Abalone Cove Shoreline Park

I always appreciate when I can get outside and enjoy the fresh air on the weekends considering 90% of my week is spent indoors. And luckily, the day my friends and I decided to go hiking in Palos Verdes gifted us with the most beautiful Southern California weather – sunny and 75 degrees with a calming and cool breeze. As we drove into the beautiful city of Palos Verdes, just south of Los Angeles and near San Pedro, I felt a sense of calm come over me. I took in a deep breath of ocean air and was grateful to be away from honking horns, traffic, smog, and my typically busy weekend life for this short while.
 
After my friends and I easily parked at the parking lot directly next to Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, we made our way down the main path to the left of the parking lot. There are plenty of trails located here and it’s easy to find your own way without a map or any knowledge of the trails (or at least was the case for us). This trail is right along the coast the entire way and has limited shade (wear sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc.!), but the views from each and every turn were so beautiful! We all commented on how blue the water was, how stunning the cliffs were towering over it, and how it didn’t feel like we were in Los Angeles anymore. We followed the trail along the coastline for about 45 minutes or so before turning around and following the trail back the same way we came. We probably could have put in a little more effort during our hike, but... our stomaches were growling and burritos were calling our names! 
 
I’m not sure what the swimming conditions are like here or what it’s like to explore the tide pools (we didn’t bring swim suits so didn’t even try to swim, but I read online after we visited that the tide pools here are closed until further notice due to falling rocks and unstable cliffs above). But, even if you are unable to currently explore the tide pools, you can still treat yourself to a great hike with gorgeous coastline views!
 
The Details
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is located at 5970 Palos Verdes Dr S., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275. There is a parking lot directly next to this address that will cost you $0 for 30 minutes, $6 for 2 hours, or $12 for the day.
 
Click here for more information about the Abalone Cove Ecological Reserve.