The Sunken City of Los Angeles - Where Geology Meets Art

Located next to the Point Fermin Lighthouse (about 9 miles SW of Long Beach and very near Rancho Palos Verdes), you’ll find one of the most intriguing places in all of California. The Sunken City of San Pedro is what remains of a devastating slow-moving landslide that began moving in 1929. Over the next couple decades a large area of land on the coast began abruptly sliding into the sea, spurring the prompt evacuation of those who had once peacefully resided in the area’s cheery bungalows. Fortunately, everyone got out safely due to the slow progress of the slide, and even most of the homes were saved, but a few of the old bungalows went crashing into the ocean.

Geologists could not account for the sudden onset of the landslide, but they were able to measure its destruction. At the height of its slippage, the land was descending at 11 inches per day. This made for some very dramatic changes in the landscape in less than a work week. The formerly picturesque neighborhood had been reduced to ruins.

The area has known its share of landslides since then, with the most recent being in 2011. A portion of the scenic drive of Paseo Del Mar gave way all at once, leaving a gaping hole where concrete and rock fell almost 100 feet.

Because the land was unstable for a time, and the remaining parts so steep, the area was fenced off and prohibited from public use. This rule is still in place today, though many visitors still come to see the other worldly scene that is now the Sunken City. Entering this area is considered trespassing and comes with hefty fines.

The veering hillsides, loose dirt, and craggy rock faces of the land surround what’s left of the foundations and structures of the old homes that were removed. Over the past many decades, artists have turned these surfaces into their own canvases, leaving vibrant graffiti and surrealistic paintings for all to enjoy. This medley of images forms an art gallery of sorts as one hikes through the trails that wind through the ruins, creating an almost post-apocalyptic scene. Leafy palms reach up from between these painted tableaus, and, as the area is rarely maintained, the litter of glass bottles lends to the abandoned atmosphere.

Below the Sunken City the beach is rocky but it has tide pools filled with alien-like purple urchins, and perhaps even a lounging seal. This beach can be safely reached at lower tides (with sturdy shoes) from the beach access at Cabrillo Beach.

Pacific Overlook Park at the corner of Bluff Place and S Pacific Avenue is an amazing spot for obtaining a view of the water and the ships that glide along its surface. It’s also one of the closest places you can get to the Sunken City without getting fined.

Looking into the Sunken City you might see visitors using it as a clandestine retreat, where they can relax in the sun and take a break from the modern world. Since the area has been fenced off, it’s hard to see in person without going in, but there are many photos online and high quality YouTube videos so you can see it virtually.

Those that go in typically enter from Point Fermin Park where there are openings in fences. Another common route is to walk to the Sunken City via the rocky shoreline starting at Cabrillo Ocean Beach. Just be aware that erosion is causing the bluffs to crumble and be dangerous so stay away from cliffs and we don’t recommend climbing up the established paths. People slip and get hurt at Sunken City often which is a pain for the local police department. As formerly mentioned, this area is technically off limits to the public and visitors can receive expensive citations. Please acknowledge that entering the area is done at your own risk, and is against the law.

The Sunken City is adjacent to Point Fermin Park, a beautifully lush green space and home to the stately Point Fermin Lighthouse. This is a safer (and legal) spot for catching views of the ocean and dazzling sunsets. Just north of this park, you can find the Korean Friendship Bell, another one of San Pedro’s historic treasures. If you head back east toward Long Beach, you can stop in at Cabrillo Beach. This popular shore-side hangout is a great place to surf, scuba dive, or simply sunbathe.