The Point Fermin Lighthouse was the first navigational light constructed in the Los Angeles harbor area.
The lighthouse structure survived the 1933 Long Beach earthquake, though its original lantern room was removed for safety reasons and only restored in 2006.
The park is situated at the southern terminus of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, overlooking the 'Sunken City' ruins.
The surrounding bluffs were used as a filming location for various motion pictures and television series due to the dramatic cliffside scenery.
The park's lighthouse is built in the Stick style of Victorian architecture, a rare design for a working maritime light station.
The site hosts a unique coastal microclimate that supports specific plant species, including the cliff-dwelling Palos Verdes blue butterfly habitats.
Point Fermin Park is a 37-acre coastal park situated atop the bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula in San Pedro. The park is anchored by the historic 1874 Point Fermin Lighthouse, a Victorian-style wood-frame structure built with redwood. Its grounds feature walking trails that navigate the cliffside, offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the Los Angeles Harbor. The park contains a designated amphitheater used for local community performances and events. Visitors have access to a public playground area and multiple picnic sites shaded by mature pine and palm trees. The site provides clear views of the Catalina Channel and frequent sightings of migrating whales during peak seasons. As of June 2026, the grounds remain open to the public as part of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. The park's rugged coastline is characterized by tide pools accessible during low tide via steep paths.
The grassy area directly in front of the Point Fermin Lighthouse with the ocean horizon in the background.
Bring binoculars for spotting whales and cargo ships moving through the Port of Los Angeles.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes if you plan to navigate the cliffside trails or rocky tide pool areas.
Check local weather for coastal fog, which often blankets the peninsula in the mornings and late evenings.
Do not attempt to climb down into the prohibited 'Sunken City' area, as the cliffs are unstable and restricted by local authorities.
The park grounds are open daily, but the lighthouse interior operates on a limited schedule and is typically closed on Mondays.
Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion and avoid the hazardous steep cliffs; do not disturb tide pool wildlife.
