A Coastal Drive Through Palos Verdes, CA | How To Local Travel Guide

I know for a fact that I’ve explored more of Europe than my home state of California. While I have zero regrets, I do think it’s important to appreciate what’s in our own backyard every now and then. Whether it be playing tourist for the day, or planning a stay-cation for the weekend, I encourage you to get out there and see more of what your city, state, or country has to offer!

Last week, I decided to take my own advice and drove about 30 minutes to Palos Verdes. For those of you not familiar with this charming Southern California city, it’s a very ritzy area. Some tourists visit to gawk at the insane mansions and cars, while others find themselves on the extensive horse trails. I was happy just driving along the coast and making a few scenic stops along the way.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula is a gorgeous sight to behold. I’m pretty sure it’s impossible to take a bad picture here, especially if you’re driving along the coast where you’ll discover dramatic ocean views. Whether you’re a tourist or a local looking to escape Los Angeles for an afternoon, Palos Verdes is definitely worth a visit on a sunny day!

Quick tip: This area is known for being quite foggy in the early mornings, thanks to a thick marine layer, so I’d recommend visiting in the later afternoon.

If you only have a few hours to spare, here are a few stops that you must not miss during your coastal drive.

#1 – The Wayfarers Chapel, also known as “The Glass Church”

Can you see why they call it the Glass Church? The Wayfarers Chapel is open every day to the public. Religious or not, anyone can appreciate this architectural masterpiece. It is such a peaceful and beautiful place to visit. Oh, and don’t forget the ocean views!

#2 – Point Vicente Lighthouse

I had never actually seen a lighthouse before so when I heard about Point Vicente, I made a point to visit it. Okay, bad pun. Anyway, this stop was a bit of a fail on my part. The lighthouse and the grounds are almost always closed to the public. As you can see from my picture, I couldn’t get very close but I still enjoyed the view. If you do want to visit the lighthouse, it’s only open on the second Saturday of each month. It’s free to climb up! Also, the beautiful Terranea Resort is just around the corner if you fancy a round of golf or a nice meal. Even if you’re not able to visit the lighthouse, it still makes for a great photo op!

#3 – Miramar Park & Torrance Beach

Alright, technically this isn’t in Palos Verdes. However, this spot offers some beautiful views of the Palos Verdes Hills and Peninsula so I thought I’d include it. A photo really doesn’t do it justice. This is also a great beach to visit after your coastal drive for some quality rest and relaxation.

My afternoon in Palos Verdes had me falling in love with my state all over again.

How to Turn Your Palos Verdes Cruise into a Perfect Half-Day (or More!)

You hit the greatest hits—the Glass Church, Point Vicente Lighthouse, and those dreamy Miramar/Torrance views. Now let’s stretch that drive into a golden-hour mini-escape.

The Loop (so you don’t backtrack)

Aim for a counter-clockwise loop to keep the ocean on your right and turnouts easy: Palos Verdes Dr N → Palos Verdes Dr W → Palos Verdes Dr S. This strings the viewpoints together like pearls and sets you up for a west-facing sunset finale.

At-a-Glance Day Plan (easy, photogenic, golden-hour friendly)

The Scenic Stops (expanded)

1) Point Vicente Interpretive Center & Bluff Trail

Even if the lighthouse grounds are closed (they’re open just a handful of days each year), the interpretive center is worth 20–30 minutes. You’ll find exhibits on the gray whale migration and the peninsula’s geologic story, plus a bluff-edge loop with head-on views of the beacon and Catalina Island hovering on the horizon. Bring binoculars in winter; volunteers often set up scopes.

2) Wayfarers Chapel (The Glass Church)

Lloyd Wright (Frank’s son) tucked this glass-and-redwood sanctuary into the pines so it feels like sitting inside a coastal grove. Sometimes it’s closed for weddings or maintenance—respect ropes and signage, and soak in the serenity from the landscaped grounds. Step quietly, breathe the eucalyptus, and peek through the branches for a blue slice of ocean.

3) Abalone Cove Shoreline Park (or Pelican Cove)

Abalone Cove is the classic PV tide-pool park with ranger staff, a marked trail down to the cove, and paid parking (credit cards usually accepted). At very low tides you’ll see sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs, and watercolor reflections in the still pools. If tides are higher, choose Pelican Cove—it’s more about wave drama and basalt textures than pools, but the short bluff path delivers big scenery.

Safety: Rock is slick. Never climb wet algae. Stay well clear of surge channels. If any part of you thinks, “Maybe not,” you’re right—save it for a safer tide.

4) Terranea Coastal Trail (public!)

Yes, it’s a resort; no, you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the public coastal access. Park in the signed lot and wander the bluff-top path past sea caves, pocket coves, and benches that look out to Catalina. There are snack stops, bathrooms, and flat trail stretches for all ages.

5) Portuguese Bend Reserve (soft hike, huge payoff)

A landslide complex created rolling sage-scrub hills that tumble toward the sea. The Ishibashi Trail or Lunada Bay Overlook spurs give classic PV layers: green foreground, navy ocean, and—on crystal days—snowy San Gabriels way off behind you. If you’re short on time, walk out five minutes and stop; it’ll still feel like a panorama.

6) Inamurata / Inspiration Point / Lunada Bay pullouts

Between formal parks are small signed turnouts where locals slip in for five-minute sunset miracles. You’ll know you’ve found one when the crowd materializes with dogs and coffee cups. Be careful when you re-enter the road—curves can be blind.

Whale & Wildflower Calendar (what shows up when)

Parking & Access Cheat Sheet

Smooth-Sailing Tips (learned the easy way)

• Marine layer math: If PV is socked in, check Torrance or Redondo cams; sometimes the beach is clear while the bluffs are fogged. The layer usually peels back after lunch.
• Wind wins: Afternoon breezes can be spicy. Keep a light puffer or wind shell in the trunk and a phone lanyard for cliff-edge photos.
• Shoes: Flip-flops for resort paths, sneakers for dirt, closed-toe for rocky shore. Your ankles will thank you.
• Food on the go: There are cafes at Terranea and simple eats near Malaga Cove, but I love a car-picnic: bakery stop in Redondo, fruit from a farm stand, and a thermos of something warm for sunset.
• Leave it better: PV’s tide pools and bluffs are fragile. Pack out everything. Stay off the ice-plant edges; they crumble faster than your willpower around sunset dessert.

Pocket Road-Trip Prep

When’s the last time you took the time to explore your own city?