The advisory was issued after a powerful earthquake shook Chile, forcing more than one million people to evacuate their homes.
Chile's President Michelle Bachelet said at least five people died. Damage as reported in some coastal towns that saw flooding from small tsunami waves.
The National Tsunami Warning Center said California "should not expect widespread inundation" but added that waves could be dangerous "many hours after initial arrival time."
"The tsunami advisory remains in effect for the coastal areas of California from San Onofre state beach California, which is located 45 miles southeast of L.A., to Ragged Point, California, which is located 50 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo."
"If you are located in this coastal area, move off the beach and out of harbors and marinas."