Palos Verdes, a nature lovers’ paradise, features dazzling cliffside views of the Pacific Ocean, exploding colorful-around-the-year wildflower blooms, glimpses of marine life,, and breathtaking scenic surroundings everywhere. It’s hard to beat hiking in PV.
Bring a sense of adventure, get outdoors, and enjoy some of the best trails on the Peninsula. But remember, leave no trace.
Point Vicente Lighthouse / Vicente Bluffs Reserve
31501 Palos Verdes Dr. West Park at the Interpretive Center. The easy slow 1.6-mile walk features stunning views, easy-to-reach trail markers, and places to rest and relax. Explore the Vicente Bluffs Reserve further by following the Interpretive Trail, to the Seascape Trail, to Golden Cove Trail – then, turn around. Many accessible trails are available.
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
5970 Palos Verdes Dr S. parking is paid. A rocky dirt trail takes you straight to the ocean and tidepools. Check tide charts for the best times to visit. Walk towards the cliffs at the end of the beach to see starfish and other sea creatures in the tidepools.
Sacred Cove
Paid Parking is available at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park 5970 Palos Verdes Dr. S. Walk south along Palos Verdes Dr. S for about 0.8 miles until you reach Sacred Cove, also known as “Smugglers Cove.”
Terranea Discovery Trail
Park at Pelican Cove Park 31300 Palos Verdes Drive South. Generally considered an easy out-and-back trail, this 2.0-mile hike takes you through the resort with lots of tidepools to check out along the way.
Shipwreck Trail
Park at Cloyden & Paseo Del Mar. To shorten the trail, take the steep hill down.
This 4.6-mile out-and-back trail takes you along the coastline and ultimately, to a historic shipwreck site. It’s considered moderately challenging and very rocky. Check the tides and go when it’s low to avoid getting too wet. Wear sturdy shoes as this very rocky trail is slippery and not for the faint of heart.
Portuguese Bend Reserve
So many trails to choose from in the PB reserve.
Park on Crenshaw Blvd near Del Cerro Park with online parking reservation. Or try your luck for free at Crest Rd, just east of Crenshaw. McBride, McCarrell, Three Sisters, Sunshine, and Barkentine Trail Loop take you past scenic surroundings.
George F. Canyon Nature Trail
Park at the nature center on the corner of PV Drive East and PV Drive North. The trail, easily accessible for families, is right behind the building. It features benches, providing a peaceful place to sit and listen to the birds.
Point Vicente Beach Walk
Park at the Interpretive Center. 31501 Palos Verdes Dr. W. Great out-and-back trail with many variations. This easy-to-moderate 5.6-mile walk along the bluffs offers stunning vistas. Lucky hikers can view Sea Lions and other marine life at play.
Bluff Cove to Lunada Bay
672-650 Paseo Del Mar This easy 1.7-mile on-and-back trail is a great way to check out the Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve. The beginning of the trail is well-paved but becomes increasingly rocky. Because parts of the trail are sometimes covered by water, please check the tides before starting.
Ladera Linda Quarry Trail
Palos Verdes Dr. W. Left on Forrestal Dr. and park. This 1.2-mile loop trail is moderately challenging and steep in some places. Adventurous hikers can veer off onto other trails on the loop to gain elevation and get a good view of the quarry.
