Sunken City San Pedro

Photographs of Sunken City bluffs with broken concrete, graffiti, coastal trees and views of the Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro, CA

December 10, 2011 - April 12, 2015 — Sunken City — San Pedro, CA

These photographs document Sunken City and adjacent coastal bluffs in San Pedro, CA. Subjects include fractured concrete slabs and collapsed street remnants, graffiti-covered surfaces, palm and eucalyptus trees, and dirt paths along the bluff edge. Several images show the Port of Los Angeles breakwater on the horizon. The area corresponds to a residential district that slid into the ocean during a 1929 landslide and was abandoned; remaining structures illustrate coastal instability. The location is commonly visited by urban explorers and photographers despite hazardous conditions.
Homes in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Photographed in April 2015.
April 12, 2015 — Homes in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, photographed in April 2015. This affluent residential area is situated in the Santa Monica Mountains, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The neighborhood has historically been susceptible to wildfires, a risk tragically underscored by the January 2025 fires that significantly impacted the region.
Sunset over the Pacific Ocean from San Pedro, California, with silhouetted trees and coastal grasses in the foreground.
December 10, 2011 — Sunset over the Pacific Ocean as seen from San Pedro, California. Silhouetted trees and coastal grasses are visible in the foreground, with the sun's rays breaking through the foliage. The ocean stretches to the horizon, meeting a sky transitioning from deep blue to warm orange hues.
San Pedro Coastal Bluffs, California, featuring palm trees and graffiti-marked rocks overlooking the ocean at sunset. Evidence of informal use and debris is present on the geologically unstable terrain.
December 10, 2011 — The San Pedro Coastal Bluffs in California are seen with palm trees and rocky terrain marked by graffiti. The ocean stretches to the horizon under a soft, golden sky, with evidence of human presence including scattered debris and painted surfaces on the bluffs. This area is known for its geological instability and historical significance, particularly its connection to the 'Sunken City' legend, a section of land that slid into the ocean in 1929. The graffiti indicates ongoing informal use of the bluffs, contrasting with the natural coastal environment and the distant shipping lanes.
San Pedro Coastal Bluffs, California, feature graffiti-adorned concrete remnants and palm trees overlooking the ocean.
December 10, 2011 — The San Pedro Coastal Bluffs in California are marked by weathered concrete structures and palm trees, with visible graffiti adorning the rocks and debris scattered on the ground. The ocean is visible in the background under a clear sky. These bluffs are part of the coastline near the historic Sunken City, an area of San Pedro that experienced a massive landslide in 1929, causing homes and streets to slide into the ocean. The remaining concrete structures are remnants of the area's past development, now a popular spot for urban exploration and often adorned with graffiti.
The Sunken City in San Pedro, California, features coastal rocks, palm trees, and remnants of concrete structures overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
December 10, 2011 — The Sunken City in San Pedro, California, features rugged coastal rocks and palm trees overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The area is characterized by broken concrete slabs and graffiti-covered surfaces, remnants of a past development. This site, once a wealthy residential neighborhood, was inundated by a landslide in 1929 and subsequently submerged by high tides. The exposed ruins are now a popular, albeit unofficial, destination for urban explorers and photographers, offering a unique glimpse into the area's geological and historical past.
Sunken City, San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, a former residential neighborhood, now a coastal area known for its geological history and views of the Port of Los Angeles breakwater.
December 10, 2011 — Sunken City, a neighborhood in San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, was once a thriving residential area. In 1929, a massive landslide caused much of the neighborhood to slide into the Pacific Ocean, leading to its abandonment. The area is now a popular spot for urban exploration and offers views of the coastline and the Port of Los Angeles breakwater. The remaining structures and debris serve as a stark reminder of the geological forces that reshaped the coastline.
San Pedro Coastal Park in California offers views of the Pacific Ocean and features a path through grassy areas and trees, with a fence visible on the left.
December 10, 2011 — San Pedro Coastal Park in California overlooks the Pacific Ocean. This area, known for its dramatic cliffs and ocean views, has a history tied to geological instability, most notably the "Sunken City" area which experienced landslides in the early 20th century. Today, the park serves as a public space for enjoying the coastal environment and its natural beauty.

Built in Minneapolis

Photographs made over time, focused on place, public life, and ongoing reporting.

Browse by location, move through long-running series, or start with recent work.

© 1996–2026 Chad Davis