South Bay Wilderness Parks and Easy Trails for Kids
The South Bay of Los Angeles has lots of great options when it comes to Wilderness Parks and Easy Trails for Kids. We’ve created a list of our favorites, so it’s easy for you to find! Let us know where your adventure takes you, let us know in the comments!
Redondo Beach
Hopkins Wilderness Park
Nature park & campground featuring forest, meadows & a pond, with an amphitheater & picnic areas.
https://www.redondo.org/depts/public_works/parks/hopkins.asp
Torrance
Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center
The Madrona Marsh Preserve is thought to be one of the last remaining vernal freshwater marshes in Los Angeles County. In the years since California’s discovery by the Europeans, development has removed virtually all of our wetlands. Migratory water fowl populations are less than 50% of what they were in 1900. Many species are now designated as threatened or endangered. The Preserve is a mix of several micro-habitats including back dune, coastal prairie, alkali margin, vernal pool and vernal marsh area and is situated within the greater El Segundo Sand Dune System. The fine sand particles of this ancient dune system have been carried from the coastal dunes by winds for thousands of years. Each of the Preserve’s habitats houses its own specifically adapted native plant species.
http://www.friendsofmadronamarsh.com/
Palos Verdes
Terranea Trail
https://www.terranea.com/
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Expansive park by the ocean featuring 2 beaches plus trails, caves & picnic areas.
https://www.rpvca.gov/facilities/facility/details/Abalone-Cove-Shoreline-Park-1
Abalone Cove Trail Map
South Coast Botanic Garden
The South Coast Botanic Garden is a 35 hectare garden in the Palos Verdes Hills, in Palos Verdes,
https://southcoastbotanicgarden.org/
Forrestal Nature Reserve
155-acre, beachfront nature reserve offering hiking trails, picturesque lookouts & native animals.
Forrestal Trail Map
Point Vicente Lighthouse and Interpretive Center
Natural & local culture exhibits in the visitor center of a waterfront park with whale-watching.
http://www.palosverdes.com/pvlight/
Portuguese Bend Nature Reserve
This 399-acre preserve with rolling hills & canyons offers multi-use trails & wildlife viewing.
Portuguese Bend Trail Map
Del cerro Park
Del Cerro Park is a public park located in Rancho Palos Verdes, Los Angeles County, California. The park is situated high atop a bluff at the southernmost end of Crenshaw Boulevard. Del Cerro Park is noted for its sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island
http://www.rpvca.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Del-Cerro-Park-3
Dominator Shipwreck
Shipwreck Trail is a 4.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Palos Verdes Peninsula, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is accessible year-round.
https://www.californiabeaches.com/attraction/dominator-shipwreck/
Three Sisters Reserve
This 99-acre parcel has spectacular ocean views and wonderful hiking trails that can be accessed from the end of Ocean Terrace Drive. It is home to several rare wildflower and bird species and the location of a 2009 21-acre habitat restoration project.
https://www.rpvca.gov/1157/Three-Sisters-Reserve
Three Sisters Trail Map
Malaga Cove
Malaga Cove is the northernmost and sandiest beach in the city of Palos Verdes Estates. This spot is actually the south end of the long sandy shore that includes Redondo Beach and Torrance Beach (an area known as RAT Beach). Surfers enjoy this beach as do scuba divers, sunbathers and swimmers. This area tends to be less busy than the others because of it’s off-the-beaten-track location.
https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/malaga-cove-beach/
Additional Trail Maps
San Pedro
Sunken City
Located next to the Point Fermin Lighthouse (about 9 miles southwest of Long Beach), you’ll find one of the most intriguing beach spots in all of California. The Sunken City of San Pedro (a community in Los Angeles city limits) is what remains of a devastating slow-moving landslide that occurred 85 years ago. A large area of land on the coast began abruptly sliding into the sea, spurring the prompt evacuation of those who had once peacefully resided in the area’s cheery bungalows. Fortunately, everyone got out safely, and even most of the homes were saved, but a few of the old bungalows went crashing into the ocean.
https://www.californiabeaches.com/sunken-city/
Looking for more things to do with kids in Los Angeles, check out all our Things to Do Guides.
Also, you might want to check out the following articles on our website:
Botanical Gardens in Southern California
Best Places for Snow Near Los Angeles
Social Distanced Places for Kids in Southern California
