Park at abalone cove shoreline park…read more Parking opens 9am. Cost 12 dollars for 2 hours. Super scenic hike as you loop through the beach and up the hills. Recommend you bring some water shoes if you want to go look at the tide pools. The park benches are clean.

California has so many great places to hike and this is one of the nicest trails out there. We…read morestarted at Del Cerro Park and hiked down to the beach just east of Inspiration Point using the Archery Coastal trail. The hike wasn't difficult as the cool ocean breeze helped keep the temperature down. Our watch showed almost a 7 mile roundtrip route.

Landmark in Rolling Hills Estates, California…read more.. I've had this place bookmarked for years, but wasn't in the area and didn't make time to find the Palos Verdes Flower Talking Clock. This evening after dinner, we searched our lists of things to do. I drove to this shopping plaza and finally found The Flower Clock at the exit lane of a bank. I should have parked on the street, but I was so happy to see The Clock that I ran out of the car and blocked the driveway! My impressions: It's very pretty with live flowering plants! The hands of the clock work! It's amazing! After reading a few reviews, I learned that at noon, it plays The National Anthem daily! It also announces the time on the hour! Michel Medawar, a watch repairer from Beirut, Lebanon, created this masterpiece in appreciation for his new country (The USA) when he moved here in 1975. The Talking Flower Clock was dedicated in 1987 by Actor Danny Thomas. I'll have to return at noon someday!

Located off Silver Spur Road in Palos Verdes. You can park on the street to quickly check it out…read more It's working clock with everything made of flowers. It also is supposed to talk but we didn't hear anything maybe it does every hour, 30 mins or 15 mins I dunno there was no signage mentioning it. Overall something interesting to see lol.

Cute place! If it…read morewere taller, I'd think that Rapunzel lived here! Actually, real people do live here in this one bedroom/one bathroom structure, but we didn't invade their privacy. We just quickly walked around the front after parking the car on the side of the road. It's a curvy, narrow road, so we didn't stay for very long. We really liked the way the mailbox matched the tower! Cool, huh?

The city is looking for a tenant/caretaker right now…read more https://www.dailybreeze.com/2018/12/07/this-tiny-medieval-like-stone-tower-in-palos-verdes-estates-needs-a-new-caretaker/amp/ The city will not be doing a remodel of the interior and they would have to clear any changes to the tower. "Nobody would be able to come in there and gut it and make it into a triplex," he said. There was discussion about making it a non-occupied historical monument, but there was worry that it would require security or police presence. "It was decided the most logical and practical way to deal with this is to have a tenant who cares about the property," he said. "For some people, it's like a dream come true." To inquire about applying for tenancy, contact the Palos Verdes Estates City Manager's Office at Citymanager@Pvestates.Org

Beautiful and iconic spot along the Southern California coast. The views from the pier are great,…read morewhether you visit during the day with clear ocean horizons or at night when the coastline lights up on both sides. On a clear day, you can see Palos Verdes Peninsula in one direction and the Malibu coastline in the other. The surrounding promenade is lively and well-maintained, perfect for a walk, bike ride, or just relaxing by the beach. There are plenty of great restaurants, cafés, and shops nearby, making it easy to turn a simple visit into a full afternoon or evening outing. Parking can be a bit tricky, especially during busy times. There are metered spots available, along with nearby lots and street parking if you're willing to walk a bit. The pier itself is also home to the Roundhouse Aquarium at the end. Dogs are not allowed on the pier.

I had such a relaxing time at the Manhattan Beach Pier while visiting California. It was one of…read morethose simple moments that just felt good. The little aquarium at the end was small but really cute, and it's free (I LOVE free!!). Nothing over the top, just an easy stop while you're out there. The pier itself has plenty of room to walk or sit and zone out a bit. I spent some time just leaning on the railing, reading a few pages of my book, and taking in the ocean. I even spotted dolphins in the distance, which honestly made my day. Watching surfers paddle out toward the waves...and in the direction of the dolphins... it felt like such a classic California scene. I left feeling lighter than when I arrived for sure!

I was born and raised in Southern California, and for the almost 60 years I've been on this planet,…read moreI have known about Palos Verdes ("PV" as I always heard it) for most of those years. When I moved to Arizona back in the 80's, there is a part of Phoenix called Paradise Valley, and they refer to that as "PV." Having come from CA and knowing the REAL "PV" is out there, I would have none of this Paradise Valley "PV." But I digress. I have old, old movie footage of walking with my mom (dad was shooting the movie) in and around Marineland. Marineland, however, faded into oblivion long ago, and for so long, all that remained was a parking lot overgrown by grass. That was it. Until 2009, I think, when the lovely Terranea Resort came to life........ but my heart remains with Marineland, and if you were a kid back when I was, you know why. It's just hard to let go, that's all. Then, there's Wayfarer's Chapel, so exquisitely situated on Portugeuse Bend of the peninsula.....an all glass chapel where thousands have wisely chosen to marry amidst all that beauty and scenery. It can't be beat, and thank goodness, that is still here to view. PV is quiet, lovely, breathtaking, and pretty much out of my price range for buying a home overlooking the dazzling Pacific Ocean.........but driving around is for free, stopping by some of the sights is also free, and I'd encourage you to do that. I have my own little history here........ you can make your own, too !

Although it is such a far drive from my area, it was so worth the drive…read more I had an amazing time on this hiking trail to the beach. It was a beautiful day, not too hot nor sunny for an afternoon walk. The Trump golf course was a pleasant site too. I saw plenty of seagulls flying by, lizards, rabbits, dolphins swimming close to the shore, people walking their dogs on the beach, and sadly a deceased seal. You don't have to pay for parking. It was a pretty fun hike that didn't take a lot of effort. Definitely a great place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. I loved it. FYI: Even if it's not that sunny outside, you should still put on sunscreen. I learned the hard way -_- ugliest tan-line ever! Good thing I have the entire summer to even it out. Enjoy.

12/14/24 You hear the gentle sound of the waves…read more... Love the beauty of this city. Getting here is quite a trek but it is very much worth it. Sometimes we just drive around to see the gorgeous & well manicured lawns of the beautiful homes. It is peaceful & scenic at the overlook. Come see for yourselves. There's free parking at the scenic viewpoint-- be aware, all entry by the palatial homes are being monitored/recorded.

The city of Rancho Palos Verdes is quite beautiful. When you are at the top of Hawthorne boulevard…read moreand driving southbound down the hill, you can view the ocean from the right hand side and in front of you. The city is clean. The fire department is awesome. Be careful not to speed because the sheriff's will definitely catch you and give you a speeding ticket. The downside is the fact that many of the drivers in this city drive poorly. There is a reason automobile insurance is higher here than off the hill. Due to the close vicinity of the post office, mall, grocery stores, large parks with playgrounds, gas stations, and five different Starbucks within a five mile radius, there is really no reason to leave the city. The neighborhood is very safe.

Great views! Can't lose coming here and taking a few pictures for posterity. Make sure to bring a…read morejacket just in case the weather is cold though.

This location is noted on maps as "Scenic Outlook - Vista Point" but we just call it the Hawthorne…read moreOverlook. Considering the light traffic in the area, the spot is as popular as one would expect...i.e., not crowded. It must be accessed going uphill on Hawthorne due to the median. Heading up, the overlook is steps before the stoplight at Vallon Drive. There's room for about 5 cars in the turnout (no meters). There's also a bus stop (bus line 344) but in more than a decade I've never seen a bus. No overnight parking is allowed - from 10pm-5am. The overlook has one bench, that's it. But people pull over to take in the panoramic views often without getting out of their cars: Terranea Resort far below, Catalina offshore, protruding peninsulas to the south. You'll sometimes see a red-tailed hawk circling around. And when yellow wild mustard covers the surrounding hills in early spring, hang onto your hat. The view is dramatic in any weather conditions, including fog. Sunrise, sunset, clear days, overcast days.....the changes in the landscape & sky are the enticing draw. Easy to understand why I take this "scenic route" when driving up the hill to do errands. I've never not been able to pull over & park - people don't stay long, just long enough to snap a few photos/videos. A couple days ago the view was so stunning that a lady pulled her car in behind me & jumped out so fast with camera she left her car door wide open. I'm so glad this overlook exists because there's really no other place to park on this stretch of Hawthorne offering unobstructed views. So if you're driving up or down the coast, take a minute (literally) to go up Hawthorne to check it out. The rugged beauty of the Palos Verdes Peninsula coastline is truly breathtaking. I'm completely in love with this magical area.

Beauty can often be found in the simplest of things, and the B17 known as the "Aluminum Overcast"…read moreis as simple and beautiful as anything you will ever see. I crawled around her after she landed at Zamperini Airfield in Torrance, and it occurred to me, hell, these things are just sheet metal and engines. No comfortable seats for long missions, no bathroom, no insulation, no anything except bombs. It must have been terribly uncomfortable and freezing cold during long bombing missions, especially at 20,000 feet when the bomb doors were open, and horribly loud with all the .50 cal. guns pouring out rounds into the sky. When my father, a B17 bombardier, first boarded his brand new B17 in Texas, he found notes written by Boeing workers in Seattle saying things like, good luck, God bless you, F*** Hitler!. They were in such a hurry to get B17s to the front lines, the workers even left wrappers from their lunches. Not long after, he was jumping out of that B17 as it burned and fell out of the sky over Ploesti. She is as real flying airplane, a museum, and a living tribute to the men who served, sacrificed, and, in many cases, gave up their lives defending freedom.

This is a great event that happens every year at Torrance Airport Zamperini Field in the spring…read more This give those an opportunity to experience flying in a B-17G Flying Fortress or taking a ground tour. They usually make a couple stops in the Southern California area and this is the only one in the South Bay. This bomber has been lovingly restored back to WWII condition. The flight lasts for about 45 mins. I think the best part is the run up of the engines on the first flight of the day. The sound of those 4 powerful radial engines resonates your core. So stop by and experience this rare occurrence in the in our neighborhood.

Valmonte is my favorite neighborhood in Palos Verdes Estates (with Malaga Cove in second place &…read moreLunada Bay third). Valmonte borders the Hollywood Riviera neighborhood of Torrance on the north & Palos Verdes Golf Club on the southwest. Valmonte homes are on both sides of Palos Verdes Drive North, a picturesque road with a wide, tree-filled median. (PV Dr N takes you into Rolling Hills Estates as you leave Valmonte heading south.) That PV Drive median is so generous because it was intended to accommodate a train during the development of the City of Palos Verdes Estates in the early 1900s. For various reasons the train didn't happen....but today the lengthy median boasts a lovely, curving, gravel walking path & an adjacent wood chip trail for horse riders from nearby Palos Verdes Stables. Yes, horses, meandering right down the middle of the divided road. The residential area called Valmonte Grove is my choice walking territory on the planet. It's downright enchanting, especially just before sunset when golden glowing rays beam thru tall eucalyptus trees, casting shadows of intricate patterns. The green hills of Malaga Cove are the background. The ocean is a few blocks away. I took an out-of-towner, someone who has travelled the world for decades, on a walk though Valmonte Grove. He remarked, "This is the prettiest little neighborhood I've ever seen, anywhere. All the trees!" Yeah, all those trees. To preserve the character of the area, the city won't allow for them to be removed unless diseased. It's not unusual to count 15-20 eucalyptus trees on a single property. Gutters & lawns fill up with endless tree debris and, although eucalyptus seem to have shallow roots, not so great for underground plumbing pipes, I'm told. And the trees have been known to topple over occasionally. Worth the hassle for such unique beauty? I say yes. I see Valmonte Grove as a collection of vintage homes, of many different architectural designs, built into a eucalyptus grove. I've heard, but can't confirm, that the eucalyptus were originally planted there more than 100 years ago to be cut down & used for firewood. That would explain their density. Valmonte has no streetlights, sidewalks or traffic signals....only stop signs. There is an Art Jury, in place since the City of Palos Verdes Estates was created, that oversees any new residential building projects, including size & style of homes, as well as modification to existing houses. Changes to exterior doors & windows, roofs, even landscaping....must be approved. Exterior paint colors are restricted. If your new porch railing does not conform to your 1940s Colonial style house, you'll be replacing it. Strict, yes. But stroll through Valmonte & you'll understand why such rules endure. Photos cannot capture the intoxicating scent of eucalyptus, the sound of song birds or the charming peacefulness of Valmonte. The prettiest little neighborhood anywhere, where sunlight filters thru tall trees, where kids can safely play on narrow quiet streets, where meticulously manicured flower gardens abound, where neighbors all know each other.....this is where I've wandered on foot for years, allowing the magic to envelop me. It never gets old or boring - it only gets better as time passes.

First time at Il Posto yesterday. It won…read more I don't drink Aperol Spritz. So take this with a grain of salt. Mine was delicious and refreshing, and now I'm a convert. Appetizers: beef carpaccio, calamari. Fresh ingredients, plated with care, well seasoned, sized like the starters they were. Pasta: Seafood Stuffed Ravioli in lobster sauce, Meat Lasagna with béchamel. The fresh pasta in both was exactly right. I ordered a bread basket just to chase the lobster sauce around the plate. The lasagna sent me back to Italy. No dessert this time. There will be a next time. And the three after that. I recommend.

The rejuvenated Redondo Beach Village now has multiple exceptional restaurants. Sadly, this is not…read moreone of them. Operating a restaurant is not an easy task, and as such we are understanding when something goes wrong. We are not as understanding when there are multiple issues. First off, the service was almost insulting. We had early reservations, so I don't think they were overly busy yet, but you wouldn't know that by our server. For all we know he could have been the Italian owner of the restaurant, and if that was the case, that made it even worse. Barely a greeting, no explanation of the specials, just a cheap plastic sleeve one would buy at Staples office supply thrown onto our table. He found our questions about the menu bothersome, and when I asked him about one item, he wrote it down as if I'd ordered it. Luckily we caught his error when I told him what I wanted for dinner and he said, "So you don't want the lasagna?" Um, no, I was just asking a question about the lasagna. We both ordered our meals along with the Heirloom Burrata appetizer. We asked if there was any bread with the appetizer, and he said no, so we asked for a bowl of bread to have with the burrata. It didn't show up, and we had to remind him. It finally arrived with our pasta. Oh well. My wife had ravioli stuffed with crab and lobster. She barely touched it and couldn't have been more disappointed. I told her to send it back, but she doesn't like confrontation. I had the cannelloni, and I have to steal a line I heard from another table: "This tastes like the stuffed shells I buy from Costco." It really did. I guess the pasta is homemade, but you sure couldn't tell from this dish. They came and picked up the dish without commenting on how little my wife had eaten. They asked if we wanted dessert, and, clearly expecting a no, plopped the bill down in front of me. We paid, yes we tipped, and immediately walked a few doors down to get my wife something to eat for dinner. We will never go back.