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Coastal Destination: Palos Verdes

The Palos Verdes Peninsula is the epitome of California coastal living with an upscale, laid-back atmosphere and picturesque views around every turn. It is a beautiful escape from fast-paced living hidden just south of Los Angeles.

The view from a cliff in Rancho Palos Verdes.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places on earth in my very biased opinion. I called PV home for almost a decade before moving our kids back to South Carolina to be closer to family. It is a hidden gem in Los Angeles. The idyllic setting makes it a perfect coastal getaway for nature lovers and relaxation seekers. Many of the pictures in our coastal views collection were taken around PV and showcase just how stunning the views are throughout the Peninsula.

If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing luxury retreat filled with amazing views, food, and fun, come with me as I highlight the perfect coastal destination located right on the edge of the second largest city in the US.

Fun Fact: The Palos Verdes Peninsula was once a part of the Channel Islands much like its sister to the west, Catalina Island. Local geologists found evidence suggesting in ancient history the hill was in fact an island and over time formed what is now the Peninsula. This explains why the many unique cliff formations and beaches resemble those found on the Channel Islands off the coast of Los Angeles.

Getting to Palos Verdes

From LAX, head south on Pacific Coast Highway through the Beach Cities until you reach Palos Verdes Boulevard in South Redondo Beach. Turn right towards the hill and get ready for some of the most stunning ocean views as you drive around the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Tip: Stop in the Riviera Village by the beach for lunch on the way. After lunch, take a walk down to the Esplanade. Enjoy the ocean breeze while watching the dolphins surf the waves before heading up the hill.

Once you enter PV and head west towards the ocean, the first city you will drive through is Palos Verdes Estates, a gorgeously landscaped, mostly residential master-planned city. The community has no stop lights and only a few commercial areas serving the local neighborhoods surrounding it. Malaga Cove Plaza, a group of buildings with an Italian architectural influence, will be the first thing you see when entering the city.

Continue driving on Palos Verdes Drive West until you see the road separate with a median of trees and a small lookout parking lot beside Paseo Del Mar. Park and experience one of the best views in all of Los Angeles of the Queen's Necklace.

For the scenic route to Rancho Palos Verdes, take Paseo Del Mar through Lunada Bay. The views continue to be incredible on this cliffside road. Pull over at any time to get some amazing pictures of the ocean.

The view from Terranea.

Where to Stay

If you want to stay on the Peninsula, there is only one good choice other than renting a house. That is Terranea, a 5-star luxury, oceanfront resort in Rancho Palos Verdes. The resort has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. Tons of amenities await you including fine dining options, outdoor adventures, a par-3 golf course with stunning views of the Pacific ocean and a world-class spa.

It is a family-friendly resort with fun events throughout the year. The resort has a main pool with a water slide and splash pad for kids. They also offer the Terranea Kids Club to allow for a relaxing day at the spa or enjoying the adults-only oceanfront pool. I love the summer concert series on the cliff at Nelson's and the holiday events in December.

Sunset overlooking the resort pool.

Terranea History: Before becoming this amazing oceanfront resort, the land Terranea was built on was home to Marineland of the Pacific, a seaside animal themed park best known for its performing Orcas. Built one year before Disneyland, it was considered California's first major theme park by many residents. While the Orcas of Marineland are gone, at certain times of year, you can still see migrating whales in the wild passing by the cliffs of Palos Verdes.

Where to Eat

For the perfect start to your morning before exploring the trails around Point Vincente Lighthouse, head over to Golden Cove and have breakfast at Yellow Vase. Another option is Sea Beans at the resort. They have a wide variety of morning drinks and quick breakfast options. There is also a great wine and sandwich selection if you would like to have a picnic outside on the property or around the Peninsula.

For the sushi lover, Terranea has Bashi, an asian inspired restaurant. You can also venture down the street to Asaka Sushi. The fish is always fresh, but the highlight is the views from the outdoor patio.

For fine dining with breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, visit Mar'sel at Terranea. The service, food and atmosphere are exceptional. Go for brunch on Sunday to enjoy the raw bar or 3-course breakfast menu.

For upscale, casual dining, head to Nelson's on the cliff at Terranea. This restaurant is a local favorite. I love the lobster roll, and every seat outside has an incredible view. Sunset at Nelson's is a must see during your stay at the resort.

Nelson's at Terranea Resort.

Where to Play

The Peninsula is an outdoor lover's paradise. There are so many trails, cliffs and nature preserves within a setting that offers year-round perfect weather. How could you not explore the outdoors when visiting the area?

Let's start with some of the amazing hikes around the Palos Verdes Peninsula. If you want to experience those views from Terranea at the top of the hill, go to Portuguese Bend. This hike can be as difficult as you make it depending on how far down you go. It is one of my favorites in the area. Another local trail near Terranea is the Ocean Trails by Trump National Golf Course. There is public parking by the golf course, and the trails offer an easy hike down to the beach with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.

For a day packed with outdoor fun, start your morning out at Sea Beans for breakfast and coffee followed by a self-guided nature walk around the trails at Terranea or tour the ocean coves by kayak. Next, visit Abalone Cove Shoreline Park and hike down at low tide to explore the tide pools. You will most likely see tons of starfish, sea urchins, crabs and other marine life. If you are feeling adventurous, climb to the end of the rocks beside the tide pools and explore the sea cave hidden under the cove. After a fun-filled day in nature, head back to Terranea to enjoy the beach or one of the oceanside pools on the property.

If you want to spend a day at the beach, drive back to Malaga Cove. Stop in the Malaga Cove Ranch Market for breakfast. They have a delicious breakfast burrito. Then, drive down the hill to Torrance Beach, or go to Roessler Point in Malaga Cove and park in the lot by the gazebo. Take in another incredible view of the Santa Monica Bay before hiking down the trail to the beach.

The view of the Queen's Necklace from Roessler Point.

For a relaxing adults-only day, visit the Spa at Terranea. I love a good spa day and have visited many in the US. This spa is by far my favorite. The Mediterranean inspired oceanfront setting offers a serene oasis with everything you need for complete relaxation. In addition to a wide variety of treatments, the sauna features a Himalayan salt wall, and there is a eucalyptus steam room to help you destress. Before or after your spa treatments, you also have access to seaside yoga or cycling at the spa. The outdoor spa pool is perfect for swimming or just lounging in the sun with poolside food and drink service offered.

For a fun family outing, a short scenic drive to Long Beach will get you to the Aquarium of the Pacific as well as harbor boat tours located right beside the aquarium. During whale watching season, catch the boat out to sea and observe these large, impressive marine animals as they migrate up and down the California coast.

Another area to whale watch on land is by the trails located outside the Point Vincente Interpretive Center. The best time to see the world's largest mammal is between December and April. This park is also surrounded by breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and home of the Point Vincente Lighthouse. Go at the end of the day to experience my favorite part about living in Southern California and the thing I miss most, west coast sunsets over the ocean.

The Point Vincente Lighthouse at sunset.

Fun Fact: When you are on the peninsula, you may notice the large population of peacocks roaming the streets. These unique, majestic birds have lived on the Peninsula since they were brought to the home of the father of Palos Verdes, Frank Vanderlip, over 100 years ago.

Best Time to Visit

Anytime! Southern California offers an endless summer oasis allowing for year-round outdoor adventures. Temperatures are warm with few rainy days making it the perfect escape. Next time you are in Los Angeles, skip the obvious tourist destinations and experience the understated luxury and tranquility of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Tip: Marine layer can produce many cloudy days in late May and June. For exceptional weather with picture perfect clear views, the best time to visit is in the winter making this a perfect destination to escape any cold climate.