Cabrillo Beach

Cabrillo Beach breaks both left and right as a beach break, with most consistent swell arriving from the southwest. Winter months and especially February see the most reliable conditions, ideally with northerly offshore winds. The break works across all tide stages and suits surfers of varying abilities, though it breaks inside a protected bay created by the San Pedro Breakwater, which limits the frequency of rideable swell.

The beach itself was artificially created in 1927 from dredged harbor material and opened to the public in 1928 after completion of the breakwater system. Prior to that, the San Pedro shoreline had limited recreational use. As a relatively young beach by California standards, Cabrillo has no documented significant surf history, notable competitions, or association with particular surfers the way California's older, more exposed breaks do.

Access is at 3720 Stephen M. White Drive in San Pedro, about 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The beach has two distinct zones: an inner sheltered area popular with families, and an outer exposed side where most surfing occurs. Beware of rocks near the break, stingrays in the water, and strong currents. The water quality varies due to proximity to the working port, and the shorebreak can be heavy, particularly in larger swell.