Rancho Palos Verdes - Pelican Cove

Pelican Cove is a great place to visit if you enjoy a nice day of hiking and walking along a rocky beach and playing in the ocean. Bring water shoes to protect your feet if you plan to go in the ocean as it is quite rocky. This pretty cove is located at 31300 Palos Verdes Drive South just South of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. There is a little parking lot next to the structure with restrooms on the top of the bluffs where you can park for free. You can also park for free at the Pt Vicente Interpretive Center and walk about 5 - 10 minutes to the trailhead on the bluffs, but keep an eye on what time it is as the gate is locked at 5 pm. From the top of the bluffs, the Pescadero Trail leads quickly down to the water. It is a well maintained trail of dirt, however, it is a little steep and a bit strenuous on the hike back up to the parking lot.

Pelican Cove View towards Terranea Resort
Pelican Cove View towards Terranea Resort

There are no concession stands or eateries at Pelican Cove. Be sure to bring plenty of water, food, and sun protection. It can get hot and dry down on the rocky beach during midday. Bring a jacket and other warmer clothing if you plan to stay all day as it cools down quickly late in the afternoon. Also note that no fishing is allowed at Pelican Cove. It is part of the Point Vicente State Marine Conservation Area extending from the Pt Vicente Lighthouse down towards Long Point (where the Terranea Resort is located) meaning that No Fishing activity is permitted.

Pescadero Trail to Pelican Cove
Pescadero Trail to Pelican Cove

Lower Pescadero Trail to Beach
Lower Pescadero Trail to Beach

Pelican Cove is also a great spot to bring your binoculars to see if you can spot any whales during the months of December through April or any dolphins or sea lions out in the open water. It is also a nice spot to get your Tevas on and get wet and see if you can spot any fish and other ocean life. The cove is protected, so you should see some fish if you wade out a bit. Or stick closer to shore and see the sea anemones, sea cucumbers, urchins, and other ocean life in the tide pools. At the South end of Pelican Cove at the point, there is a great spot with several tide pools to explore next to the shoreline.

Trail Marker towards Pelican Cove from Pt Vicente
Trail Marker towards Pelican Cove from Pt Vicente

If you have time, be sure to visit the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. The park is located where the Point Vicente Lighthouse is and the park grounds are beautiful, picnic tables are available, it is free to visit, there are shade trees, and a trail along the bluffs, and spectacular ocean views from the bluffs - although this is true of all of the bluffs in Palos Verdes! The parking lot is large and it is free to park.

Pelican Cove Beach View
Pelican Cove Beach View

 

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Point Vicente Palos Verdes