Boating town guide
San Pedro
San Pedro, Los Angeles County, CA
Overview
San Pedro is the harbor district of Los Angeles and the home of the Port of Los Angeles, one of the busiest ports in the Western Hemisphere. It is also one of Southern California's most practical boating towns, with large marinas, sportfishing landings, a public launch ramp and the closest mainland connection to Catalina's Two Harbors.
Marinas and clubs
Cabrillo Way Marina (about 695 wet slips and 375 dry storage spaces), Cabrillo Marina (listed with 890 slips) and San Pedro Marina all sit near the harbor entrance. The Port operates 15 marinas with 3,736 slips across San Pedro and Wilmington. Five yacht clubs operate here, including the Los Angeles Yacht Club, Buccaneer Yacht Club and Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club.
Sportfishing and the ramp
Sportfishing landings such as 22nd Street Landing and LA Waterfront Cruises and Sportfishing run half-day, full-day, 1.5-day and multi-day trips. Trailer boaters launch at the Cabrillo Beach ramp. The Port also lists free public landings at Berth 84 and Berth 186.
Catalina
Catalina Express runs from the Catalina Sea and Air Terminal in the Port of Los Angeles. The crossing to Avalon or Two Harbors takes about 75 minutes. San Pedro was the company's original departure point in 1981 and is the only terminal with year-round daily service to Two Harbors.
West Harbor
Ports O' Call Village was demolished in 2019 to make way for West Harbor, a waterfront development. It has opened in stages, with the San Pedro Fish Market's new landing opening in October 2025 and The Majestic in late December 2025. More venues, an amphitheater and a permanent Fish Market building were targeted for 2026, so check current status before you go.
Getting there & access
By water
Enter Los Angeles Harbor through the Angels Gate entrance. Expect large commercial ships and monitor VHF channels 16, 14 and 13.
Launching
The public Cabrillo Beach ramp is off Shoshonean Road. Free public landings at Berth 84 and Berth 186 also allow launching; vessels may not be left unattended and fishing is prohibited.
Courtesy dock
The Downtown Harbor courtesy dock at Berth 85 is free daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a four-hour limit per 24 hours.
Catalina by ferry
Catalina Express departs from the Catalina Sea and Air Terminal in the Port of Los Angeles. The crossing is about 75 minutes, and San Pedro is the only terminal with year-round daily service to Two Harbors.
Fuel and pump-out
The Cabrillo Marine Fuel Dock is at 210 Whalers Walk, and pump-outs are at Cabrillo Marina, the fuel dock and Cabrillo Way Marina.
Amenities
- Cabrillo Way Marina — About 695 wet slips, 375 dry storage spaces, guest slips; (310) 514-4985
- Cabrillo Marina — 224 Whalers Walk; fuel, pump-out and transient berths listed
- San Pedro Marina — 80 Whalers Walk
- Cabrillo Beach ramp — Paved public launch
- Sportfishing landings — 22nd Street Landing and LA Waterfront Cruises and Sportfishing
- Catalina Express — Passenger ferry to Avalon and Two Harbors
- Yacht clubs — Five clubs including Los Angeles Yacht Club and Buccaneer Yacht Club
- West Harbor — Waterfront dining and entertainment with Harbor Breeze Cruises tours
- Cabrillo Beach — Inner and outer beach, fishing pier and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
- Monitor VHF 16, 14 and 13 in the harbor and avoid passing large vessels closely
- Courtesy dock at Berth 85: four-hour maximum per 24 hours, no repairs and no discharges
- Public landings at Berth 84 and Berth 186: no unattended vessels and no fishing
- Avoid improper hull cleaning, illegal bilge dumping and holding-tank discharge
Common boat service needs here
Bottom and hull cleaning
Warm harbor water promotes marine growth, so slip holders commonly book regular diver cleanings.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Engine service for Catalina runs
Many local boats cross to Catalina, so cooling and fuel-system service are in steady demand.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Marinas and storage
Thousands of slips and large dry storage yards mean frequent need for storage and dock services.
Find Marinas, Storage & Dock Services providers →Detailing and canvas
Sun and salt spray wear on gelcoat and canvas.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.