Boat ramp guide
Cabrillo Beach Boat Launch Ramp
San Pedro, Los Angeles County, CA
Overview
The Cabrillo Beach boat launch is a paved public ramp in the Port of Los Angeles, at the north end of the Cabrillo Beach parking lot. It is the main trailer-boat launch in the Los Angeles Harbor and puts you inside the breakwater, a short run from the Angels Gate entrance and open water.
Why boaters use it
Anglers heading out for kelp-bed and coastal fishing, day boaters and Catalina-bound skippers all launch here. The ramp itself has no separate fee, and you pay only for parking. Because it sits inside the harbor, the water at the ramp is protected, though you share the main harbor with large commercial ships.
What's nearby
A fuel dock and a bait barge are listed nearby, and Cabrillo Marina and Cabrillo Way Marina are just a short run away. Cabrillo Beach, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and a fishing pier are within walking distance of the parking lot.
Before you go
Access is from Shoshonean Road, which branches off Via Cabrillo Marina. Parking is run through self-service kiosks and there is no attendant or phone support at the ramp. Hours differ between sources, so check the posted signs. Vehicles without trailers can't stay overnight and may be towed after closing.
Getting there & access
Getting there
Take Via Cabrillo Marina to Shoshonean Road and follow it to the Cabrillo Beach parking lot. The ramp is at the north end of the main lot.
Parking and fees
Parking for a vehicle and trailer is $2 per hour up to $15 per day, paid at self-service kiosks. There is no extra charge for using the ramp. Overnight parking is $15 per day for vehicles with trailers only, and vehicles without trailers can be towed after closing.
Heading out
From the ramp you are inside the Los Angeles Harbor breakwater. Follow the harbor out to the Angels Gate entrance. Watch for large ships, monitor VHF channels 16, 14 and 13, and observe the no-wake area around the ramp.
Hand-launching
Paddlers can hand-launch from the shore at the inner beach next to the ramp. Stay out of the ramp lanes while boats are launching.
Amenities
- Paved launch ramp — Public ramp with no separate launch fee
- Pay kiosks — Self-service kiosks; no attendant on site
- Fuel dock — Fuel dock listed nearby; Cabrillo Marine Fuel Dock at 210 Whalers Walk
- Bait barge — Bait barge listed nearby
- Boat wash — Boat wash facilities at the Cabrillo Beach lot, per the Port
- Pump-out — Pump-out stations at Cabrillo Marina, Cabrillo Marine Fuel Dock and Cabrillo Way Marina
- Cabrillo Beach and aquarium — Beach, snack bar, picnic tables and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium next door
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
- Vehicles without boat trailers cannot remain overnight and may be towed after closing
- Parking fees are $2 per hour to a $15 daily maximum for a vehicle and trailer; no separate ramp fee
- The Port notes the ramp area is a no-wake zone for recreational vessels
- Avoid improper hull cleaning, illegal bilge dumping and holding-tank discharge
Common boat service needs here
Trailer and engine checkups
Repeated salt-water launching is hard on trailer bearings, brakes and lights, and on outboards that aren't flushed.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Washdowns and detailing
Boats that live on trailers benefit from freshwater washdowns and wax to keep salt from dulling the finish.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Gelcoat oxidation
Sun exposure on boats stored outdoors leads to chalky gelcoat that compounding and polishing restore.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Transport and towing
Owners without a tow vehicle often hire transport to and from the ramp.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.