Things to do & places to visit in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, United States

Rancho Palos Verdes city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 20:26.

Top things to do (13)

Top places to visit (18 attractions)

5.0 Wayfarers Chapel (402 reviews)
- The Wayfarers Chapel is a must see in So Cal!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

Wayfarers Chapel is nestled in a grove of towering redwood trees. Lloyd Wright designed the Chapel out of glass, wood, and stone elements that come together at 30 and 60 degree angles. It opened in 1951 to serve as a place for all wayfarers on life's journey to stop and give glory to God and is famous for its organic architecture. With its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island, the 3.5 acres that the Chapel sits on feature beautifully landscaped gardens with trees forming arbored walkways leading to gardens replicating the forest floor, expansive lawns, an outdoor amphitheater, and a rose garden with a walk of honor featuring engraved pavers. Wayfarers Chapel is a Swedenborgian church that welcomes people of all faiths to their worship services and to celebrate other important passages of life, including memorial services, baptisms, and weddings. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the National Memorial to Emanuel Swedenborg. See more..
5.0 Terranea Discovery Trail (28 reviews)
- Hike with Spectacular Views!
Spent 1-2 hours Hiking Trails

We had visited the nearby Interpretive Center - and then saw this Discovery Trail. We did the quite easy loop walk heading NW from the Center. Absolutely stunning views of the coastline. Just beware of rattlesnakes. Quite the amazing walk though - totally uncrowded. See more..
5.0 Ocean Trails Reserve (12 reviews)
- Trails are a Hidden Gem! Peaceful and well worth the hike
Spent 1-2 hours Hiking Trails • Scenic Walking Areas

The Ocean Trails are truly a hidden gem. We hiked on a sunny winter day and it was still quite lovely, as there had been some recent rain. Certainly well worth the effort and time. It really is not that long a walk, compared to the other trails in the Palos Verdes Peninsula. You get some amazing views, and if you are a golfer, you can watch them hit. But also watch out for stray golf balls! The whole area is so peaceful and relaxing - you can hear the waves against the rocks - amazing... Very relaxing and peaceful hike to go with a date or the family. Listening to the ocean waves crashing onto the shore rocks is very tranquil. The scenic views are breathtaking as well. See more..
5.0 Abalone Cove Beach (4 reviews)
- Perfect Vantage Point
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

Perfect vantage point for Catalina Island and whale watching. A lot of sea creatures and things to explore. The tide pools are amazing. See more..
5.0 St. John Fisher Church (1 review)
- Beautiful Church with Inspirational Masses
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

St. John Fisher Church is a beautiful Catholic Church in Rancho Palos Verdes that also has its own private school. Father Francis is super funny, energetic, and inspirational, making every second of the Sunday mass super enjoyable and memorable! See more..
4.5 The Point Vicente Interpretive Center (227 reviews)
- Wondeful Interpretive Center - plus outdoor trail walking with views!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

We'd been told to visit this hidden gem - not disappointed! There is plenty of free parking around the Interpretive Center, nice restrooms, and picnic areas in the shade. There is also a nice trail heading back NW along the cliffs that goes in a loop - quite an easy (not difficult) walk with spectacular ocean and coastline views. We visited on a clear sunny winter day and you could easily see Catalina Island! The grounds also have the lighthouse just a few hundred yards to the south. The Interpretive Center is quite interesting though and gives a really good history of the area. It even houses the old lighthouse lens that had been made in France in the 1800's and was used for a long time. Make sure to spend some time going through all the fascinating exhibits here. A true thumbs up! See more..
4.5 Point Vicente Lighthouse (148 reviews)
- Historic LIghthouse but not open to the public
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Lighthouses

We had spent time in the nearby Interpretive Center, which also houses the original 1800's lens from France that was used for many years at the lighthouse. It was a nice easy and beautiful walk to the lighthouse from the Center. However, disappointing that you cannot see it, except from a distance. The area is quite nice though, with some green park shade area with picnic tables - great spot to eat. Wonderful views. Quite a bit of history with this lighthouse. See more..
4.5 Abalone Cove Shoreline Park & Ecological Reserve (96 reviews)
- Views down to the sea from the high cliffs..
Friday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

On April 24 tired of being in lockdown in our home, we drove up the Southern California Coast. The temperature varied by by a few degrees, but I t was in the low 90’s F at the beach. A slight breeze was blowing. Nice to have Air Conditioning in the car and importantly, Navigation. We passed by the Seal Beach Navel Weapons Station where a very large US Navy ship was docked, but as we looked at it, we noticed two tug boats beginning to move it away from the dock and out to sea. There was Red Tide along all the beaches and Marinas we passed. An Allge that turns the sea a dark red tone. This happens maybe once a year. As we went North, the Peninsula roads became narrow and one lane of traffic in each direction. A nice drive to areas we have not been to in 40 years, yet so close by. See more..
4.5 Deane Dana Friendship Park and Nature Center (9 reviews)
- Most amazing view
Spent < 1 hour Parks

I was hesitant about providing a review of this park not because it's not awesome, but because it is. You always hate to share your favorite spots with others fearing they will suddenly be congested and crazy. This has become one of our absolute favorite SoCal spots. Climb the hill and on a clear day see to Catalina Island, all of the LA Port, as far south as Huntington Beach and then all the way to downtown LA. There are a few benches at the top where you can just sit and take in the view. Ample parking and not too crowded. Do watch out for snakes when hiking. See more..
4.5 Green Hills Memorial Park (6 reviews)
- Nice
Cemeteries

Clean, well kept Memorial Park. New additions being added. Masoleums especially the new one are very nice. Peace ful setting. Many of my deceased family are buried here and the graves are taken care of nicely. See more..
4.0 Trump National Golf Club (202 reviews)
- Excellent Everything
Friday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Golf Courses

We dined here for breakfast today. It was wonderful. You can see the ocean and Catalina Island from the dining area. The food was excellent and prepared exactly as it should be. Service was flawless. The menu has many options, and they are willing to substitute as requested. The children’s menu is equally impressive. The entire facility was very clean. Parking was ample. After you finish your meal, take a walk outside on the trails. It’s relaxing and refreshing. See more..
4.0 Los Verdes Golf Course (40 reviews)
- Wedding bliss
Golf Courses

I attended a wedding here and it was a worthwhile experience: from the well manicured greens to the phenomenal decor and the notably good service. I however, had higher expectations as far as the food was concerned. It was ok, but not 5 star worthy. I will definitely be back for a round of golf, though. See more..
4.0 Del Cerro Park (30 reviews)
- Great view from way above
Parks

This was our first time in this area and we really enjoyed the views which are way above the water line. It's summertime and the weather is just perfect. The only drawback is the lack of parking on Crenshaw so try to car pool if you can. The small parking lot is for permit residents only. See more..
4.0 McBride Trail (3 reviews)
- Solo dolo
Spent 1-2 hours Hiking Trails
One excellent Trail to sit back and relax and get away from everybody. This was a wonderful experience I got to inline my chakras See more..
3.5 The Spa at Terranea (16 reviews)
- Great Valentines Day buffet!
Friday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spas

We usually avoid the buffet on Valentine’s Day the past 2-3 years & settle with the sit-down menu. This past Valentines Day, we did the buffet after finding out that they have a new chef and we were pleasantly surprised with the obvious improvements in the quality of food & service. The Peruvian scallops were delicious!!! See more..
3.5 The Palos Verdes Art Center (8 reviews)
- ART AS EYE SEE IT !
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Palos Verdes Art Center / Beverly G. Alpay Center for Arts Education, a nonprofit visual arts school and gallery, inspires individuals to create, appreciate and celebrate art. Since it was founded in 1931, PVAC’s exhibition, education, and outreach programs have made the visual arts available, accessible, and affordable to residents and visitors of Los Angeles County. See more..
Crystal Nail & Skincare (0 review)
Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spas
See more..
The Links At Terranea (0 review)
Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Golf Courses

See more..