Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro)—often referred to by locals as Hurricane Gulch—is a wind-sports destination shaped by a reliable afternoon thermal that blows best from the SW during spring through early fall. The spot is commonly described as a dual-zone setup: a flatter harbor-side area supports learning and control work, while the ocean side can become more choppy and suited to more advanced progression. For kitesurfing, SW thermal winds are typically in the 10–25 knots range and are strongest from around April through October. The harbor side is the main option for beginners (including water starts and smooth jibes), while more advanced riding typically uses the ocean-side blast zone farther from shore. Because the launch/landing area can be tight, riders must be precise, and lifeguard/authority rules are important during busy periods. Access and safety are strongly influenced by harbor infrastructure: the Mole/rocky breakwater, kelp beds, and local marine traffic are recurring hazards. Currents can be stronger near the harbor entrance and along the breakwater, and side-effects from the jetty can create turbulence/wind shadowing close to structures. On-site lifeguards can change whether riding is permitted based on crowd/occupancy. Surfing at Cabrillo Point is considered rare and generally works only with specific larger swells that wrap around the breakwater. When it does appear, the wave quality is described as poor and rides are typically short and localized, making it more of an intermittent opportunity than a dependable lineup.
- Reliable SW thermal wind in the afternoon during April–October
- Harbor-side flat water for learning and ocean-side chop for progression
- Point-break surfing that is sheltered but infrequent
- Very consistent thermal SW wind in spring/summer afternoons suitable for wind sports.
- Dual-zone layout: a calmer harbor side for beginners and a more advanced ocean side for experienced riders.
- Surf is infrequent but possible at the sheltered point break during larger winter swells.
- Kitesurfing restrictions apply on weekends/holidays in peak summer (Memorial Day–Labor Day) and may be enforced by lifeguards based on occupancy.
- Narrow and potentially crowded launch/landing zone for kitesurfing; precision required.
- Marine hazards include a rocky breakwater (the Mole), kelp beds, and strong harbor-side currents near the entrance.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Thermal sea-breeze / venturi-driven wind locally associated with 'Hurricane Gulch' effects near the breakwater/peninsula.
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Heavy gusts — One description flags heavy gusts; another describes steady gust behavior.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 12–17 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Wind-sport area: ocean side can be choppy; one surfing description characterizes surf as small/infrequent.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Harbor side can be flatter; ocean side is described as choppy/variable.
- Launch
- Small — Launch area described as small/narrow with sandy entry; inside/harbor beach area for beginners; ocean side for advanced sessions farther out.
Through the year
Summer weekends very crowded (especially Sundays); off-season weekdays quiet.
December to March (rainy season).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Dual-zone setup: flatter harbor side water supports learning (including starts and jibes), while the ocean side can be choppy and suited to more advanced riding for bump & jump/blast zone sessions. SW thermal winds are the main driver and are described as gusty in the afternoon; weekdays Memorial Day–Labor Day are referenced as allowed while peak crowds drive weekend/holiday restrictions.
- Kite Sizes
- 12–17 m²
Gusty thermal winds tend to favor windsurfing. Flat harbor conditions support freeride/freestyle while the ocean side can be choppy for wave/slalom; conditions are changeable.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Beginner to intermediate progression is supported by calmer harbor conditions; the ocean side chop can help progression. Kelp is flagged as a potential issue.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly is stated, with deep water available beyond the shore.
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Cabrillo Point is sheltered and rarely works, typically requiring a specific larger swell to wrap around the breakwater.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, W, WNW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — One source specifically notes mid tide.
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Sheltered point break; protection comes from the point/breakwater arrangement, but the SW thermal can still create unfavorable bump.
- Wind Effect
- Onshore-bump: typical SW thermal wind can blow conditions out at times; the point is described as sheltered from many NW winds but blown out by daily SW thermal.
- Bigger Swell
- Only becomes rideable when other LA beaches are maxed out by massive swells; tends to require a large, wrap-around swell.
- Wave Quality
- Poor — Typically poor quality when it appears.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Overall described as mediocre but rideable/infrequent; another description characterizes the energy as soft.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — One description says mixed; another says mushy.
- Peel Speed
- Slow — When it works, waves are described as mushy with slow peeling.
- Ride Length
- Short — Ride length is generally short and localized.
- Ride Length Details
- Short, localized rides that only appear during major winter swells.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro) in the full forecast view.
Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–8 ktsGusts 14 kts
- Direction
- WSW241°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 268 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.3 m10s period
- Temperature
- 14–25 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.6–1.3 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks near edges
- kelp beds
- harbor/jetty currents
- jetty-currents (side effects beyond the jetty)
- marine traffic / large ship traffic
- mole / rocky breakwater
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are referenced as seasonal; they may stop riding anytime based on occupancy.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue described as yes by one spot description, but also described as limited in the regional context; follow on-site lifeguard guidance and ride within your ability.
- Emergency Info
- Los Angeles County Lifeguards are referenced as on site seasonally; nearest hospital noted as Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in San Pedro (also referenced: San Pedro Hospital). Call 911 for emergencies.
Rules of the spot
Kitesurfing is restricted to specific zones and lifeguards/authorities may stop riding based on occupancy; check local rules for swimming areas and any holiday/weekend restrictions.
- No kitesurfing on outer Cabrillo Beach weekends/holidays Memorial Day–Labor Day (per warnings).
- Some sources also indicate expert-only/no riding or kite flying on weekends/holidays around July 4–Labor Day (verify on-site with lifeguards).
- Maintain distance from swimmers and pier; launch only from the designated sport beach and follow lifeguard instructions.
- A 5 mph speed limit in the harbor/no-motor zone is noted for harbor conditions.
- Locally known as 'Hurricane Gulch'.
- Two practical water zones: a calmer harbor side for learning and a more advanced ocean-side blast zone (keep distance from shore and people).
- Watch for kelp which can tangle/snare fins and foils.
- Arrive early on summer weekends for parking; weekdays tend to be quieter for access.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Los Angeles
- Nearest Town
- San Pedro
- Nearest Airport
- Los Angeles International (LAX) and Long Beach Airport (LGB) are referenced in regional context
- Parking
- Large paid parking lot available near the beach; daily fees apply. Parking info referenced: hourly with max $9, exit pay, first 20 minutes free; free on weekdays late fall/winter/early spring. Summer weekends: arrive before 11 AM for parking.
- Public Transport
- Many visitors rely on personal vehicles or ride-share; LA Metro bus lines and LADOT Commuter Express are referenced in regional context.
- Access
- Drive: From LAX take Sepulveda South, 105 East, 110 South, Highway 47, Harbor exit, right on Harbor, 22nd St right, Pacific Ave left, 36th St left, bear left to the toll-booth.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation is available in the San Pedro area.
- Food & Drink
- Seasonal snack bar is referenced, with numerous restaurants available in nearby San Pedro.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is referenced as available through local shops in the San Pedro area; general rental availability is also referenced in the regional context.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The San Pedro coast offers maritime history and coastal recreation with nearby museums and scenic viewpoints.
An iconic naval ship turned museum offering tours of maritime history.
A massive bronze bell housed in a stone pavilion overlooking the ocean.
An educational facility focused on the marine life of Southern California.
A famous waterfront seafood market.
A scenic park with a historic lighthouse and expansive ocean views.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro)?
The best overall months at Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro)?
Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro) works with SW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro): Kitesurfing: 12–17 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.
What skill level is Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro) suitable for?
Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner · Surfing: Intermediate.