Tide pools, surfing and the ruins of a 1917 hot springs resort below the bluffs, with free trails and Catalina views at the White Point Nature Preserve above.
White Point is a rocky stretch of coast in southwest San Pedro known for tide pools, surfing, scuba diving and the ruins of an old hot springs resort. The beach below the bluffs is run by Los Angeles County together with neighboring Royal Palms Beach, and the White Point Nature Preserve sits on the hill above.
Visiting White Point
- Where: 1799 Paseo del Mar. The beach road drops down from Paseo del Mar to the lot by the water.
- Hours: The parking lot is open from dawn to 8:30 pm. Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours.
- Parking: A lot at the beach plus metered parking on the bluff. Parking is limited during Clearwater Project construction, expected to continue through 2027. Both beaches stay open.
- Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables and a playground.
- Bus: Metro line 246, stop Paseo del Mar/Meyler.
Things to do
Tide pools. White Point has some of the most varied tide pools in Southern California. Go at low tide and look for sea stars, anemones, crabs and octopuses. Look, but leave everything where you find it.
Surfing and diving. The reef breaks draw experienced surfers, and the kelp beds offshore are popular with scuba divers and free divers. The shore is rocky, so swimming isn’t recommended.
The hot springs ruins. In 1917 a Japanese American family opened a hot springs spa here, fed by sulfur springs in the rocks. The 1933 Long Beach earthquake cut off the springs, and the resort closed. Its concrete foundations and pools are still visible along the shore.
White Point Nature Preserve. Up the hill on Paseo del Mar, the preserve has easy trails through restored coastal sage scrub, views of Catalina Island, and a small nature education center.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at White Point?
It isn’t recommended because the shore is rocky. The beach is better for tide pooling, surfing and diving.
When are the best tide pools at White Point?
At low tide, especially minus tides in winter and spring. Check a tide chart before you go.
Is White Point the same as Royal Palms Beach?
They’re next to each other and run together by Los Angeles County as White Point/Royal Palms Beach, with the same address and parking area.
What are the ruins at White Point?
The remains of a hot springs resort that opened in 1917 and closed after the 1933 Long Beach earthquake cut off its springs.