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You are here: Home / Blog / Terranea Trails, Bluffs and Coves, Palos Verdes

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Terranea Trails, Bluffs and Coves, Palos Verdes

This articles higlights the trails located in Terranea Resort and Spa in Los Angeles.

When I visited Pelican Cove, in the Palos Verdes Peninsula, my husband told me,

“Next time, we have to take that trail going south.”

I nodded but wasn’t very excited with the idea since it didn’t look like there was much to see on that trail.

*****

Recently, we made plans to do another hike in the peninsula but were “forced” to stop in the Pelican Cove’s parking lot since we spotted dozens of sailboats making their way south.  It was a sight too beautiful to miss.

Calmed, deep blue ocean, clear skies, cotton-like clouds and tons of tiny boats playfully moving in the distance.  Before we knew it, we were chasing the sailboats using that “unknown trail going south” my husband once pointed out.

When the fleet of boats looked diminutive against the horizon, we continued walking.  Interpretative signs started to pop up.

We were in one of the area’s bluff-top trails.  I thought the area was off-limits since this big chunk of the peninsula is occupied by the ultra luxurious Terranea Resort and Spa.  The trail continued, we had to pass through part of the property’s road but nobody said anything.  In fact, the staff was courteous and talkative.

I later discovered the resort has several trails open to the public.  They even have a free of charge parking area so it is easier to access the trails.  Most of the designated path goes around the property, high on the cliffs or next to the ocean.

And (Oh, mamma mia), the views from the trails left me speechless.  I am not sure I am going to find better ones in the peninsula.

A friend once told me, “Parts of the Palos Verdes Peninsula should be declared National Park.”  Now, I understand why he said that.

It sounds exaggerated, I know.  But I am not kidding you.  The place took me to the Italian Riviera, the Amalfi Coast or other equally famous rugged coastlines.  Cliffs higher than 1,000 feet, composed of colorful layers are caressed by the sapphire Pacific Ocean.  In some areas, the water has a turquoise-emerald hue resembling the beaches of the Caribbean or the Greek Islands.

Caves, spouts, tide pools, rocky promontories, and tinted boulders abound along the coast.  Pelicans fly in formation, cormorants rest over rocks and swallows zoom from bluff to bluff.  The greatest thing is that this exists for miles cove after cove after cove.

This experience reaffirms something I preach a lot on this website: you don’t have to travel far or spend a lot of money to have a great adventure.  I am kind of obsessed with finding cool places to visit close to my house.  However, Yelp or Travel Advisor didn’t bring me here.  I discovered it by “error” but could have not turn better.

Let’s take a look together.  Shall we?

Cove to the South of Pelican Cove

There are two public parking areas.  The first one is located on Palos Verdes Drive South right after the Point Vicente Interpretative entrance (follow the Pelican Cove signs).

The other parking area is on Terranea Way inside the Terranea Resort and Spa. If a resort’s employee asks you, “How can I help you?” ask them to point you to the public or free parking.

I recommend you start your walk from Pelican Cove’s parking lot.  From there, take the Terranea Trai. In a matter of minutes, you are going to see the first cove.

Note: The parking lot is equipped with a restroom.  Use it if needed.

Cove to the south of Pelican Cove, Terranea's Bluff Top Trail, Palos Verdes, California

Walking the Terranea Trail

After passing that first cove, you need to walk a bit over a paved road and take the Terranea Trail again.  You will pass one of the resort’s restaurants, Nelson’s.

The glorious, extensive views of the coastline will start to show up.

Coastal access from Terranea's Bluff Top Trail, Palos Verdes, California

Boat seen from Terranea's Bluff Top Trail, Palos Verdes, California

Coastal access from Terranea's Bluff Top Trail, Palos Verdes, California

Terranea Cove

At one point, the road forks.  You can continue on the Terranea Trail or jump into the Beach Trail.  I recommend to do the later.

This trail will take you to the Terranea Cove or Beach.  This rocky beach looks like a postcard from Greece or Croatia.  It is just sutnning.

Plus, there is a sea cave next to it.  It can be explored during low tide.

The area has public facilities (restrooms, showers) and a consession store selling simple fare during the high season.

Terranea Cove (other coves seen in the distance), Palos Verdes, California

Terranea Cove (other coves seen in the distance), Palos Verdes, California

IMG_3113

Terranea Cove, Palos Verdes, California

Cave next to Terranea Cove, Palos Verdes, California

Water receding from cave next to Terranea Cove, Palos Verdes, California

Terranea Cove, Palos Verdes, California

Terranea Cove, Palos Verdes, California

Terranea Cove seen from the top, Palos Verdes, California

Vanderlip Trail

After beach, go back to the Terranea Trail.  This will connect you with the Vanderlip Park Trail.  This trail offers additional views of the coast from a high vantage point.

Cove to the north of Abalone Cove, Palos Verdes, California

Caribbean like water in Palos Verdes peninsula cove, California

Pelicans in formation, Palos Verdes, California

Pelicans in flight, Palos Verdes, California

Check Out the Resort

I am sure you have taken a good look at the resort form the trail but if not, make sure to check out the Casitas, restaurants, and pool at Cielo Point.

Cielo Point, Palos Verdes, California

Isn’t this place amazing?  If you are in the Los Angeles area, feel free to visit one of our most amazing natural areas.

I recommend completing the trails highloghted here to maximize the number of vistas.  The walking is super easy and with the number of stops required to take pictures, you are will have plenty of opportunties to recharge.

More of the Palos Verdes Peninsula

Since I live so close to this area, you can imagine I have explore very nook and crannie of it. So, go ahead and check all the articles I have written about it.

North of Terranea, you will find Pelican Cove and the San Vicente Lighthouse.

Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is located south of the resort.

Other places in Palos Verdes include Bluff Cove, Golden Cove, and Del Cerro Park.

My Palos Verdes Hikes and Trails offers a comprehensive information on where to hike/walk in the area.

What do you think about this area?  Do you know this part of Los Angeles?

Related posts:

Cactus Garden, The Huntington, San Marino, CaliforniaThe Huntington: Library, Museum, and Gardens Lunada Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles, CaliforniaGolden Cove and Other Secret Coves in Palos Verdes Things to do near LAX (Los ANgeles International Airport), CaliforniaThings to Do Near LAX (International Airport) Torrance Breweries: Best Beer in Los AngelesTorrance Breweries: Best Beers in Los Angeles


4 Comments

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Comments

  1. Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans says

    July 10, 2013 at 3:33 pm

    My parents have a condo in Redondo and sometimes my husband and I take weekend getaways to the South Bay. Whenever I’m in Palos Verdes, I totally feel like I’ve escaped from L.A., and you’re right – the water is a few different shades of blue. So unlike other L.A. beach waters. I’ve never taken this hike, but now I’m so going to!

    Reply
  2. Christy says

    May 20, 2014 at 8:17 am

    Wow. I would never expect this to be in LA. Definitely on the agenda for a weekend trip now!

    Reply
  3. Earlene Harris says

    August 8, 2023 at 12:31 am

    What’s up, I read your blogs like every week.Your story-telling style is witty, keep up the good work!

    Reply
  4. Patrice says

    September 25, 2024 at 4:51 pm

    We’re lucky to be in California, where all beaches are public. That is why Terranea Resort was required Baystate and Local officials to create and maintain the trail, And keep Access to the coves open.
    And Terranea has done a beautiful job!
    Nelson’s has good food and fire pits on the bluff side patio at night for a nice twist!

    Reply

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