Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes is a beautiful coastal area that has many rocky beach coves with great hiking trails and tide pools and sea caves to enjoy. Some of the best whale watching is from the bluffs above the beaches of this location, especially Point Vicente. These beaches are different from most images of a typical Southern California beach - mostly, they are not the soft, white sand beaches with decent surf with people baking in the sun or playing volleyball or jogging at the waters edge. Most of the Palos Verdes coast is very rocky and you will have to climb down to it from the bluffs down a trail (or two in some cases) from the cliffs above to get to any "beach" down below. The steepness of the trails can vary from cove to cove. Also note that this peninsula has locations where the land is "moving" out to sea. These areas are subject to landslides and there are signs on the hiking trails and along the bluffs to let you know that the ground can become unstable. Just stay aware of the conditions and surroundings and visiting any of these coves can be a great day of adventure and fun.

Abalone Cove
Abalone Cove

Parking - lots are available for a fee at Abalone Cove and free at Point Vicente Interpretive Center and Pelican Cove and at Founders Park below Trump National Golf Club for Ranchos Palos Verdes Beach. For Bluff Cove or Lunada Bay, you can park on the street along Paseo Del Mar for free.

Abalone Cove Beach
Abalone Cove Beach

Facilities & Concessions - Point Vicente has nice restrooms and facilities as does Rancho Palos Verdes Beach at Founders Park, but most of the coves have only port-a-potties. There are no concessions at these locations, so bring plenty of water and any food you might need while hiking around out on the bluffs.

Pt Vicente Lighthouse
Pt Vicente Lighthouse

Hiking - Trails are at all coves in the area. Some are more well kept than others and some have warning signs about the landslide conditions. The vistas are beautiful from the trails, but keep an eye out for unexpected drop offs from trails and descend carefully down to the beach. Bring plenty of sun protection and water if hiking over multiple locations in 1 day.

Abalone Cove Olmstead Trail
Abalone Cove Olmstead Trail

Abalone Cove Smuggler's Trail
Abalone Cove Smuggler's Trail

Archery Club View & Portuguese Bend
Archery Club View & Portuguese Bend Towards Rancho Palos Verdes Beach

Tidepools - There are numerous tidepools to enjoy on the peninsula at the coves. Bring water shoes and bring a bathing suit so you can enjoy the total adventure of these coves. You made the trek out to this beautiful place, so make the most of it!

Sacred Cove Inspiration PointSacred Cove Inspiration Point

 

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Abalone Cove

Point Vicente