Cabrillo Beach Los Angeles
A historic LA beach offering marine life encounters, tide pools, and picturesque lighthouse views, perfect for a relaxed day out.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Cabrillo Beach Los Angeles
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic LA beach offering marine life encounters, tide pools, and picturesque lighthouse views, perfect for a relaxed day out.
"Discover marine wonders and historic charm at Cabrillo Beach, a local gem with tide pools and a lighthouse."
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking is $1/hour. Arrive early on weekends to snag a good spot!
🌊 Swim Smart
Opt for the ocean side for cleaner swimming waters.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Adjacent to the beach
Discover local marine life with interactive exhibits and touch tanks. A hit with families and nature lovers.
Tide Pools
Rocky areas of the beach
Explore fascinating tide pools teeming with sea creatures during low tide. A natural wonderland for all ages.
Angel's Gate Lighthouse
Overlooking the beach
A historic 1913 lighthouse offering picturesque views and a glimpse into maritime history.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Parking
Water Quality Check
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking is $1/hour. Arrive early on weekends to snag a good spot!
🌊 Swim Smart
Opt for the ocean side for cleaner swimming waters.
🛝 Playground Fun
There's a playground near the aquarium, perfect for kids.
🚶♀️ Explore San Pedro
Combine your beach day with nearby attractions like the Korean Bell.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking is $1/hour. Arrive early on weekends to snag a good spot!
🌊 Swim Smart
Opt for the ocean side for cleaner swimming waters.
🛝 Playground Fun
There's a playground near the aquarium, perfect for kids.
🚶♀️ Explore San Pedro
Combine your beach day with nearby attractions like the Korean Bell.
🎨 Sand Art
Keep an eye out for incredible sand art creations on the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cabrillo Beach for its family-friendly atmosphere, the engaging Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, and the fascinating tide pools. It's seen as a less crowded alternative to some other LA beaches, offering a relaxed vibe and historical charm with the lighthouse. Some find the parking fees and limited food options a minor drawback.
"Cabrillo Beach is a hidden gem in San Pedro — perfect for a laid-back day by the water. The tide pools are fun to explore, the breeze off the Pacific is refreshing, and the views of the harbor and ocean are beautiful. It’s not your typical sandy beach for swimming, but great for walking, picnicking, or just soaking in the coastal vibe."
Eric C. Hinderberger
"There’s a pier here and tide pools you can walk to at the other end. Many people were fishing on the pier. We noticed many dogs in the area and on the beach. There was a ton of seaweed on the beach and sand flies everywhere so it wasn’t pleasant enough to sit on the beach. We visited on a Sunday in December and it wasn’t too crowded. The access to the beach is easy and there’s a park for kids to play as well."
Ashley Morikawa
"This is a cheaper beach access spot than most in LA. It’s not quite as impressive, being across from the port and had a bit more debris in spots, but as a whole it seemed relatively clean at the main beach and it was a nice, short visit."
eaglewing13
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cabrillo Beach is located in San Pedro. You can drive and park, with parking available for $1 per hour. Public transportation options include the Metro 950 bus line.
Yes, there is parking available at Cabrillo Beach, costing $1 per hour. It can fill up quickly on busy days, so arriving early is recommended.
Cabrillo Beach is located at the southern tip of San Pedro, near the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. It's well-marked and accessible by car.
Yes, you can take the Metro 950 bus line to reach the San Pedro area, which is close to Cabrillo Beach.
From downtown LA, you can take the Metro 950 bus line towards San Pedro.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance to Cabrillo Beach itself is free, but they do accept donations. Parking is charged at $1 per hour.
While the beach is free, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has admission fees. It's recommended to check their official website for current pricing and hours.
Cabrillo Beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has specific operating hours, which vary by season.
Typically, dogs are not allowed on the sandy areas of Cabrillo Beach. It's always best to check local signage for the most up-to-date regulations.
General beach rules apply, such as no fires on the beach. Check local regulations for any specific restrictions.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, explore tide pools, visit the aquarium, and enjoy the playground. Water sports are also popular. +1
Yes, the ocean side of Cabrillo Beach is generally good for swimming. The water quality is usually rated well, but it's advisable to check recent reports.
Absolutely! Cabrillo Beach is known for its tide pools, especially during low tide, where you can discover various marine life.
Nearby attractions include the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Angel's Gate Lighthouse, and Fort MacArthur.
Cabrillo Beach can get crowded on weekends and holidays. Weekdays and early mornings are generally less crowded.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is at least one food and drink option available near the beach, offering a variety of choices.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach.
The nearby options offer a variety of food and drinks. For more extensive dining, San Pedro town has numerous restaurants.
While not explicitly mentioned, the beach offers ample space for picnicking.
While specific ocean-view restaurants aren't detailed, the proximity to the water offers a pleasant dining atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The Angel's Gate Lighthouse, the rocky coastline with tide pools, and the expansive beach itself offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, Cabrillo Beach can offer beautiful sunset views, especially looking out over the Pacific Ocean.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, but check their specific policies.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌊 Water Sports Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Cabrillo Beach's Marine Wonders
Beyond the aquarium, the beach's rocky sections come alive during low tide, revealing tide pools brimming with sea stars, anemones, and small crabs.
For those interested in the larger marine environment, the breakwater offers a glimpse of the ocean's vastness, and the waters are generally considered good for swimming on the ocean side.
A Glimpse into San Pedro's History
Its presence signifies the area's long-standing connection to seafaring and navigation. The Cabrillo Beach Boosters have played a significant role in preserving the area's heritage and natural beauty for generations.
Their efforts contribute to maintaining the charm of the waterfront and organizing community events. This dedication ensures that the spirit of San Pedro's coastal history continues to thrive. Exploring the beach also offers views of the breakwater and the harbor, reminding visitors of the bustling port activity that has shaped this part of Los Angeles.
Navigating Cabrillo Beach: Practicalities
For those considering a swim, the water quality is generally better on the ocean side of the seawall compared to the inner harbor side.
There are some food and drink options available, but many visitors opt to bring their own provisions for a picnic on the sand.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit