throughout the beach. Get there early for the free parking! After arriving at the beach to the right is the tide pool area. Bring good shoes! There's rocks everywhere to climb over to get to it. We didn't see too much but a few sea snails, anenome, hermit crabs and tons of sand fleas. There is also some pretty cool shells to find. If you go very far out around the tide pool area, there's lots beer bottles and spray cans. On your left hand side you can see the light house, where you can go in on Tuesdays through Sunday 1:00 to 4:00pm. The Tours start at 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm. What's also nice about this beach is there is fire pits for a bonfire and tables to eat your food at. read more
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More info about Cabrillo Beach
3720 Stephen M White Dr
San Pedro, CA 90731
San Pedro
Directions
(310) 548-7554
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Ask the Community - Cabrillo Beach
Website to the beach indicates no dogs allowed; however, I have seen some people walking their dogs near the aquarium. Am I able to take my dog for a walk there?
Dogs are allowed in the park. Not on the Sand.
Bonfire pits back?
No they were removed in 2020 due to the pandemic and have been banned on the beach since.
Are the pits back (summer 2021)?
Pits for bonfire are still gone/removed. June 2022
Review Highlights - Cabrillo Beach
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
8 reviews that are not currently recommended
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