Point Fermin

Los Angeles County

Royal Palms Beach, Los Angeles County, California
Royal Palms Beach, Los Angeles County, California

Point Fermin

Los Angeles County


Point Fermin Park

Located at the southern tip of near the entrance to Los Angeles Harbor, Point Fermin Park offers great views of the ocean and Santa Catalina Island. The 37-acre park is popular for picnicking, walking and jogging, whale watching, and tide pools. Steep trails from Point Fermin Park lead down to tide pools. The Point Fermin Lighthouse stands near the center of the park.

Nearby are Angels Gate Park and the Korean Friendship Bell.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.


Point Fermin map, San Pedro, Los Angeles County, CA

Point Fermin Lighthouse

Erected in 1874, the Point Fermin Lighthouse stands as a beacon and landmark near the entrance to Los Angeles Harbor. The architecture, known as Stick Style, is from the early Victorian period. Gabled roofs, hard carve porch railings, and horizontal siding give it an elegant appearance. Efforts by local citizens have kept the lighthouse in good condition, including a restoration of the lantern room.

Managed by the Department of Recreation and Parks for the City of Los Angeles, the lighthouse is now open for guided tours by volunteers. Although there is no admission fee, donations are encouraged from visitors. The lighthouse is open Tuesday through Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. It is closed on major holidays and may be closed for special events in the park. Guided tours are offered every hour at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 PM.
(310) 241-0684   Point Fermin Lighthouse


Point Fermin, Los Angeles County,  CA

Point Fermin


The Sunken City

Six acres of land between Shepard Street and the ocean once support a small community of bungalows built by local developer George Peck. In 1929 a 1,000 by 400 feet section of the development began to slip into the ocean at the rate of about a foot a day. Efforts were made to salvage as many of the houses as possible, but some were lost as the ground crumbled beneath them.

Years later in 1941 a water main broke and caused even more erosion of the area, so much so that city officials fenced off the area and declared it unsafe. Today, despite a new fence, curious individuals sneak into the area to explore the remains of a bygone era. The jumbled remains of the little community include sidewalks, streetcar tracks, sections of old road, foundations, chimneys, and man holes.

Despite its attraction, the area is unsafe. A number of falls there have resulted in serious injury and death. The Sunken City can be viewed safely from Point Fermin Park.

Point Fermin Park playground,  CA


Enjoying Point Fermin Park

Many visitors to Point Fermin Park comment about the sweet smell of the fig trees that are found around the grounds. Another attraction is that dogs on leash are allowed to romp here as long as their owners are watching over them and cleaning up after them. Parking at the park is limited to a small lot, but across the street there is a larger lot in Angels Gate Park.


Point Fermin Park, Los Angeles County,  CA

Point Fermin Park


Annual Events at Point Fermin Park

Shakespeare by the Sea

Free performances of Shakespeare's plays are offered by the non-profit Shakespeare by the Sea every summer at Point Fermin Park. In 2023, productions included Twelfth Night and Hamlet. All seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Benches are available or you can bring your own chairs or blankets and sit on the side.

Organizers have announced that they will be locating to a different park in 2024. Check their website for updates.



Music by the Sea

Music by the Sea offers a series of Sunday afternoon concerts at Point Fermin Park during the summer. Most concerts are free and include a variety of performers.
Music by the Sea

Light at the Lighthouse Music Festival

Three stages of music draw crowds to Point Fermin Park in late summer for the Light at the Lighthouse Music Festival, a celebration of Christ. The day-long venue of family entertainment is free. Performances include national and local talent along with activities for children. September TBA, 2024
Light at the Lighthouse Music Festival


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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety