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The Peninsula is 23 miles south of downtown Los Angeles and within its borders are the four cities of Palos Verdes Estates (incorporated in 1939); Rolling Hills (incorporated in 1957); Rolling Hills Estates (incorporated in 1957), and Rancho Palos Verdes (incorporated in 1973). The zip code for Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates is 90274. The zip code for Rancho Palos Verdes is 90275.
Year - Round Attractions
Among the Popular Sights
More Things to See & Do
Parks & Recreation
Walks & Hikes
Golf
Horseback Riding
Ice Skating
Tennis
Shopping
Farmers Market
Movie Theatres
Swimming
YEAR-ROUND ATTRACTIONS
Some of the Peninsula’s unique attractions highlight its dramatic geography. The South Coast Botanic Garden comprises 87 acres of reclaimed land. Displayed here are more than 100 families and 2,000 species of plants.
Wayfarers Chapel, a Lloyd Wright glass inspiration, is a notable church with beautiful gardens and a visitor center open to the public. It is also a popular wedding site featured in numerous major films.
Commanding a view above the water and almost 60 miles up and down the coast, the La Venta Inn, one of the oldest buildings on Peninsula, is a perfect spot for a special event or memorable wedding. The Point Vicente Interpretive Center, a marine museum and whale watching site, features a host of displays that focus on geology, culture, history, and land management of the Peninsula.
The George F. Canyon Nature Center and Preserve includes live animals and exhibits on local natural and interpretive trails. The Point Vicente Lighthouse in Rancho Palos Verdes and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. It was built in 1926 and decommissioned in 1975. Tours are available on the second Saturday of each month.
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AMONG THE POPULAR SIGHTS:
Point Vicente Lighthouse
31501 Palos Verdes Drive West
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-541-0334
Built in 1926, Capt. George Vancouver originally named the promontory point in 1795 while he was exploring the Pacific Coast for King George III. He sighted a “very conspicuous promontory” and named it after the Friar Vicente Santa Maria, who was stationed in the Mission San Buenaventura. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1975. Maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, the lighthouse is open to the public the second Saturday of every month, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.
Point Vicente Interpretive Center
31501 Palos Verdes Drive West
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-377-5370
A premiere gray whale watch site, the Interpretive Center is located next to the Point Vicente Lighthouse, and boasts magnificent ocean views and sunset vistas. This location is the perfect place to view the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale as it makes its way from the frigid Arctic waters to the warm Lagoons of Baja to frolic and give birth. The whales pass by the Center’s cliff-side perch from December through April each year.
The Center features exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, with emphasis on the migration of the Pacific Gray Whale. Although currently under expansion, it is anticipated to fully reopen in mid-summer 2006. Several acres of parkland are open for the public’s enjoyment from dawn to dusk. A portable building (open weekdays 1 p.m. to dusk and weekends 10 a.m. to dusk) is available during construction with educational information about the gray whale, exhibit sponsorship opportunities and the expanded Center.
Whales can also be observed from the fisherman’s access if you continue a short distance down Palos Verdes Drive South. There is a parking lot just before you reach Terranea (formerly York Long Point AKA Marineland). When the tide is out, you can take the long path down to the beach for tide pooling.
Point Fermin Park & Lighthouse
Located at the end of Gaffey Street, the Victorian lighthouse was completed in 1874 on land donated by the Sepulveda family. Tours of the structure are available on Sunday afternoons from 1-4 p.m. Also in the park are a playground, the headquarters of the American Cetacean Society, and a viewpoint for the “sunken city” landslide.
Peninsula Nature Walks
Monthly walks are led by the P.V.P. Land Conservancy – 310-373-0202. Walk leaders tell you about the history of the Peninsula, birds, wildlife, plants and the geology of this very unique community. All walks are free. Reservations are not required. Call for information about the regular monthly walks or request a schedule.
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MORE THINGS TO SEE & DO
Malaga Cove Plaza
This Spanish Renaissance style plaza dedicated in 1925 was the Peninsula’s first commercial area. You will still find shops, offices, a food market, flower stand and a small restaurant there. The centerpiece of the plaza is the Neptune Fountain, which is a two-thirds size copy of a fountain in Bologna, Italy. The fountain was a gift to the Palos Verdes Community and dedicated in 1930. This is a good starting point to begin a drive around the Peninsula.
Farnham Martin Park and Malaga Cove Library
Directly behind the Plaza is a lovely stone wall and fountain, with steps on the either side leading up to a lawn and the library. The library and art gallery opened in 1930, and many of the custom works of art and furniture are still on display. The lawn is the setting for free concerts in the summer and home to some of the peacocks that reside in many places on the Peninsula.
Norris Center for Performing Arts
27520 Crossfield Drive,
Rolling Hills Estates
310-544-0403
This small, professional theater offers varied high quality productions throughout the year. The Norris Pavilion across from the theatre offers classes in theatre arts and the dance, and is available for special events and weddings.
Palos Verdes Art Center
5504 Crestridge Road,
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-541-2479
Exciting exhibits are presented throughout the year, a variety of art classes for children and adults is offered, and the center features a ceramic studio and gift shop. Free admission. They also have special events throughout the year such as the Cconcours D’Elegance, Art for Fun(d)s Sake and home tours.
South Coast Botanic Gardens
26300 S. Crenshaw Blvd.,
Palos Verdes Peninsula
310-544-6815
A unique 87-acre garden with over 150,000 beautifully landscaped plants and trees. A small lake and stream bed attract various birds such as ducks, geese and blue heron. There are walking and shuttle tours and picnic areas. Lectures, flower shows, concerts, car shows and Shakespeare on the Meadow are held during the year. Call for admission fees. Tram rides available by appointment. The gardens and indoor facilities are ideal for weddings, special events, corporate meetings, film locations, and vendor fairs.
Talking Flower Clock
The Talking Flower Clock is located on Silver Spur Road between Crossfield Drive and the Avenue of the Peninsula. It was donated to the community by Medawar Jewelers, the flowers changes with the season and holidays.
Wayfarers Chapel
5755 Palos Verdes Drive South,
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-377-1650
Designed by Lloyd Wright – son of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Chapel is open to all faiths and denominations. Services are conducted every Sunday at 11:00 a.m., as well as Easter and Christmas. It is open daily for prayers and meditation. Wayfarers Chapel, often referred to as the Glass Church is a famous and popular place for weddings. Many soap operas, television and movie weddings have been filmed there. Admission to the chapel and grounds are free.
Abalone Beach and Ecological Reserve
5970 Palos Verdes Drive South,
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-377-1222
You can find coastal sage scrub, the California Gnatcatcher the Cactus Wren and tide pools here. Swimming and picnic area are available but there are NO fires or dogs allowed. Parking is $5.00 and covers access to the reserve.
Angels Gate Cultural Center
3601 S. Gaffey Street,
San Pedro
310-548-7705
The spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and Santa Catalina Island from the grassy cliffs to the 64-acre park are breathtaking. There are children’s play area, basketball court, soccer field, and recreation center. The Olympic-size swimming pool is open July through August.
Friendship Park
Adjacent to Angels Gate Cultural Center, features the Korean Bell of Friendship and Bell Pavilion. This massive and intricately-decorated bell was donated in 1976 to the people of Los Angeles by the people of the Republic of Korea to celebrate the bicentennial of the U.S. independence, honor veterans of the Korean War, and to consolidate traditional friendship between the two countries. Resting peacefully on the knoll, the bell site affords an unsurpassed view of the Los Angeles harbor. The bell is rung four times a year.
Fort MacArthur Military Museum
3601 S. Gaffey Street,
San Pedro
310-548-2631
Fort MacArthur, a U.S. Army post which guarded the Los Angeles harbor form 1914 to 1974 features a museum and collection of historical structures on the grounds. The rooms, galleries and corridors of the Museum contain a variety of exhibits and displays which include early American Air Defenses and the role of Los Angeles as military port for the Army and Navy. American Pacific Theater military campaigns and the history of Los Angeles harbor defenses. Hours are Noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, weekends and holidays. Arrangements can be made for special tours.
S.S. Lane Victory
Berth 94, San Pedro
310-519-9545
This WWII cargo ship is a veteran of three wars offering historic Victory at Sea day cruises off Catalina Island. Great food, live music and an aerial attach fill a day at sea! The ship is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the dock, Berth 94 in San Pedro. Self-guided tours or Group Tours are available by appointment.
Cabrillo Marine Museum
3720 Stephen White Drive,
San Pedro
310-548-7562
There are live exhibits and you can learn about the natural history of the area. Beach walks and classes are held all through the year. From March to August, during the full or new moon you can participate in the grunion run. The admission is free to the museum but there is a charge for parking.
Los Angeles Maritime Museum
Berth 84 at the foot of 6th Street,
San Pedro
310-548-7618
Rescued marine mammals are rehabilitated here and released when fully recovered. You can watch while volunteers tend to recuperating seals, sea lions and other animals. No charge to visit.
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PARKS & RECREATION
Gentle westerly breezes keep the climate on the Peninsula moderate, with summer temperature barely above 80 degrees and with an average winter temperature of 67 degrees. Since rainfall occurs only in the colder months, Palos Verdes offers residents and visitors alike unparalleled outdoor activities that can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons. Bordered on the West and South by the Pacific Ocean, the Peninsula has unlimited opportunities for aquatic activities. Swimming, sunning on the beach or by a pool, diving, surfing, yachting, sailing or sport fishing will satisfy the most relaxed visitor or the most avid sport enthusiast. A trip to Santa Catalina or the Channel Islands will satisfy the tourist in anyone.
Land lovers can enjoy the trails for equestrians, bicyclists, or joggers that crisscross the Peninsula – more than 60 miles of horse trails alone. Golf can be player here on either private or public courses, and tennis balls can be lobbed over the nets at any one of the public courts or membership clubs on the Peninsula. Organized leagues are also available for many types of team sport.
Parks on the Peninsula lend themselves to picnic, relaxing in the sun or shade, kite flying or Frisbee throwing. The eight developed parks also incorporate programs for groups, seniors and children. Undeveloped parks anywhere from 4.5 acres to 140 acres are scattered throughout each city.
Ernie Howlett Park
25851 Hawthorne Blvd.,
Rolling Hills Estates
310-377-1577
This park is the City’s major recreational facility featuring 35 acres designed for sporting and leisure activities including basketball, volleyball, a running track, and playground. The Rolling Hills Estates Tennis Club and Equestrian Center are open to the public.
Highridge Park
Crestridge and Highridge Roads,
Rolling Hills Estates
310-377-1577
The Highridge Park features two soccer fields, a little league baseball field, tot lot, and running track.
Founder’s Park
1 Ocean Trails,
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-544-5260
Located adjacent to Trump National Golf Club, the park faces the clubhouse and features a gazebo and picnic benches with views of the golf course, Catalina Island and spectacular cliffs along the coastline. Public access to hiking and biking trails and coastal access to tide pools.
Hesse Park
29301 Hawthorne Blvd.,
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-541-8114
There are picnic tables, a barbecue area, children’s play equipment, baseball, sand volleyball and walking trails. A community center features meeting rooms and classes. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes conducts City Council and commission meetings here.
Del Cerro Park
#2 Park Place,
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-377-0360
Panoramic views of canyons, agriculture, coastal headlands and off-shore islands. The park features a flat, grassy play area landscaped with a safety fence to restrict access to the canyon. There is a parking lot, but no restrooms.
Ladera Linda Community Center
33201 Forrestal Drive,
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-541-7073
This community center has picnic tables (no fires) a discovery room for children and handball courts. Guided docent tours are available by appointment by calling 310-377-0360 ext. 309.
Robert E. Ryan Community Park
30359 Hawthorne Blvd.,
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-377-2290
There are picnic tables, barbecues in a designated are, a ship with a sandbox all around it, play equipment and classes available through individual instructors. Call the park for more information.
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WALKS & HIKES
Oceanfront Estates
This easy walk extends along the blufftop within the Oceanfront Estates development. It is wheelchair accessible. Park at the end of Pacific del Mar and follow the trail toward the ocean.
Point Vicente Interpretive Center
There are several easy and paved pathways through the grounds of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. Park in the Center’s lot on Palos Verdes Drive West.
Fishing Access
A steep trail leads down to the rocky shore, with pathways leading both directions along the coast. Tidepools and basalt with columnar jointing are features. Park in the lot between the lighthouse and Terranea.
Trump National Golf Club
There are many trails through the Trump National property, with varied degrees of difficulty. A paved bikeway extends along the bluff edge and in a separate corridor along Palos Verdes Drive South. Dirt trails extend down to the ocean in four locations. Parking is available at the end of LaRotoda Drive and next to the clubhouse.
Forrestal Preserve
Several miles of trails extend through this nature preserve, which is a prime location for wildflowers and native habitat. Park at the upper end of Forrestal Drive, on the roadside near the gate. Marked trails can be accessed to the right of the welcoming sign and at the end of the paved road.
McBride Trail
This easy trail extends along the ocean side of the homes on Ocean Terrance Drive and has magnificent views of the ocean and Catalina Island. Park on Highridge Road on the ocean side of Crest Road. Walk eastward along Crest Road to the pilaster marked “McBride Trail.”
Peacock Flat
Many trails of varied difficulty traverse the Peacock Flat area of Portuguese Bend. Park at the end of Crenshaw Boulevard and continue through the gate on the dirt extension of Crenshaw.
Chandler Preserve
Trails wind through this Land Conservancy Preserve. Enter the Dapplegray school property and turn left immediately. Follow the road to the bottom and park in the ballfield parking lot. A trail map is displayed on the welcome sign.
George F. Canyon Preserve
An easy trail extends up this pretty canyon. Park at the Nature Center on Palos Verdes Drive East at Palos Verdes Drive North or in the gravel lot a short distance away on PV Drive East.
White Point Nature Preserve
New trails traverse this Land Conservancy Preserve. Until the parking lot is completed in 2006, park along Paseo de Mar in San Pedro and enter the preserve on foot. A trail map is posted on the reverse of the welcome sign.
Bluff Cove
This trail extends down to the ocean and is used by many local surfers. Park on paseo del Mar in Palos Verdes Estates after the intersection with Via Almar.
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GOLF
Palos Verdes Golf Club
3301 Via Campesina,
Palos Verdes Estates
310-375-2555.
This is a semi-private course, the club restaurant is open to the public. Private parties and catering services available.
Rolling Hills Country Club
27000 Palos Verdes Drive East,
Rolling Hills Estates
310-326-4343
This is a private golf course.
Los Verdes Golf Course and Country Club
7000 W. Los Verdes Drive,
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-377-7888
This is a public 18-hole golf course. It has a beautiful view of the ocean and offers wedding and party facilities.
Trump National Golf Club
Palos Verdes Drive South,
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-265-5000
This is the newest public 18-hole golf course. There are 2 excellent restaurants to enjoy and banquet facilities for weddings and special occasions. Designed by Pete Dye, the golf course has panoramic ocean views from every hole.
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HORSEBACK RIDING
Palos Verdes Stables
4057 Via Opata, Palos Verdes Estates
310-378-3527
This is a public stable, call for information about rides, lessons and summer camp.
Equestrian Center in Rolling Hills Estates
26401 Crenshaw Blvd., Rolling Hills Estates
310-541-9487
Empty Saddle Club (private club)
310-377-9059
Portuguese Bend Riding Club (private club)
310-377-9059
The nationally known Portuguese Bend Horse Show is held in September at Ernie Howlett Park on Hawthorne Blvd.
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ICE SKATING
Ice Chalet
550 Deep Valley Drive,
Rolling Hills Estates
310-541-6630
The Ice Chalet is on the first level of the Avenue of the Peninsula
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TENNIS
Tennis can be played throughout the Peninsula at schools and at the following locations.
Ernie Howlett Park
25851 Hawthorne Blvd.,
Rolling Hills Estates
310-541-4585
Jack Kramer Club
11 Montecillo Drive,
Rolling Hills Estates
310-326-4404
Palos Verdes Tennis Club
3303 Via Campesina,
Palos Verdes Estates
310-373-6326
Peninsula Racquet Club
30850 Hawthorne Blvd.,
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-541-2523
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SHOPPING
The largest shopping area is in Rolling Hills Estates on Silver Spur Road between Hawthorne and Crenshaw Boulevards. Peninsula Shopping Center on Hawthorne Boulevard and the corner of Silver Spur Road has a large food market, banks, restaurants and a variety of large and small retailers.
The Peninsula Shopping Center is home to over 60 unique stores, services and restaurants including Pavilions, Spectrum Club of Rolling Hills, Starbucks, Rite Aid, Petco, TJ Maxx and Collections of Stein Mart. On Sundays, they host a Certified Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Continuing down Silver Spur Road, you will find the Avenue of the Peninsula. It has been newly reconfigured (it was previously an indoor mall) so you can stroll through its plaza and two upper levels. The plaza level has an Ice Chalet that is open all year. The plaza also has a fountain in the center. Shoppers can rest at tables with umbrellas and enjoy food as well as concerts in the summer. Children are especially delighted when its warm enough to run through the water shooting from the ground. There are many nationally prominent stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Abercrombie & Fitch, Williams Sonoma, Talbots, The Gap, Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn and Borders Books and Music, and a wide variety of others. The Avenue has expanded the number of eateries and restaurants and opened Equinox Fitness Center featuring the latest in fitness equipment and classes plus a pool and shop. The upper level has a Regal Cinema with 13 theatres that feature all the latest films in comfortable stadium seating. The Avenue’s four-level parking structure is convenient to The Village and The Brick Walk for more specialty shops and unique restaurants.
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FARMERS MARKET
The market is open every Sunday at Peninsula Shopping Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Peninsula Shopping Center is located at Hawthorne Blvd. and Silver Spur Road.
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MOVIE THEATRES
Regal Cinema Avenue 13
550 Deep Valley Drive,
Rolling Hills Estates
310-544-3047
The movie theatre is located at the 3rd level of the Avenue of the Peninsula, call for show time information.
Regal Terrance 6
Western Ave. and Caddington, San Pedro
Call 1800-FAN-DANGO for tickets and showtimes
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SWIMMING
Palos Verdes Beach and Athletic Club
310-375-8777
Abalone Shoreline Park
310-377-1222
Jack Kramer Club
310-326-4404
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