Palos Verdes Point Vicente Beach Walk
Explore this beautiful South Bay coastal walk in Palos Verdes, California.
Though a bit long from the trailhead mark, it is a easy & flat, family-friendly, dog-friendly hike (walk). It is an out-back trail that ends at Terranea resort, before you turn back and there's actually 2 other spots you can park at if you want to make it shorter.
Information
Length
5.7 miles out-and-back trail
Time
2-2.5 hours to complete
Elevation Gain
450 feet
Ease
Path
Time of Year to Go
Easy-Moderate
Paved, tennis shoes OK (don't necessarily need hiking shoes)
Opened year-round. I recommend going early morning in the summer (which I did Summer 2024) to see the contrast of morning mist with afternoon sun OR going just right before sunset.
Parking
Free parking lot, fills up quickly but you can also park at Point Vicente Interpretative Center
Recommendation for Food After
Terranea Resort ($$$) - we dined at Nelson's, which was about $150 for 2. Food was OK, but view was spectacular
Other Things
I most recently did this trail in July 2024, so very recently. It is a beautiful stroll and we saw lots of other groups on this trail (Saturday morning). Very safe to do solo and not bothersome at all (size-wise) to do in a large group.
Highly recommend stopping by Terranea Resort and walking around the grounds there - beautiful resort.
The trailhead leads to a parking lot, but we passed 2 other spots to park along the way -- so look for those on Google Maps if you want to make your route shorter.
To break this hike up into smaller trails, you can check out the
Point Vicente Lighthouse Trail - AllTrails Link HERE
Terranea Discovery Trail 1 - AllTrails Link HERE
Terranea Discovery Trail 2 - AllTrails Link HERE
If you're looking to book a night at the Terranea Resort for a weekend stay - $500-750/night (Expedia)
Point Vicente Interpretive Center
Natural History Museum, showcasing history and culture of the Palos Verdes Peninsula - focus on the sperm whale, where you can go on deck for (a chance to see) the annual migration from December - May.
Learn about the geology and ecology of the local area.
Perfect if you do the hike with younger kids!
Open 10AM-5PM everyday
Point Vicente Lighthouse
Built in 1926, to guide sailors back into shore - it was dimmed during WWII and no longer in use.
Open to the public on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10AM-4PM (Official Info)
Makes for an absolutely BEAUTIFUL sunset backdrop, which I'll be coming back for!
Dayhike What to Bring
After years of hiking on/off and reading lots of articles of things to bring for various hikes/trips, here's my list!
There's obviously BETTER gear than this list provides, but I tried to find things that are cost-conscious over the years.
(Disclaimer: some of these links might be affiliate links, which offer me a small commission at NO cost to you! It helps support the travels to help continue information on this webiste :))
HIKING SHOES - waterproof is not necessary (GORE-TEX adds less breathability, sometimes more weight) but I only have waterproof to keep it simple for my other trip hikes that do require waterproof
Salomon Women's OUTPULSE Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots for Women ($100 Amazon) - lighter weight and more breathable, but not truly waterproof. I wore this for a full rain day walking around Osaka, Japan and my socks did ultimately get wet! But still my preference if you want something protective, not heavy-duty, and still (sort of) cute.
La Sportiva Womens Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Hiking Boot ($110 Amazon) - these are my go-to for heavy-duty protection. It is a bit less breathable. Do NOT size up (even if you wear good hiking socks) - I sized up and it was too loose
HIKING SOCKS - hiking socks are typically thicker and more supportive on the soles, to prevent blisters. There are different levels (thickness), depending on how long you will be hiking.
Darn Tough is my FAVORITE brand for hiking socks. They rarely go on sale, so if you see them for a few bucks off ever, its a snag. I'm a size 7 Women's and wear a small in the brand. I like the Micro Crew Height to match with my mid-top hiking shoes ($25 Amazon)
BACKPACK/WATER BLADDER - for the length of this hike, you don't really NEED a water bladder but it always helps with keeping your hands free and ensuring you stay hydrated throughout the hike. I prefer the Amazon version to Camelback given both price and cleanliness (since it has a cap you can easily remove/put back on after drinking)
Green 2L Hydration Bladder - you can get up to 3L, which will last you a full-day intense hike... but that can get heavy. I like 2L for each person with bringing electrolytes tablets in case. ($12 Amazon 2L)
MINERAL-BASED FACE SUNSCREEN - go for at LEAST SPF 30
My pick is the Shiseido Mineral Sunscreen, but it IS quite pricy ($50 Amazon for 5 Oz); you can wait for a sale on Ulta (which I've seen once!)
MINERAL-BASED BODY SUNSCREEN - go for at LEAST SPF 30
Over the years, I've upped my sunscreen game. Then, last year converted to mineral-based given 1) it's better for the environment and 2) it's thought to not have the chemicals that may cause cancer (oxybenzone, etc).
For body, I recommend the Blue Lizard Brand -- which is also NY Times' recommendation ;) ($12 Amazon for 5 Oz SPF 50) - this is the baby mineral sunscreen because I feel like it is more sensitive, but you can go for the adult version here as well ($13 Amazon for 5 Oz SPF 50)
SNACKS - the hike is relatively short, but I always try to pack some granola/protein bar/electrolyte powder in case
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