The Best Palos Verdes Beach to Visit in 2023
Introduction to Rancho Palos Verdes
While not typically recognized as one of the hotspots to visit when in LA, the coastal city of Rancho Palos Verdes is a stunning hidden gem that boasts terrific ocean views, towering cliffs, and captivating marine life across numerous beaches.
At about 30 miles from downtown LA, it’s the perfect stop for those who desire a quick getaway from the commotion of urban life. This means that you won’t find a booming hotel or nightlife scene within the vicinity of any Rancho Palos Verdes beach, but the natural sights and generally peaceful atmosphere more than makeup for it.
There are a total of 9 beaches in Rancho Palos Verdes, all of which are accessible to one another via a short distance or trek through hiking trails. While any Palos Verdes beach you go to will offer killer views and a great experience, here are a few of our favorites!
Abalone Cove Beach
Coastal Views at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Abalone Cove Beach is one of two beaches at the Abalone Cove Shoreline Park and the best one to visit in the area in our opinion. Upon parking at the reserve’s parking lot, you’ll want to take the half-mile-long walk from the parking lot to get to Abalone Cove Beach. From Abalone Cove, you can spot tide pools that contain over 25 species of marine life, such as starfish, shore crabs, and sea urchins. Whale-watching is also a popular activity here, during the months of December to March.
If you want to try your luck at spotting the whales and seals, we recommend hiking out from Abalone Cove Beach to a viewing point at the east end of Abalone Cove. At Portuguese Point, this is where you’ll get great views of Catalina Island on a clear day. It also serves as a great vantage point for the two coves that make up the Abalone Cove Shoreline Park.
There are tons of rocky formations to marvel at, and easy access to neighboring coves. The tide pools down at the beach are also a nice touch. You may also come across a few rare plants and cacti at Abalone Beach, along with a small waterfall stream, so snap away!
Parking Address: 5970 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Sacred Cove Beach
View from Sacred Cove Beach (Palos Verdes Beach)
Also part of Abalone Cove shoreline park, this Rancho Palos Verdes beach is a hidden beauty and a close runner-up to Abalone Cove beach. You can check out our article on Sacred Cove Beach to learn all about it!
En route to Sacred Cove via the trails leading from Abalone Cove, you can catch excellent views of the Palos Verdes area and Catalina Island as seagulls swoop overhead.
At the base of Portuguese Point, you can adventure into a couple of large caves during low-tide conditions. The best one in Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is a tunnel that waves crash deep into, viewable from the Sacred Cove side.
Parking Address: 5970 Palos Verdes Drive, South Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Portuguese Bend Cove Beach
Portuguese Bend Cove Beach (Palos Verdes Beach)
Here’s another spot you can consider heading to after visiting Abalone Cove Beach. Just head eastwards, and you’ll find yourself at Portuguese Bend Cove Beach, located right below the South Bay Archery Club.
The small beach is located towards the west of Inspiration Point, a promontory that separates it from Sacred Cove. While there’s not a lot of beach there during high tide conditions, you’ll get to explore the exposed tide pools and sea caves when the waters are calmer.
It’s quite the hike from the parking lot at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, but it makes for a nice loop as you go through the trails to Portuguese Bend Cove Beach and back.
Parking Address: 4600 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Rancho Palos Verdes Beach
The Rancho Palos Verdes Beach is about an acre-wide rocky and sandy beach underneath the Trump National Golf Course on Ocean Trails Drive. The city acquired it in 2011 for project settlements.
This sparsely populated beach is ideal for beachcombing and investigating the pristine tide pools during low tide. You’ll want to park either at the end of La Rotonda Drive or the Trump National Golf Clubhouse to get there. Before heading down, you can access the public restroom located outside the club. Making your way to Founders Park, you can then take Sunset Trail and Sunrise Trail to get down to the beach from the bluff.
Waters at Ranchos Palos Verdes Beach contain rocks and abundant seaweed. Lifeguards are on duty only during the summertime.
Parking Address: One Ocean Trails Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Pelican Cove Beach
Painter at Pelican Cove Beach (Palos Verdes Beach)
Formally a fishing point known as Point Vincente Fishing Access, this Palos Verdes beach is now part of the state marine conservation area where fishing is no longer permitted. Pelican Cove beach is right below the parking lot on the southbound lanes of Palos Verdes Drive, near Point Vincente Lighthouse and Point Vicente Park park.
You can then travel through the trails that start south from the parking lot and trek along the bluff top in front of the Terranea Resort and golf course.
Upon reaching the site, a half-moon-shaped cove filled with sapphire-colored water greets you. From there, there’s only a 200-foot drop between you and the foaming waters.
The Tobermory trail presents a nice challenge for seasoned hikers, leading to waters where you can scuba dive.
Parking Address: 31300 Palos Verdes Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Attractions and Activities near Sacred Cove
Palos Verdes Beach & Athletic Club
Palos Verdes Beach & Athletic Club is located at 389 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates. This facility has a 5-story clubhouse, a competition 6-lane pool, a children’s pool, BBQ grills, a fitness center, and more.
A day pass to the Palos Verdes beach and athletic club costs $55, and you’ll also gain access to the Right After Torrance (RAT) Beach with this.
Pointe Vicente Lighthouse
Pointe Vincente Lighthouse
A short 5-minute drive away from Abalone Cove and a short stroll from Pelican Cove, the Pointe Vicente Lighthouse is another must-see attraction when you’re in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Captain George Vancouver named the point where the lighthouse rests, back in 1790. He called it Pointe Vicente in honor of his close friend, Friar Vicente of the Mission Buenaventura.
The beacon from Point Vicente Light continues to shine over the Catalina Channel today. The fog horn is now turned on by automated controls and electronic sensors in place of a lighthouse keeper. Far from being abandoned, the housing facility is occupied by regular Coast Guard employees deployed to adjacent ships, stations, and offices.
While the lighthouse is only open to the public on Saturdays, between 10 am and 3 pm, the 67-foot tall structure is still one to marvel at from a distance.
Wayfarers Chapel
Wayfarers Chapel, “The Glass Church”
From Abalone Cove beach, you can head north towards Wayfarers Chapel. The journey should take about 5 minutes, and you’ll have a tranquil view of the coves from the top once you reach there.
As of August 2022, the chapel is open to the public daily from 9 am to 5 pm. So definitely take the chance to admire the dreamy and intricate glasshouse-like interior when you’re there.
Final Thoughts
It’s needless to say these stunning hidden gems in Rancho Palos Verdes are worth checking out, especially if you have an affinity for beaches. Got more room in your travel itinerary? Consider adding a tour or two to complete your Los Angeles trip!
