Cabrillo Beach

Cabrillo Beach is located near the harbor at 3720 Stephen M White Drive in San Pedro. The beach is on both sides of the peninsula that juts out into the water. The side that is North of the breakwater (Inner Cabrillo Beach) is in the harbor and has calm waters perfect for Stand Up Paddleboarding and its safe for kids. The side South of the breakwater (Outer Cabrillo Beach) has ocean surf and great wind conditions for kite boarders and wind surfers. There are companies such as Captain Kirk's, which offer wind surfing lessons and rentals as well as rentals for Stand Up Paddleboards and Kite Boards. The beach has volleyball poles - you will need to bring your own net and volleyball to play.

Pier and Breakwater

The Cabrillo Beach Pier runs parallel to the breakwater and is accessible from the beach and the beach bike path in San Pedro. Biking is allowed on the pier and fishing is also allowed off of the pier and does not require a license. Fishing from the beach does require a fishing license except on Free Fishing Days designated by the California Department of Fish and Game. There is a covered area and washing stations where you can clean up after fishing.

Cabrillo Pier
Cabrillo Pier

The beach facilities offer Barbeques, picnic tables, snack bar, and a playground for families. There is also a boat launch ramp that is open from 5 am - 10 pm as is the Parking Lot. Parking for autos is free for the first 20 minutes, $1 per hour with a maximum of $9 per day - cash only. Trailer parking is available as well. No dogs are allowed on the beach. Thanks to the Cabrillo Beach Boosters, there is an annual fireworks display on July 4th at this beach.

Cabrillo Beach Picnic Tables and BBQs
Cabrillo Beach Picnic Tables and BBQs

North Side Beach - This protected beach has calm water for a nice cool dip without too much wave action and is nearest the picnic tables, play area, and BBQs. You also have a nice view of the harbor from this beach.

Cabrillo Beach North Side
Cabrillo Beach North Side

Bike Path - There is a short bike path that leads out to the pier as mentioned above. It takes you from the South beach area around the Bathhouse and over towards the Cabrillo Boat Launch area. You could always go out across the parking lot out to the bike lane on Shoshonean Road which connects with the bike lane along Via Cabrillo Marina and visit Whaler's Walk.

Cabrillo Beach Bike PathCabrillo Beach Bike Path Beach View

South Side Beach - The first thing that you will notice is the wind at this beach and all of the windsurfers and sailboats out on the water here. There is an outdoor shower to get the sand off. Watch out for the sea gulls on the beach waiting to steal your food if you decide to take a dip in the water.

Cabrillo Beach South Side
Cabrillo Beach South Side

The Angels Gate Lighthouse is located at the end of the breakwater extending from Cabrillo Beach. The lighthouse is not accessible by land and there are no tours of the lighthouse. It was marked the entrance to the port since 1913, automated in 1973, and renovation was completed in 2012. It is visible by boat upon entering or leaving the harbor.

Angels Gate Lighthouse

The Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse is located between the North side and the South side beaches. It has showers, changing rooms, and is a historic landmark and beautiful building that can be rented out for events by contacting the L.A. Dept of Recreation and Parks. You can have your wedding or family reunion on the beach and host it in a historic building built in 1932 and fully restored to the Art Deco style of that period. The Bathhouse also offers programs for kids such as After School programs, Winter or Summer Camp, and Preschool programs.

 

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