White Point Beach, San Pedro: Great Place to Explore!

Don’t you love to discover stunning new places?

Or better yet, don’t you love to discover stunning new places in an area you thought you knew like the back of your hand?

That is what happened to me recently.

I guess nature has the power to throw you a curve ball you weren’t expecting.

White Point Beach, San Pedro

My new object of affection is called White Point – Royal Palms County Beach and it is located in the city of San Pedro (where the port of Los Angeles is located).  But, what’s up with the two names?

I know it is kind of confusing but I can’t seem to find a reason for the dual naming situation.   For what I can gather from the web, White Point is the name of the piece of land jutting out from the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  Royal Palms was the name of a recreation center that was developed in the area in the early 1900s.

Another explanation is that there are actually two beaches (or coves) at the bottom of the bluffs (but it is not that noticeable).  The northern one is the Royal Palms beach and the other one is White Point Beach (you are going to notice a heart shape in the photos below).

Enough of discussing names. The views in here start from the top of 100-foot bluffs.   From this point, it is easy to appreciate the curvature of the beach (or beaches) below, rock formations and the silhouette of Catalina Island.

The descent to the beach is through Kay Fiorentino Road.  Once at the bottom, you can take a dip in the semi-sheltered cove.

Those who do not want to get wet have the opportunity to do some tide pooling.  There is a huge rock bed exposed during low tide. However, everything is not natural here.  Some ‘rocks’ in the area are really ruins of mineral baths destroyed by an earthquake in the ‘30s.

This is an ideal place for picnics, surfing, diving (there is a reef close to the shore), fishing and even rock climbing.

In reality, you do not have to get active in here.  Spotting one (or two) sea stars between the rocks, a group of pelicans soaring above the cliffs or a bunch of cormorants resting over rocks is my idea of having a good time.

I leave you with several photos of the area so you can get a good idea of what is waiting for you.

Nearby Attractions

There is a lot to do in the area.  It is very easy to spend an entire day hiking, doing watersports or hiking on the beach.

I have a detailed article on the best Palos Verdes Hikes and Trails.  I recommend checking out that article to plan out your day.  Most of the hikes in the area have a free access.

Close to White Point Beach, you will find the following:

• Pelican Cove
• Terranea Resort and several hiking trails
• Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
• Wayfarers Chapel
• Ocean Trails Reserve

In addition, you have all the attractions of the City of San Pedro at your doorstep.  You can visit the Point Fermin Park, Korean Friendship Bell, Cabrillo Beach, Battleship USS Iowa, and the waterfront.

White Point Beach: Where to Eat

If you are feeling a bit hungry after sightseeing (or sunbathing), you can drive to Downtown San Pedro (4 miles) and have something to eat.

You can choose from restaurants like Baramee Thai, Senfuku Japanese, Niko’s Pizzeria, Neal Pasta & Seafood Grill and Raffaelo Ristorante.

Several friends have mentioned the fish & chips at The What & Ale are very good.

Or, if you prefer, you can opt to eat at one of the fabulous restaurants located at the Terranea Resort (7 miles).  There offer a fine dining experience in conjunction with magnificent ocean views.

Another option is to eat at one of the Beach Cities (Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach or Redondo Beach).

White Point Beach: Location

White Point Beach is located 23 miles from the Los Angeles International Airport, 27 miles from Downtown Los Angeles, 32 miles from Santa Monica and 30 miles from Venice Beach.

The beach is 4 miles from Downtown San Pedro and  18 miles to the beach cities in Los Angeles County.

This is a good option for those who have visited the Los Angeles area more than once or for residents looking for a beautiful day trip.

White Point Beach: Access and Fees

The exact address is the following: 1799 West Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro.  There is a fee to park in the parking lot at the bottom of the bluffs.

To avoid paying for parking, park at one of the free spots (in Paseo del Mar) at the top of the bluffs and walk down Kay Fiorentino Road.

The White Point Nature Preserve and Education Center is located across the street.  There are restroom and shower facilities in the area.

When visiting the tidepools area, do not lose the waves from your sight.  You may be swept away inadvertently.

White Point Beach: Dress and Accessories

Dressing in layers is recommendable.  Mornings and evenings can be chilly. Remember to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Also, keep in mind you will need sturdy shoes if you want to hike/walk around.

More of the South Bay

While checking the wonders of the White Point Beach, it may be a good idea to stop by the nearby towns.

• Things to Do in Manhattan Beach
• Redondo Beach Pier: What to Do, See and Eat
• Terrific Things to Do in Torrance
• Hermosa Beach Restaurants
• Hermosa Beach: Things to Do, See and Eat

More of Los Angeles

• Find out how to spend one fun-filled day in Los Angeles
• Get inspiration by reading my Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List
• Venice Beach Murals

Have you been to White Point Beach, San Pedro?

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