What is the difference between the inner and outer beach?

The inner beach is inside the harbor breakwater and has small, gentle waves. The outer beach is on the ocean side and has real surf, backwash and rip currents.

Can I launch a kayak or paddleboard at Cabrillo Beach?

Yes, paddlers commonly hand-launch from the inner beach, where the water is calm. Stay clear of the boat ramp and the harbor ship channels.

How much is parking at Cabrillo Beach?

$1 per hour with a $9 daily maximum, according to local listings. Trailers are $2 per hour up to $15.

Are dogs allowed at Cabrillo Beach?

No, dogs are not allowed on the beach.

Is the water safe for swimming?

Swim Guide shows no current data for this beach. California advises avoiding water within 100 feet of storm drains and for 72 hours after rain.

Where is the boat ramp?

At the north end of the main parking lot, reached by Shoshonean Road off Via Cabrillo Marina.

Cabrillo Beach, San Pedro: Inner & Outer Beach Guide for Paddlers

Overview

Cabrillo Beach sits at the southern tip of San Pedro, at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, and is split in two by the breakwater. The inner beach faces the harbor, with small, gentle waves. The outer beach faces the open Pacific and has real surf. The sand was placed artificially from harbor dredging in the 1920s and the beach opened in 1928.

Inner beach for small craft

The protected inner beach is the easy place for kayakers, canoeists and paddleboarders to hand-launch, and it is next to the public boat ramp. Inside the breakwater you are still in the working Port of Los Angeles, so stay out of ship channels and watch for vessels moving near the harbor entrance.

Outer beach

The outer beach is where surfers go. State park warnings cite large surf, cold water, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak and dangerous rip currents, so it is a poor choice for beginners in small craft.

Facilities

The historic bathhouse, built in 1932, has showers, restrooms and a snack bar. There are picnic tables and a playground, a 1,200-foot fishing pier built in 1969, and the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium next door. Parking is $1 per hour up to $9 per day, and dogs are not allowed on the beach. Twice a month in grunion season, people gather on the sand to watch the spawning runs.

Getting there & access

By road

The beach is at the end of Stephen M. White Drive in San Pedro, with the main parking lot serving the beach, aquarium and boat ramp. Pay by kiosk at $1 per hour up to $9 per day.

Hand-launching paddlecraft

Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards can be hand-launched from the inner beach in calm harbor water. Keep clear of the boat ramp lanes while trailer boats are launching.

Working harbor next door

The inner beach is inside the Port of Los Angeles. Large ships move through the harbor and the entrance at Angels Gate, and the Port advises staying clear because large vessels cannot stop or turn quickly. Monitor VHF channel 16 if you carry a radio.

Surf and rip currents

The outer beach has surf, backwash, drop-offs and rip currents. It is best left to experienced surfers and paddlers.

By boat

Trailer boats use the Cabrillo Beach ramp at the north end of the lot, and marinas including Cabrillo Way Marina are a short run away.

Amenities

Bathhouse — 1932 historic bathhouse with showers, restrooms and a snack bar
Picnic tables and playground — Picnic tables and a playground
Fishing pier — 1,200-foot pier along the breakwater
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium — Adjacent to the beach
Boat launch ramp — Paved public ramp next to the lot
Parking — Paid parking, $1 per hour to a $9 daily maximum
Grunion viewing — Seasonal grunion runs, about twice a month during spawning season