Palos Verdes is one of the most breathtaking places in all of Los Angeles County, and it often flies under the radar for anyone who hasn’t made the drive out to the peninsula. Perched above the Pacific Ocean on a dramatic stretch of coastline in the South Bay, Palos Verdes offers coastal trails, hidden coves, world-class whale watching, stunning gardens, local arts, and one of the most distinctive communities in Southern California.

Whether visiting for the first time or looking to explore a corner of the peninsula that hasn’t been discovered yet, this guide to the best things to do in Palos Verdes is a solid starting point. The Palos Verdes Peninsula is made up of 4 distinct cities: Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, and Rolling Hills Estates. Each has its own personality, but together they form one of the most scenic and sought-after destinations in the greater Los Angeles area.

Also, there’s plenty more to explore across the South Bay. Check out these guides too:

Note: Some areas of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, particularly in Rancho Palos Verdes, have been impacted by ongoing land movement and landslide activity. Always check with the city or the attraction directly before visiting to confirm access and current status.

Outdoor Adventures and Hiking in Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes is an outdoor lover’s destination, full stop. The peninsula has miles of preserved land, bluff-top trails, and nature reserves that offer some of the most jaw-dropping views in Los Angeles County. From short family-friendly walks to multi-mile hikes through coastal sage scrub, there is a trail for just about every level.

Portuguese Bend Reserve

The Portuguese Bend Reserve is one of the crown jewels of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Part of the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve system, this reserve stretches across hundreds of acres of open space and offers a network of trails that wind through native coastal habitat, past seasonal streams, and along ridgelines with sweeping views of Catalina Island and the Pacific.

The reserve is popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Trails range from easy fire roads to more rugged single-track paths. This is a genuine natural escape just minutes from the rest of the South Bay.

Address: Peppertree Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Forrestal Nature Reserve

The Forrestal Nature Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes is another standout in the peninsula’s trail system. With over 1,000 acres of protected land, it connects to other sections of the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve and offers miles of trails through some of the most intact coastal sage scrub habitat remaining in Southern California. The views from the upper ridgelines are extraordinary on a clear day.

Del Cerro Park

Del Cerro Park is one of the most popular viewpoints on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Sitting atop the hills with panoramic vistas stretching from the South Bay to the San Gabriel Mountains to Catalina Island, this is a go-to spot for sunset views and wide-open sky. The park has parking and easy access, making it a great stopping point on any peninsula drive.

Address: Crenshaw Blvd & Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274

George F Canyon Nature Center

The George F Canyon Nature Center, managed by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy, offers free self-guided nature walks through a scenic canyon with a seasonal stream and native habitat. Educational programming runs throughout the year, and the area is particularly beautiful in spring when wildflowers bloom across the hillsides. This is a quiet, underrated gem on the peninsula.

Address: 27305 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274

Breathtaking Pelican Cove - Palos Verdes — Breathtaking Pelican Cove – Palos Verdes

Beaches and Coastal Access in Palos Verdes

The beaches along the Palos Verdes coastline are unlike anything else in the South Bay. Rugged, rocky, and largely uncrowded, they attract tide poolers, snorkelers, kayakers, and anyone looking for a stretch of California coast that doesn’t feel overrun. Getting down to many of these beaches requires a hike or a scramble, which keeps them feeling like a hidden treasure.

Abalone Cove Shoreline Park

Abalone Cove Shoreline Park has long been one of the most visited destinations on the peninsula, home to some of the best tide pools in Los Angeles County. The park encompasses 2 protected ecological reserves: Abalone Cove Ecological Reserve and Sacred Cove.

Important update: Due to accelerated land movement in the Portuguese Bend Landslide complex, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes has indefinitely closed Abalone Cove Beach, Sacred Cove Beach, and all beach access trails within the park. The upper bluff-top areas and main parking lot remain open (parking lot entry from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Always check the City of Rancho Palos Verdes website for the latest trail and beach status before visiting.

Address: 5970 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Malaga Cove Beach

Malaga Cove is one of the few sandy beaches on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and is beloved by surfers, paddlers, and anyone who wants a quieter beach experience away from the crowds of the more commercial South Bay beaches to the north. Access is via a trail down from Paseo del Mar in Palos Verdes Estates, and the walk down is part of the experience. The backdrop of the Palos Verdes bluffs makes it one of the most scenic beach settings in the region.

Pelican Cove

Pelican Cove is a quiet, tucked-away beach accessed by a staircase near the Point Vicente Lighthouse area. The cove is sheltered from strong swells in many conditions, making it popular for kayaking and snorkeling. It’s the kind of spot that feels like a local secret, even though it isn’t.

Nature and Wildlife Highlights

Point Vicente Interpretive Center

The Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Rancho Palos Verdes is the gateway to one of the best whale watching vantage points in all of Southern California. Operated by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, the center offers exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the peninsula, and its outdoor overlook is perfectly positioned for spotting gray whales during their annual migration between December and April.

The center also maintains a small gift shop and hosts rotating exhibits. Admission is free, and the ocean views from the grounds alone make the stop worthwhile.

Address: 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Whale Watching from the Bluffs

One of the most remarkable free activities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula is whale watching from the coastal bluffs. During the gray whale migration season (roughly mid-December through April), the bluffs above the ocean offer prime viewing conditions. Point Vicente is the most popular spot, but the bluff trails throughout the peninsula offer additional vantage points. Bring binoculars for the best experience.

South Coast Botanic Garden

The South Coast Botanic Garden is an 87-acre garden oasis perched on the Palos Verdes Peninsula that draws visitors year-round. The garden features dozens of themed areas including a children’s discovery garden, rose garden, cactus garden, a meadow, and a pond filled with koi. Special events throughout the year include jazz nights, holiday programming, and rotating art installations.

This is one of the most beloved attractions on the peninsula and consistently ranks as one of the top things to do in Palos Verdes for locals and visitors alike.

Address: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
Website

Rancho Palos Verdes Point Vicente — Point Vicente

Landmarks and Local Icons

Wayfarer’s Chapel

Wayfarer’s Chapel is one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in all of Southern California. Designed by Lloyd Wright Jr. (son of Frank Lloyd Wright), this glass chapel nestled into the hillside above the ocean is a National Historic Landmark and a deeply beloved spot on the peninsula.

Wayfarer’s Chapel was carefully disassembled and placed into storage following land movement that made its original site unsafe. The good news: a new location has been identified just 1 mile west of the original site, and plans are underway to rebuild the chapel as soon as the new property is secured and rebuilding funds are raised. Follow along with updates at wayfarerschapel.org.

Original address: 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Point Vicente Lighthouse

The Point Vicente Lighthouse has been guiding ships along the Southern California coastline since 1926 and is one of the most photographed landmarks on the peninsula. While the lighthouse itself is not open for regular public tours, the surrounding grounds and the Point Vicente Interpretive Center next door offer excellent viewing of the structure and dramatic ocean scenery. Docent-led tours are occasionally offered through Los Serenos de Point Vicente, the volunteer docent organization for the city.

Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

Palos Verdes Art Center

The Palos Verdes Art Center has been a cornerstone of the local arts community for decades. Located in the heart of Palos Verdes, the center offers rotating gallery exhibitions, art classes for all ages, and community programs that support local artists and creative education. For anyone interested in the visual arts, this is one of the most welcoming cultural institutions on the peninsula.

Address: 5504 W Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Website: pvartcenter.org

Norris Theatre for the Performing Arts

The Norris Theatre for the Performing Arts is the performing arts hub of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This intimate 450-seat theater hosts a full season of live theater, dance performances, concerts, and special events throughout the year. The theater is known for high-quality productions and a loyal local audience that packs the house for everything from Broadway-style musicals to classical music performances.

Address: 27570 Norris Center Drive, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Website: norristheatre.org

Recreation and Things to Do Outdoors

Horseback Riding

The Palos Verdes Peninsula has a long equestrian tradition, and there are riding opportunities available through local stables that operate within the area. Riding through the nature preserves and along the bluff trails is one of the most unique experiences the peninsula offers. Check with local stables for current availability, guided trail rides, and lesson options.

Tide Pooling

Tide pooling is one of the most popular activities along the Palos Verdes coastline, and the rocky intertidal zones here are among the most diverse in the greater Los Angeles area. While Abalone Cove is currently closed due to landslide activity, other spots along the coast offer similarly rich habitat. Low tide is always the best time to explore, and tide charts should be checked before heading out. Visitors should stay on the rocks and avoid touching or removing any marine life.

Dining and Where to Eat in Palos Verdes

The dining scene in Palos Verdes is more understated than the louder restaurant strips further north in the South Bay, but it has some genuinely standout options, particularly those that take advantage of the peninsula’s remarkable ocean views.

Terranea Resort

Terranea Resort is the only full-service resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and even for non-guests it is a remarkable destination. The resort sits on 102 acres of coastal bluffs and offers multiple dining options with some of the most dramatic ocean views in Southern California.

Nelson’s is the casual outdoor bar and grill perched right on the cliffs, and it is one of the most scenic dining experiences in the entire South Bay. The restaurant is open to the public and is particularly popular for sunset drinks and casual meals. Reservations or a walk-in during off-peak hours are recommended.

Address: 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Website: terranea.com

Lunada Bay and Neighborhood Eats

The villages and commercial pockets around Palos Verdes Estates and Rolling Hills Estates have a collection of local eateries that serve the community well. From neighborhood pizza spots to cafes and delis, the area has solid casual dining that keeps locals coming back regularly. Malaga Cove Plaza in Palos Verdes Estates is one of the more charming local shopping and dining destinations on the peninsula.

Events and Annual Highlights in Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes has a tight-knit community feel, and its annual events reflect that local character. Some of the standout recurring events on the peninsula include the Palos Verdes Art Center’s Art on the Green outdoor arts festival, which draws visitors from across the South Bay and beyond. The South Coast Botanic Garden hosts seasonal events including its popular Jazz in the Garden series and holiday lighting events. Norris Theatre produces a full season of performances from fall through spring, with special one-night events and community showcases throughout the year. The whale watching season between December and April draws consistent visitors to the bluffs and the Point Vicente Interpretive Center.

Find current events on the Local Anchor Community Calendar and check for South Bay events near Palos Verdes at localanchor.com/south-bay-events.

Getting to Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes is located in the southwestern corner of Los Angeles County, bordered by Torrance to the north, Redondo Beach to the northeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south. The most common routes onto the peninsula are via Palos Verdes Drive North from Torrance or Hawthorne Boulevard from Redondo Beach. There is no metro or rail access to the peninsula, so a car is necessary for most visitors. Parking at many of the popular sites is available but can fill up on weekends, especially during whale watching season and summer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Palos Verdes

What is Palos Verdes known for?

Palos Verdes is known for its dramatic coastal bluffs, excellent hiking trails, some of the best tide pools and whale watching in Southern California, the iconic Wayfarer’s Chapel, and the South Coast Botanic Garden. It is one of the most scenic and distinctive communities in the greater Los Angeles area.

Is Palos Verdes worth visiting?

Yes. Palos Verdes offers a completely different experience from the more crowded South Bay beach cities to the north. The combination of natural beauty, relative quiet, and world-class landmarks makes it worth a dedicated trip, not just a drive-through.

What beaches are in Palos Verdes?

The Palos Verdes Peninsula has several beaches, including Abalone Cove Beach, Malaga Cove Beach, and Pelican Cove. Note that Abalone Cove Beach and Sacred Cove Beach are currently closed indefinitely due to landslide activity. Malaga Cove and Pelican Cove remain popular options. Most Palos Verdes beaches require a hike or staircase descent to reach and are rockier and more rugged than the sandy beaches further north in the South Bay.

When is the best time to visit Palos Verdes?

Palos Verdes is worth visiting year-round. Late fall through early spring is prime time for whale watching from the bluffs. Spring brings wildflower blooms through the nature reserves. Summer offers clear days and comfortable temperatures for hiking and beach visits. The South Coast Botanic Garden is particularly beautiful from spring through fall.

Are some areas of Palos Verdes closed?

Yes. Parts of Rancho Palos Verdes have been affected by active land movement and landslides, and access to some areas including certain trails, beaches, and landmarks has been limited or closed at various times. Always check with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes and individual attractions directly before visiting.

What happened to Wayfarer’s Chapel?

Wayfarer’s Chapel was carefully disassembled and placed into storage after land movement made its original site unsafe. A new location has been identified approximately 1 mile west of the original site, and plans are in place to rebuild as soon as the site is secured and funds are raised. Visit wayfarerschapel.org for the latest updates on the rebuild.

What is there to do in Palos Verdes besides hiking?

Beyond hiking and outdoor activities, Palos Verdes has the South Coast Botanic Garden, the Palos Verdes Art Center, Norris Theatre for the Performing Arts, dining at Terranea Resort, tide pooling, whale watching, and horseback riding. It is a well-rounded destination with something to offer at every pace.

Ready to Explore Palos Verdes?

Whether it’s a first visit to the bluffs or a return trip to a favorite trail, the Palos Verdes Peninsula consistently rewards those who make the drive. Keep an eye on the Local Anchor Events Calendar for what’s happening on the peninsula and across the South Bay, and explore more city guides and local favorites at localanchor.com.

Looking for more to do across the South Bay?