San Pedro Sunken City

I heard about the Sunken City through Instagram a few months ago and ever since have been super curious to check out this abandoned, graffiti covered "city." Apparently, a giant landslide back in the 1920's caused the homes in this neighborhood to completely fall into the ocean and it's now literally a "sunken city, " covered in remnants of the homes that once stood in this area. It was interesting to see how the ocean had literally eaten away at this city and to think of everything (homes, personal belongings, etc.) that still remains buried underneath the wreckage. I am not sure if anyone was harmed during this landslide here almost 100 years ago, but I certainly hope not.

My boyfriend and I came here last weekend while exploring San Pedro, and we found the location/date of this adventure pretty fitting considering the Sunken City felt post-apocalyptic. Before visiting, I read online that you aren't (technically) allowed to visit the Sunken City and that you will have to trespass. I wasn't in favor of the idea of trespassing, but if you venture there to explore, you will likely find that you aren't alone! There were about a dozen other people exploring the ruins when we were there on a Saturday afternoon, including young children. Since you will have to trespass if you visit, there is not really an easy way in or out. You either have to climb underneath the fence or you have to hold onto the gate and climb around the edge over the cliffs, toward the ocean. We chose the latter, and it was a little freaky to think you could fall right off the cliff with one bad step. We clung on tightly to the gate as we climbed around it,  and we made it safely!

Once successfully inside the gate, you will make your way down the hill to your left hand side to the Sunken City. Apparently there's been some recent TV shows filmed here - like Fear the Walking Dead - and I am definitely not surprised! You will see graffiti of all types on the ruins, cliffs to climb up and over, and totally breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean. But, please, be smart and careful  when you are there exploring! The cliffs along the Pacific Ocean are very tall and, like I mentioned previously, one bad step could launch right you over the edge. 

We had so much fun running around, climbing up the cliffs, checking out the graffiti, and enjoying the views of the Pacific Ocean. The main thing I didn't like about the Sunken City was there was SO much trash littering the ground. I guess that's what happens when people aren't technically supposed to be there - there's no trash cans - but come on peeps, haven't you heard the rule "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but foot prints?" It was also somewhat difficult/dangerous to get into, but I would still go back.

Overall, the Sunken City in San Pedro is a unique hidden gem I'd suggest any adventure seeker check out if you're in the area. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and make sure to bring a camera - there are a lot of cool things to see and photograph. The Sunken City is located at 500 W Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731 and there's plenty of free parking in parking lot outside of Point Fermin Park and on the streets nearby.