Los Angeles Tourist Attractions : Palos Verdes Peninsula

The most absurdly beautiful coastal stretch in all of LA is not in Malibu or Santa Monica but on the little-known Palos Verdes Peninsula (PV in local jargon), a terraced promontory that captivates the equal drama and grace. Cruise along Palos Verdes Dr, especially at sunset, for awesome eyefuls of the shoreline. Steep cliffs tumble down to rocky shores and secluded coves as the roadway ribbons past rambling multi-million-dollar mansions where horses graze lazily. Catalina Island moons hazily across the sparkling Pacific.

This is great kayaking, snorkeling, diving and surfing territory, but coastal access is a bit cumbersome and locals can be terrtorial. In fact, the only easily accessible beach is Malaga Cove. This is also the famous Haggerty’s surf spot mentioned in the Beach Boys’ hit Surfin’ USA.

There’s some tide-pooling here but the best place to hunt for starfish, anemones and other shoreline critter is at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park ( 9am-4pm ), a rock-strewn eco-preserved one mile further on. The walk down to the beach gets pretty steep in some sections, so watch your footing. Parking fee cost $6. There are a lot more attractions in the Palos Verdes Peninsula which you can visit while you’re at it, do some homework guys :p.