The area originally consisted of luxury homes in the Point Fermin neighborhood before the 1929 landslide.
Geologists noted the landslide was caused by a layer of bentonite clay acting as a lubricant between the cliffside and the bedrock.
The site was featured in the 2022 film 'The Dirt' and various music videos due to its stark, post-apocalyptic aesthetic.
The city officially closed the area to the public in 1987 citing extreme safety risks and ongoing land instability.
The graffiti on the site is constantly changing, with artists frequently updating the concrete canvases.
The slide resulted in approximately 600 feet of coastline moving slowly into the ocean over several weeks.
Sunken City is a coastal landslide site in San Pedro, California, characterized by the remnants of residential foundations and streets reclaimed by the Pacific Ocean. The site was formed following a series of geological shifts in 1929 that caused homes along the Paseo Del Mar bluff to slide down toward the sea. Today, the area is defined by its exposed concrete slabs, cracked asphalt, and a vast collection of street art. Access is technically restricted due to unstable terrain and the site is officially fenced off by the City of Los Angeles. Despite the closure, it remains a popular destination for urban explorers drawn to the juxtaposition of ruined infrastructure and coastal views. The landscape is dynamic, with continuous erosion altering the visible remnants of the former housing tract.
The 'sunken' street segments that frame the Pacific Ocean horizon.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots with good grip to navigate the unstable, uneven concrete surfaces.
Bring a backpack to keep your hands free for balance while walking over tilted sections of former streets.
Stay away from the cliff edges as the soil and rock remain prone to sudden collapse.
Do not attempt to climb or descend steep, unmapped sections of the cliff face.
The area is officially permanently closed to the public; entry is considered trespassing.
Respect the graffiti art and avoid disturbing the local coastal vegetation.
