What a find!! We stopped nearby at The Chori-Man for some breakfast burritos before heading over to this nearby gem!! I mean views for days!! The sky was so clear we were able to see Catalina Island so clearly! Loved having the crows and ravens join us!! read more

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Such a beautiful place very peaceful, tranquil educational all rolled into one and Wednesdays check for days there they have an awesome complementary free tour. They have different days for birdwatching and there are even volunteer activities available. This is a family friendly fun way to spend an afternoon, get a sandwich from one of the many nearby delis and enjoy one of the picnic tables near the parking lot. this is a wonderful field trip. Also there are restrooms available and drinking fountain and dog water bowl at the nature center read more

The good: I came here today and it was coincidentally a day when 2 high school buses of kids came and also a Japanese class of toddlers came. It looks to be a popular spot for field trips. It was busy and lively. I picnicked here and my daughter enjoyed playing in the sand. We saw mussels and crabs. There were lots of splashing water spots on the edges of the rocks. They also had portable potties with a sink and water outside. They have plenty of trashcans for you to clean up too. There was plenty of parking. I saw lots of surfers here. The bad: There were lots of folks picnicking here but it's quite rocky. There are some sand spots that are flatter that are ok for picnicking. The interesting: Parking is $6. They were doing construction on the right end of the parking lot so it was blocked off. read more

White Point Nature Preserve - Japanese class - Parks Near Me - San Pedro, California

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Great dog friendly trail with lovely views of the ocean. I took my pups here and they had a blast hiking (though they didn't enjoy the photo ops as much). The trail is well maintained and there are poop bags and trash cans available so there is no excuse for not picking up after your dog or yourself. There is no entrance fee. read more

White Point Nature Preserve - Pup friendly trail! - Parks Near Me - San Pedro, California

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Since the 90's I have been indulging in this not so secret location. If you love the outdoors, nature, history, hiking, sunsets, tidepools. This would be the place for you to visit. Abundant of typical marine life in great health, plus sun warmed wading pools with sandy floors for the kids to splash in. Plus gorgeous scenery, many pelicans, Catalina in the distance, large ships passing, and a sighting of a zeppelin, which apparently moors nearby. I come here for hiking steep hill if you walk up and the occasional I wanna be a big child and enjoy the view a little too close at times where I end up getting soaked as like today. I often come here and photograph there are Only a few remnants remain today of the White Point Hot Spring Hotel resort and spa. Jose Sepulveda also had built a terrazo dance floor surrounded by stone fireplaces and carved stone benches, some of which still survive today. Besides the rich history the views are breathtaking. Read about the sad history, too. Farms and businesses owned by Japanese Americans, seized by the government in 1942 when they were interred in camps. History history Handicap restrooms are available parking is $6.00 dogs must be on leash at all times cats and squirrels are everywhere. read more

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Great spot for a nice hike and amazing views. Our dog loved it and is much better than a walk around the park read more

White Point Nature Preserve - White point nature trail - Parks Near Me - San Pedro, California

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You can get a good workout in on this patch of land with its multiple hill paths, varying grades, and rolling terrain. Climb to the top and you're rewarded with picturesque views of the pacific ocean and shoreline. Catalina Island off to the south. You can tell it's a nature preserve with everything allowed to be what it is. You'll find a few old military concrete structures scattered throughout, remnants of a past era. Depending on the time of year you visit, it will either be dry and desolate or colorful and buzzing with life. You can park along the street or in the gravel parking lot. read more

White Point Nature Preserve - Crossing paths to say hello - Parks Near Me - San Pedro, California

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A great place to walk! Beautiful views of the ocean. Lots of friendly dog walkers. Always open. read more

White Point Nature Preserve - Ocean view - Parks Near Me - San Pedro, California

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Nice easy trail. Cool breeze from ocean but still warm on hot days. Beautiful flowers and shrubs. No shaded areas. Bathrooms across the road at White Point park. read more

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A wonderful area full of several tide pools. You can find tons of small sea snails, black mussels, small crabs, various sea birds, and the occasional octopus or sea urchin. Parking is pretty limited but you can drive down and park for a fee. Definitely worth a visit to see if you're in the area read more

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During this pandemic time, it was quite a relief to come here. It's an easy hike and pretty spot. Kids can easily do this non-shaded hike. The views of the ocean are great, it makes me forget about the worries of the world for a bit... Really pretty foliage and lots of little critters to look for as well. read more

We actually came here on a foggy overcast Saturday for hiking, since I was reading the Yelp reviews and also wanted an initiative for the husband to come out with me. Boy was that an understatement. We didn't realize we were in for such a treat! Emphasis, it's not just for hiking by the ocean, you can take a nice long walk all away around, w/doggies, there's doggy bag dispensers for your convenience to pick up after your precious. If you chose to walk only, do take advantage of historical education of the nature center. You'll also see some remains of a once Nike missile facility & coastal defense (you'll get to roam freely inside the bunkers that still stand) 102 acres of the preserve also include areas of gardens with variety of plants, flowers etc. There are a lot birds to watch, lots a different mini trails to venture to, from easy to moderate & a few steep inclines you can choose to take. It's an open space, check the weather and if it's going to be clear and sunny make sure you bring sunscreen, a sun cap, shades, and plenty of water because it will be too much sun and heat you can't afford to be without. We saw quite a few locals taking a stroll around the preserve, we seemed like one of the few that were not from the area and touring/hiking the entire preserve inside out. We had to, this is a great piece of history! I can't describe it in full, I highly recommend it to those who love to explore, find the historical value fascinating, for those who love to hike and be in touch with nature, for those men (like my husband) & woman who love the Military aspect of it. And finally for those that just haven't been there that appreciate the little points to venture off to. The plus is that once your done, you can go across the street from the trail from the nature center to the White Point/Royal Palms County Beach, which I highly recommend going to. Your also within distance of all the other awesome historical points of interest you can not leave without checking (or save for another time) this area just has too much to offer and I truly feel not enough people realize it's there, except for the locals and history buffs. As one or most of the latest reviews stated, there was land movement on Paseo Del Mar and it's completely blocked off, however you can choose to access the parking lot from Western Ave or like we did, drive up to the road block and look for the closest/last residential street right next to it and park. I'm pretty positive this gets more crowded on the nice summer days, being it was fall & foggy/overcast, it was slightly empty and perfect. If your just looking for another spot to go hiking and into the longer, steep, challenging trails, you might feel short changed. However, if your feeling adventurous, you can maximize combining this with the beach across the way, the forbidden Sunken city next to Pt. Fermin, etc....there's lots of options, it's up to you to create your own....in the words of Dr. Sheldon Cooper, "What's life without whimsy?" read more

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If you like history and nature this is a great place to visit. Like others have said its a former US Army Installation that during WWII had 16 inch guns and during Cold War had Nike Missiles. LA Parks and Rec took over the land and made it into a nature preserve by repopulating open area with native plants. You have walk around the park and there is an old access road up the the 16 inch gun emplacements and you can walk all around them and at the top view the whole park and the coast line, One word of caution. There was land movement on Paseo Del Mar and you can access the parking lot from Western Ave only. But you can park in neighborhood from the Weymouth side and walk in as well. Great place to explore, exercise, or to just go and relax. read more

White Point Nature Preserve - Parks Near Me - San Pedro, California

Nature is the best medicine. Local place to recharge Easy access to all kind of different adventures like long walks, take pictures or just admire the best views Once you're there, you never want to leave Happy hiking read more

You say you're bored? Tired? Broke? Outta shape? Phooey on youie! No excuses! White Point Nature Preserve is free & there's plenty of parking in the lot. (It's across the street from Royal Palms State Beach.) The 102 hillside acres of trails will leave your legs screaming for mercy if you haven't worked out recently. I would not recommend a visit here on a sunny, hot summer day however, 'cause there's no shade whatsoever, except for half a dozen trees in the picnic area. (And don't come here after a rain either, 'cause if it's muddy you're likely to find the place closed to protect the ecological preserve.) I managed to overdo on my bum knee in the process of searching for shortcuts because I brought no water. At one point I discovered abandoned 1942 gun emplacements, see photos. White Point is a former Nike missile site that became a nature preserve just several years ago. So at the top of the hill, I admit I was lost, looking for the fastest way back down to civilization. I do appreciate adventure, however, and I know I'm havin' a great time if I have to ask, "Where the hell am I?"......... And, about those black & blue irrigation hoses that lay on top of the ground everywhere: in the blinding, blazing sun I mistook them for reptiles, lol, see photo. Do rattlesnakes even come in turquoise? The trails range from easy to moderate, and ocean views are worth the climb. You will find plaques throughout the preserve offering historic info & other interesting material. This park is near San Pedro landmarks including the Korean Friendship Bell & Pt. Fermin Lighthouse. An energetic person could really cover some ground on a good day. It's all free, fun, uncrowded, and waiting for you. Leashed dogs are OK in the preserve, but no bicycles allowed. Restrooms are across the street at the beach Bluff Park. According to the brochures found on site, watch out for rattlesnakes, poison oak, and stinging nettle. Now you tell me..... 40 photos read more

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Dog friendly! But use caution as there are tons of foxtails EVERYWHERE (which I saw personally) and signs warning of rattlesnakes. Parking was pretty easy, used the directions provided by Yelp. W Paseo Del Mar dead ends at White Point, so you can't miss it. Just park along the street. Went on an overcast Monday morning, around 9am and there were surprisingly more people there than I thought (met maybe 5+ people on the trails). The trails here are not terribly interesting, and there is not much shade, but the paved part does provide some exercise as far as elevation. There are a few neat old military installations on this trail as well. Some of the dirt trails become quite narrow, but you can see most of the trails from where you are standing so you should never truly become "lost". In total, with exploring all the trails in the area we totaled with around 2 miles, though I suppose if you explored an additional area to the East (we didn't go down that far because honestly we could just see there was nothing exciting there) you could get maybe an extra 1/4 of a mile in. I would say its worth the visit at least once, though as noted the dirt trails do not seem as maintained and I would use caution if your dog has sensitive feet, the paved trails are pretty rocky/bumpy and there are foxtails everywhere. read more

White Point Nature Preserve - Parks Near Me - San Pedro, California

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This is a good hike for beginners with various trails as short as .8 miles to about 3 miles with uphill and some steep downhill trails. There is no shade, so wear a hat. The area was very dry (coastal desert) the grassland very brown not much to look at. The best part of this hike was the historical features. Thanks to the various markers throughout out walk I learned something new today. To get more walking, we crossed the street to the park area (white point park) and hiked down to the beach. The beach was beautiful and worth checking out. We arrived early before the gates opened so we parked on the streets, which was no problem. The nature preserve is a dog friendly place too. read more

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Best views ever anywhere absolutely amazing and no one there!!! everyone is down at the beach but above is where its at a bit windy but worth it wish i had bought a house nearby when they were cheap! read more

When I stopped by the Nature Education Center was closed for some reason. A garden of native plants surrounds the Center. White Pointe is a former Nike missile site (1950's) and the remnants of the installation still exist. There are short trails that circumnavigate and transverse through the park. The trails lead up to the 1942 16-inch gun bunkers that were part of the US coastal defense system. It takes about 1-2 hours to wander around the trails and explore the bunkers and missile site. read more

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PROS: free! peaceful, quiet, safe great for history and nature lovers good sized parking lot (gravel and dirt, not paved) street parking along Paseo (fills up on summer weekends & when there's a baseball game) small picnic area with shady trees CONS: none, other than it's not accessible from Gaffey anymore due to the landslide (boo!) no bathrooms (cross the street & use the restrooms at the park/playground) TIPS: bring water dogs are OK as long as they're on a leash (and please pick up after them!) OVERALL: I love this place! While it's not accessible via car from Gaffey anymore, I can still walk here as there's a pedestrian entrance on Weymouth. Not only do you get a sweeping view of coast/sea, you'll get a easy workout as you walk around. There are numerous easy trails and they all either loop around or intersect with one another. My favorite time to visit is during the Fall/Winter months as it's pretty deserted. read more

I guess by "nature preserve", I was expecting something akin to trees and dirt paths and the like. You know, natural stuff. Little did I know, this is apparently a former missile site, with bunkers and paved roads. Not trails... roads. Trails are made of dirt. These are not trails. They are roads, because they were built so that things can drive on them. There was no sun-dappling going on, there was no shade at all in fact, there was just a bunch of tangled depressing-looking bushes everywhere. Or maybe I didn't go far enough in to find where all the nature is at? Sorry if that's the case, in which case I'm bitching for nothing. But there IS lots of space for you to explore, and there IS a nice view. But then my friend's dog caught and mangled a squirrel, and we stuck the poor thing in a box and left it in a bush because we didn't know what else to do, and thus ends my positivity. read more

Had a really nice morning hike here with a few buddies! I like that it's not hard to find once you're on Paseo del Mar as long as you don't turn into the first lot that says White Point coming from Western. I did, turned out to be the county beach, not the preserve. Did go down to the beach and it's also very cool, but that's another review... Anyway, the Nature Preserve entrance is just 100 Southeast of the beach on the opposite side of the road. There also many walk-in gate access points along the main road, and also from the neighborhoods bordering the preserve on the East. Started our hike about 7:30am and finished by 9. Entering the preserve from about the center of the lot you head first toward a sort of botanical garden around a building. Not sure what's in th building, I think some kind of displays, it was closed at the time. The gardens around it are "Native American" gardens featuring different groupings of plants based on the compass direction. Also some other less formal plantings around that area which are mostly dormant right now or just waking up (mid Feb). The preserve is mostly lightly sloped with some steeper and some flatter areas. All kinds of plant life from low grass to waist high growth and 6 foot shrubs. I would like to go back in March and April to see everything blooming. In the main preserve there isn't anything tall enough for shade besides the two WWII era defense bunkers so sunscreen and a hat please! The two bunkers are interesting, only explored one. Huge! Could walk right through the hall underneath, it's about 15 or more tall inside. There were two doors within both sealed shut. Very cool inside from the thick concrete and hill above. Bunkers are built into grassy hills, you can climb the slopes around and walk on top of them. Saw quite a bit of wildlife. Dogs on leashes. Lots of birds, even humming birds and a hawk! My buddy saw lizards. I saw lots of snails with really pretty shells, and huge ladybugs. Also some interesting beetles. For hiking I recommend heading Left (West) first, the uphill along those trails is the more gradual. On the other (East) side of the preserve they are much more steep! read more

The preserve doesn't look like much. It's very brown and dry. I got there at about 8:30 and even though the sun was out, it wasn't sunny due to the smoke from the wildfires and a the fog that was coming in. This place was on my list of birdwatching places and I was a little disappointed when I got there, but I saw a couple hummingbirds right from the very beginning. As others have said, there are plenty of trails. One of the trails was a little steep for me as I was lugging around my binoculars and camera, but I got to the top alright. Once I was up there, I saw mockingbirds, crows, house finches, lesser goldfinches (I think), lots of hummingbirds, and a hawk. I wish I could've seen the beautiful view of the ocean, but the fog was coming in towards the end of my walk. Hopefully it'll be bright and sunny on my next visit! read more

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Several miles of intertwining dirt trails, paved paths, and dirt/packed sand trails ... Some hills but nothing too difficult ... A perfect place to take young kids ... The Nature Center is a bit small but has a lot of interactive stuff for everyone to check out and touch ... The worker we talked with was very nice and helpful ... AMAZING views from up on the bluff (just North of the Nature Center) read more

Love this hidden gem. Hiking, running, walking, exploring. It has a gorgeous view of the ocean and is calm and peaceful. Great to go for meditation or to just recharge your soul's battery. read more

Nice spot to go on a easy hike with a beautiful view of the ocean. During spring, the mustard seed plants take over the hillsides and it looks very beautiful. read more

It was a semi-large area to walk/run in. A good hike, so steep area's not to bad though. BEAUTIFUL views won't lie about that!! Great for beginners... Looking for something a little more challenging though... But it was nice, quiet, people with their dogs. I went when there was an overcast so it was perfect, not hot. (Enough parking, **free) read more

I was looking for a kid friendly hike to take my lil ones to, and I found this perfect little spot. They have a nature center where they explain the history of the land and show you pictures of what it use to look like. My kids really enjoyed listening to the history lesson before we started our hike. The nature center will give you a map of where you and start you hike and where it ends. They have do have restrooms available. read more

White Point Nature Preserve - Ones you make it to the top you get this amazing view. - Parks Near Me - San Pedro, California

I have passed by this place so many times and never stopped. But after hiking one Sunday I decided to stop and see what this preserve had to offer. Boy was I glad I did! This land is not only scenic but loaded with history. Two things that definitely interest me. It's 102 acres of coastal habitat overlooking the ocean and Catalina Island. There is a nature center with gardens surrounding the bldg. and displays inside of local wildlife and plants. Roxanne Roberts(the lady that runs the place) was so friendly and was more than willing to answer all my questions. Trails crisscross this land that thousands of years ago was inhabited by the Tongva(also called Gabrielino Indians). Around 1810 Jose Delores Sepulveda began herding his own livestock here. A dirt mound is all that remains of his heir Roman Sepulvedas summer home. Palms and century plants are remnants of the garden that once surrounded the home. Japanese immigrants farmed this land from the late 1800's until WWII when they were forced into relocation centers(shamefully lame) The U.S. military turned White point into a defense instillation to protect the harbor and surrounding coast. Overlooking the site is Battery Paul D. Bunker which housed two 16-inch guns capable of firing 2000lb shells 90miles. During the Cold War the lower part of the site was turned into a Nike(not the shoes) facility with missiles that carried nuclear warheads. The Nike site was decommissioned in 1975 and the land was given to the the city of L.A. It sat dormant for years until 1999 when White Point Nature Preserve was officially dedicated as an open space preserve. See what I mean by tons of history!!?? It is now returning to its former natural state. While strolling these trails you will see gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, lots of wild flowers, lizards, and butterflies. I even saw a golden eagle flying above(so majestic). Parking is free(Awesome). Ranger walks are held every Saturday(except holidays) 10am-12noon and are also free. This place rocks!!! This is definitely going to be one of my regular trail destinations! read more

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The White Point Nature Center, reestablishing California... I am forever grateful of any efforts to recognize the importance of fostering and preserving our fragile California ecosystem. I grew up hiking in the Santa Monica mountains below Mulholland Highway when Mule Deer were common place and we would watch herds graze and water at local ponds just a few miles from "the city." when my family moved from the San Fernando "Valley" to suburbia...Westlake Village n the late 1960's we would find arrowheads and pieces of baskets in what we names "the Indian Caves." We watched one day as it was graded and then filled with water to form a reservoir. I thing the Westlake Boys and I knew every trail and dirt road in the area. I can still smell the greasewood and sage if I close my eyes, or the sweetness of damp oak leaves in the night air. It is intertwined with who, what I am. The places I once hiked are a memory, and so are much of what Southern Coastal California was. The White Point Nature Center was overlooked by myself for several years. While exploring the more familiar Royal Palms State Park, White Point Beach, and Bluff Park--literally across the street-I decided to "check out" the Nature Center. I was immediately met by a very energetic and knowledgeable Neil, who was "on duty" in the gift shop. what inspired me about Neil is he was totally into and in harmony with everything the Nature Center stood for. He was also gracious enough to open up his heartfelt concerns for things we all take for granted, like the rainfall being half of what it should be in Coastal San Pedro. As I looked out the window at the seemingly parched and brown flora, I understood what Neil was talking about. By no stretch of the imagination, The White Point Nature Center Reserve grounds were the "pulse" of our coastline. Half the annual rainfall had left its mark on the area, the immediate area surrounding the Center itself was the only area to get "help." This area is comprised of several "Native" gardens, one for each of the four directions: North, South, East, and West, each dedicated with plants which thrive in that exposure. Signs in each, and all along the trails, are informative and readable. Inside the center there are displays including "real animal skins" from present and past mammalian residents, a tribute to both the Japanese abalone and vegetable harvesters, and a place where the younger visitors can interact including coloring and touching stuff. I offered up to Neil I was a Cal Poly Tech horticulture major turned Philosophy Grad, who, in the late 1970's, was part of a movement to conserve water by landscaping with native plants indigenous to Southern California. Both our attention drifted towards the residential San Pedro neighborhood in the distance, their bright green lush and well irrigated plants mocking the "real" world where we stood. I reflected back to when I did landscaping before I graduated, and dear Mrs. Feeble would freak out if her ficus demonstrated the slightest tinge of browning. It was unspoken, but inwardly, as much as I hated to admit it, California is in no way ready to go horticulturally commando. Even when I was at Cal Poly it was a movement with little inertia. I was reminded of how important the work of Neil and the Nature Center is. Neil and I talked for easily 20 minutes and I grew from his optimism, appreciation, knowledge, but most of all his commitment to share his thoughts and most importantly his feelings. Neil could not have been more at one with what he and the Nature Center represented and more importantly shared. It is through people like him, our natural local habitat is taken for granted. The health and state of our immediate environment is visible here. Neil urged me to take a walk in the surrounding trails which snake through what was once an important component of Fort MacArthur, the remnants of big gun instillations and batteries. The nest day I took Neil's advice and took a hour hike on roughly a mile loop up and across the reserve. I looked down from the apex upon the Center turning orange in the waning light. I looked beyond the center in the Pacific Ocean, and then I glance up the coast line. The earth I was standing on was the gateway to the ocean, through it everyone past and present passed to enter the sea. This "gateway" is in our hands, and the guidance of committed conservationist like Neil. Thanks Neil, thanks White Point Nature Center, thanks for keeping this gate open. Here are some more photos http://changmookwan.net/sanpedroinphotos/whitepointnaturecenter.html) I found this link useful: http://www.pvplc.org/_lands/whitepoint.asp read more

Pvplc and some wonderful residents put on a great birding trip! They even had spare binoculars.Thank you everyone.

Came with my lover on a foggy Sunday morning. It wasn't anything intense, just something to get the day started. It was very nice just being able to take a nice walk without the pressure of intense runners passing us by. read more

Went on an early morning hike with 2 friends and 4 kids including a baby in a stroller. Such a beautiful serene place to hike. Many different trails with different challenges. Since we had a stroller with us, we did the easy route which was the circle loop. Tip: if you have a stroller, from the parking lot, start out right and go up and around because the incline is steeper ascending on the right and the decent is on the left which was not difficult to control. We made the mistake of ascending towards the left and had to turn around at the top because the slope was too steep on our way down. Will definitely go again. It was nice to see doggies on the hike read more

Hiking along a former US Army Installation from WWll. A lot of the old buildings and missile sites are still here. We went to see the giant sink hole along the road. There is a fence up so you can't get that close to it. Lot's of native plants and flowers. There is a way to get around the fence by walking all the way around the building on the beach side. Nice place to walk your dog. Good views of the ocean and Catalina Island. There is a Nature Education Center and free parking on the northeast side of Paseo del Mar. read more

Pretty nice place to hike everyone should go at least once,animal friendly and you got a beautiful beach right down the road. And easy to find it use to be a launch site which the kids will enjoy read more

Visited on a Sunday with my kids. The entrance to the parking lot is a hidden turnoff at the end of Paso Del Mar, right before you hit the landslide. We walked up a small little trail lined with California poppies, blossoming cactus, California sagebrush, etc. It smelled wonderful and looked even prettier. Kids noticed ladybugs, Carpenter bees, butterflies, and garden snails... Lots of garden snails. Stopped into the nature center, where we were greeted by a very friendly and helpful person who took the time to answer our questions. He also was eager to engage by children in the many hands on activities they had set up in the room. They pack a lot in the space - prehistoric times, ranching by the Dominguez/Sepulveda families, Japanese-American fisheries and canneries, internment... Goodness! They also cover wildlife. My son loved the matching the scat to the animal game... naturally. My daughter loved finding the objects in the mulch bin game. We sat and read some books in their reading nook and did some puzzles. After wards, the staff person directed us to tables under some large trees for a picnic lunch. Then we took time to explore the gardens connected to the nature center. I had my large jogging stroller with me and still was able to move around the paths. We likely could have done some of the trails with the stroller as well but at this point my kids were tired. There's little shade, so wear hats and sunscreen. The center also had bathrooms located in a trailer behind the building, which were clean and normal bathroom looking (not trailer looking). These are locked after hours, but there are porta potties and I believe a bathroom across the street at the small park/playground overlooking the beach bluffs, which is a small hike away. We'll be back for sure. The center has several activities planned throughout the month that look interesting. read more