Mar de Tumbo Beach
Discover vibrant tide pools and rugged coastal beauty at Mar de Tumbo Beach, a natural wonder in San Pedro.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for tide pool viewing
Mar de Tumbo Beach
Best Time
Best for tide pool viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover vibrant tide pools and rugged coastal beauty at Mar de Tumbo Beach, a natural wonder in San Pedro.
"A must-visit for tide pool exploration and stunning ocean vistas!"
Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:
Low tide is crucial for tide pooling. Don't miss out by visiting at the wrong time!
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tide Pools Exploration
Beneath White Point–Royal Palms County Beach
Discover vibrant marine life in shallow pools left by the receding ocean. A must-see for nature lovers!
Coastal Views
Along the shoreline
Enjoy stunning ocean vistas and the rugged beauty of the San Pedro coastline. Perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Seafood Delights
Nearby San Pedro
Savor fresh, local seafood after your beach visit. A delicious way to cap off your day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:
Low tide is crucial for tide pooling. Don't miss out by visiting at the wrong time!
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for exploring.
Pack for Sun & Wind :sun_with_face:
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and layers. Coastal weather can change quickly.
Respect Marine Life :shell:
Observe tide pool creatures gently and avoid disturbing their habitat.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:
Low tide is crucial for tide pooling. Don't miss out by visiting at the wrong time!
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for exploring.
Pack for Sun & Wind :sun_with_face:
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and layers. Coastal weather can change quickly.
Respect Marine Life :shell:
Observe tide pool creatures gently and avoid disturbing their habitat.
Avoid Rainy Days :umbrella:
Rain can make the beach slippery and less enjoyable for exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Mar de Tumbo Beach for its fascinating tide pools and beautiful coastal scenery, offering a great natural escape. While parking is convenient, the beach's rocky nature and reliance on tide schedules mean planning is essential for the best experience.
"Great place"
reynaldo aleman
""
Thomas Gilharry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mar de Tumbo Beach is located at 1799 W. Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90732, as part of White Point–Royal Palms County Beach. Drive down Kay Fiorentino Drive to access the lower parking lot for beach-level access.
Yes, there is parking available at the lower lot via Kay Fiorentino Drive, which provides convenient beach-level access.
The tide pools are situated beneath steep coastal bluffs. The lower parking lot offers the most direct access to the beach and tide pool areas.
While specific public transport routes directly to the beach may vary, checking local Los Angeles County public transit schedules for San Pedro is recommended. It's often easier to drive or use ride-sharing services.
Access to the beach involves a drive down Kay Fiorentino Drive. While the parking is at beach level, navigating the beach itself may require sturdy footwear due to the natural terrain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mar de Tumbo Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee or tickets for general access. Enjoy the natural beauty freely!
The beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific hours for the associated White Point–Royal Palms County Beach can be found, but the natural beach area is open for exploration when accessible.
Standard beach rules apply. It's important to respect the environment, avoid disturbing wildlife, and pack out everything you pack in. Avoid visiting during heavy rain.
Parking at the lower lot via Kay Fiorentino Drive is typically free, but it's always a good idea to check for any posted signage regarding parking fees or restrictions.
Tide pools are best viewed during low tide. Always check a tide chart before your visit to ensure you can see the marine life.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is exploring the tide pools during low tide, observing marine life. You can also enjoy coastal walks, photography, and simply relaxing by the ocean.
You can typically find sea anemones, small crabs, sea stars, snails, and various types of algae. It's a fascinating glimpse into a miniature underwater world.
While it's a beach, Mar de Tumbo is more known for its tide pools and rocky shoreline rather than swimming. Conditions can vary, and it's advisable to check local advisories if you plan to swim.
Bring sturdy shoes, sunscreen, a hat, water, and a camera. If you plan to explore tide pools, a small net or container for temporary observation (and release) can be fun for kids.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the associated White Point–Royal Palms County Beach, which is adjacent to Mar de Tumbo Beach.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the nearby San Pedro area offers a variety of dining options, including many highly-rated seafood restaurants.
Picnicking is generally allowed on public beaches. However, there are no dedicated picnic facilities directly on Mar de Tumbo Beach itself. You can bring your own setup.
San Pedro is well-known for its fresh seafood, reflecting its harbor location. You'll find everything from casual fish and chips to more upscale dining experiences.
Some restaurants in the San Pedro harbor area may offer ocean views. It's worth checking local listings for establishments along the waterfront.
Absolutely! San Pedro's proximity to the fishing harbor makes it a prime spot for fresh, delicious seafood.
📸 📸 Photography
The tide pools teeming with life, the rugged coastline, and the ocean vistas offer fantastic photographic subjects. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful here.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides softer light and can enhance the colors of the tide pools and coastline. Low tide is essential for tide pool shots.
A smartphone camera can capture great shots, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a macro lens can offer more detail for close-ups of marine life. Waterproof cases are a good idea.
Generally, no specific photography restrictions apply to public beaches. However, always be mindful of other visitors and respect the natural environment.
Focus on the intricate details within the tide pools, the dramatic rock formations along the shore, and panoramic shots of the Pacific Ocean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the beach itself doesn't have playgrounds, the adjacent coastal areas and the opportunity to explore the tide pools provide ample entertainment. Visiting during low tide is key to maximizing the tide pool experience. Keep an eye on children near the water and rocks, and ensure they understand the importance of respecting the marine environment by not touching or removing anything from the pools.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
Bring your macro lens to capture the intricate details of the marine life, or a wide-angle lens for sweeping ocean views. Remember to check the tide charts religiously to plan your visit for optimal tide pool viewing and photography. The coastal trails also offer opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the sea air.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Tide Pools
When exploring, wear sturdy, non-slip shoes as the rocks can be slippery and uneven. It's also crucial to tread lightly and avoid disturbing the delicate marine life. Observe from a distance or gently move aside seaweed to get a better look. Many visitors find it rewarding to bring a small container to temporarily hold a creature for closer inspection before returning it to its pool.
Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of subjects here. The textures of the rocks, the vibrant colors of the anemones, and the intricate patterns of the sea life make for compelling close-up shots. The surrounding coastal landscape also offers beautiful backdrops.
Coastal Access and Amenities
While Mar de Tumbo Beach itself is a natural expanse, it is part of the larger White Point–Royal Palms County Beach area. This means that nearby amenities such as restrooms are generally available, making it more comfortable for longer visits. Visitors often combine their trip to Mar de Tumbo with exploring the broader coastal park.
For those looking to extend their visit or enjoy a meal, the nearby San Pedro area offers a wide array of dining options. Many visitors enjoy sampling the local seafood after a day at the beach, making it a complete coastal experience.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit