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Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
5970 Palos Verdes Dr SRancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310) 377-1222
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 12 pm - 4 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
28 reviews for Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
28 reviews in English
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Review from Surf C.
Los Angeles, CA
4/29/2012
I come to surf here sometimes, wave tends to be more a longerboarder wave so as a shortboarder, its a struggle. Wave feels mushy unless theres a good heavy swell.
Beautiful view, feels like hawaii.
In the summer, the water is clear and perfect for taking the snorkle kit out.
Rocky, lots of sea life. I love this place. -
Review from Nicole L.
1/17/2012
This place is absolutely breath taking. I went on a Friday with two friends, and we spent around 2 hours exploring. If you want to hike to the tide pools, bring water friendly shoes! (You have to semi-scale a wall)
Parking is $5, and the lot didn't open until 12pm! I believe it opens at 9am on weekends, so a Saturday morning hike would be a perfect plan :)
I would suggest going in small groups. This place isn't great for huge groups! -
Review from Madeleine M.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
1/4/2012
Smugglers/ Sacreds is not the same as Abalone Cove Park... nudity is only in Smugglers, and right now that is way down and in fact both parks are having weekly visits by the Panga and the Panga Patrol there is smuggling again from Mexico with humans and drugs this brings lots of rangers and coasties and police so the nudity is way down.
There are only drop portable potties there is not direct beach access some cliff scrambling will have to be done with some steep areas so note this depending on your health state. There is very little access to drinking water also. They will be redeveloping some parts soon but the area should remain remote and not disney developed if you are looking for beach comforts bring them yourself. The tide can strand you on the out reef also watch your tides. It will get really dark so get out in good time before park closes and gates lock. -
Review from Mya J.
Glendale, CA
4/30/2012
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Last weekend we took my entire family (about 20 people) to this beach for family pictures. Maybe it wasn't the best idea to have 20 people (wearing their best clothes) hiking up and down a really long mountain. To make things worse, it was drizzling and the sun was hiding. Either way, the photos came out awesome - thanks to the photographer.
The best thing I can say about this beach is that the views are amazing! The views are totally worth the hike up and down the side of the mountain.
However if you're not the athletic-type, I would not suggest this place. My big fat sister in law was complaining the walk up and down the hill the entire time. To be fair everybody was complaining (even those who are in shape) so keep that in mind if you plan to visit this beach. -
Review from Edith C.
11/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
OHHHHH the memories!!! the beautyful memories. THe view soooooo amzing!!!
its perfect for a picnic with the family, friends or your Special Someone.
HAd an amazing time the last 2 times i went. Got a little work out and tan going on. Its very clean, parking is $5. I came here with my "babycakes" and we went down through a little trail the leads straight down to the beach, pretty steep so beware. We came here during the week i believe on a tuesday and to our surprise there were few people here. swimming, fishing diving ect. Pretty awesome. We packed a nice lunch, drinks and our fishing poles and we were on our way to a very nice day. We stayed for a few hours and enjoyed our selfs. I am schedule to go again very soon. explore the park a little more then before. Trust me you will love it here if your the out door type.!!!! i know i sure em. -
Review from Shameka O.
Bellflower, CA
2/22/2012 2 photos
Took my engagements pictures here and I must say. I loved the location. All we did was pay the $5 fee and we stayed for an hour taking pictures and having fun.
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Review from Peter D.
9/2/2011
We made our way down to the cove from Del Cerro Park, right where Crenshaw ends. We got there early, around 8:30AM and parking was already at a premium. We enjoyed hiking down the trail, encountered some archers and finally made it down the cool coastline. We crossed the beach to find the sea caves and tide pools; one of us jumped right on in. I'll bring my trunks next time.
Overall, a pleasant and challenging hike (tough going back up). Pack snacks, water, sunblock and a few good friends. Start early and get back in time for lunch. We went to King's Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant, which hit the spot after tough climb. Happy trails! -
Review from Craig R.
4/7/2011 1 photo
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park can be a little tricky to access but it adds to the rewarding beach experience.
I have been coming here for years and the park is usually free of too many people. The park itself sits on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Great spot to picnic and enjoy the view.
After you eat you can walk down to the tide pools. It's not difficult but could be a workout for the physically challenged. A short but very steep hiking trail leads you to the beach, where you will find a small playground, lifeguard station and plenty of room to lie in the sun and grab a tan. Climb down a few more rocks to reach the shoreline. In the middle of the breathtaking rock formations are the tide pools. I haven't seen any abalone in years but there are other inhabitants like sea anemones, sea stars, chitons, crabs, green algae, and mussels.
* Good for: kids that like to explore, adventurer's, hikers, romantics and secret lovers
* Amazing views!
Parking: $5 in a dirt lotListed in: Must TRY's b4 u DIE
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Review from Jolene M.
Los Angeles, CA
4/20/2011
*****#133 of 365 Things to do in L.A. (http://365losangeles.b... )******
Make a day out of Palos Verdes; stop by Wayfarer's Chapel, then head across the street to Abalone Cove Shoreline Park.
Abalone Cove is known for their tide pools. I wouldn't say the tide pools were teeming with sea life, but we did spot a few sea anemones, star fish, small crabs, limpets, mussels and a rock louse (gross!).
Parking is $5. In the parking lot, there's a vending machine where you can get water and soda for $1. Follow the map the parking attendant gives you, and head toward the Abalone Cove sign. Walk along a dirt path to the shore. Once you get to the water, it takes about a ten minute walk to get to the tide pools. For most of the way, you will be walking on rocks, so it might be a good idea to wear shoes.
We saw some people picnicking, but it didn't seem like the best place for that... There was lots of decomposting kelp washed up on shore, and thus flies all over the place. It was also pretty windy.
Once you reach the bluff, you can cross a channel to see more tide pools. It seemed a bit dangerous, though, so most people didn't risk it.
Have fun and be safe!
****Check out 365 L.A. for pics*****Listed in: Bored in L.A.?
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Review from Lei B.
On a warm and clear day this place is great to visit. You'll be able to see Catalina Island from here and lots of people fishing out along the rocks. In the tide pools at low tide you can find lots of creatures, we saw some starfishes, sea anemones, and sea urchins. The trail itself it pretty easy, depending on which way you go. We saw some little kids playing around with their grandparents so they had no problems getting there. Getting to the bluff top we followed a trail that wasn't really noticeable but found out there was a road you can follow as well.
Next time I'm busting out the fancy camera, it's a great place for photographers!
Free parking on Sundays.
More pictures here...
http://www.flickr.com/... -
Review from Greg N.
1/16/2011
Took the little ones (4 and nearly 2) and had a blast. Some parts of the hike down they needed help but they were able to do most of it.
It's very pretty here, not too many people on a super warm beautiful January day and the kids loved seeing the little hermit crabs and other sea creatures in the tide pools.
The kids had a harder time climbing back up but we'll be back! -
Review from Diana L.
6/20/2010 ROTD 5/21/2011
This is unlike any beach that I've ever gone to. It's not exactly the sunbathing type of beach, even though it does have a small sandy shore where you can do typical beachy things. Rather, it's a hike-and-explore type of beach.
After you pay for parking (boooo!!!!), have a quick little picnic at one of the picnic tables, admire the ocean view, and frolic in the tall swaying grass. Then hike down towards the rocky beach. Make sure to wear thick-soled tennis shoes, as the rocks are very uneven and sometimes unstable.. not for weak ankles!!!!
If you are lucky, you will find that it is low tide, and you'll get to explore the tide pools at the end of the rocky beach. I knew that there would be creatures in the tide pools, but the sheer abundance of them was a pleasant surprise. Starfish, tiny crabs, anemone, crazy cool giant slugs that will explode their guts out of their backs as a defense mechanism if you touch them too much. Be careful where you step--it can get slippery, and it is very easy to accidentally step on the anemone because they blend in with the rock.
If you're feeling adventurous, climb the rocks that are a little further south of the tide pools. There is a cave on the other side of those rocks. I've been told that people sometimes climb into the cave and explore, but when I was there, it looked a tad treacherous because the tide was coming back in. Next time, baby!Listed in: A Butt-Kicking Good Time
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Review from Robin Z.
10/20/2007 1 photo
Shhh! Sacred's is a nude beach and people get naked there!
-Don't bring the kids unless they're mature on matters of the flesh...same to you.
Of course, you're not supposed to know this. It's one of those not-so-secret secrets. I doubt Cheri A. knew this or she would've brought it up with her review on the area's overall description. Located just across from the Wayfarer's Chapel, you can miss it in a bumpy, bouncy road heartbeat. Portuguese Bend is right on the Palos Verdes fault line and the road shifts so much, they keep all the water and power lines elevated for easy repair and the little parking area is easy to miss. And don't even think of parking at the church...the parking god is wise to that, dammit!
Anyway, getting back to the nude beach...ahem, Sacred's has long-been LA's answer to San Diego's Black's Beach and those that didn't know it were often shocked to round the corner and see people frolicking in their birthday suits. They should have read the guidebook. One may wonder why all those small boats anchored offshore are chock full of looki-loos with binoculars...oh well, they can turn around and walk over to Abalone Cove and escape the horror, the horror.
Abalone Cove, beautiful as it is, is a shameful example of human greed. Why? Think about this: "Abalone" Cove. Where's the fucking abalone? Over-harvesting of this delectable seafood delicacy has all but wiped 'em out. When I first lived in the area, abs were easy to come by and plentiful. All the seafood restaurants offered breaded ab steak as part of their menu. When was the last time you saw this? Abalone Cove is as sad a statement to human greed as the now-extinct grizzly bear gracing the state flag of California.
But it is still a beautiful, natural seashore area and you should plan a day hike here...and take your trash out with you, including your cigarette butts. Just do it before Donald Trump decides to annex this area to his fucking golf course down the road. Talk about human greed...but that's a different review.Listed in: Naked Surf
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Review from Rebecca S.
Redondo Beach, CA
6/27/2010 4 photos
This beach is phenomenal! You come in, (pay $5 to park ), then hike down to this gorgeous rocky stretch of beach. You have to wade through the rocks to get to the sand, but its not that bad, just watch your footing. The tide pools are amazing - we saw an abundance of marine life, including a few sea slugs. Pretty cool. One of the neatest beaches i've ever been to.
Lots of areas to explore - I highly recommend venturing over to PV and checking it out! -
Review from Alexandra G.
Kaua'i, HI
9/9/2009
ACSP is a neat little place if you really have nothing to do on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. The hike down is easy, in my opinion. I recommend this spot for relaxation and what not.
The downside: Paying for parking. -
Review from Nathan W.
9/9/2009 2 Check-ins Here
My favorite beach. Before the beach you get a great little hike in, gorgeous, gorgeous. By the preschool on the beach there is a great place to hang illegally after hours and light an illegal bonfire, but hey we always put out the fire, the recent activity didn't start from Abalone man! Also further south there is another little rocky alcove, where you can do the same deal, just less comfortably in my opinion. A definite must for the daytime though are the tide pools. Bring a pair of water shoes, or old Converse, and jump on in during low tide and do some exploring!
!PARKING!
For free legal parking park turn on the north Barkentine. For free illegal parking park on Sea Cove Dr. or if you really want to risk your shit, then pull into Narcissa, and there is a code for a gated community. The code is in an L shape down the keyboard, or you can use brute force to open the gate. Then park your car to the little lot to the left. This is hardcore illegal and I don't do this anymore, but if you are reckless and a little stupid, then I recommend this to you. -
Review from Jill B.
Carson, CA
8/2/2010
I LOVE this park!! If you are looking for a light hike along the beach in the South Bay area, this place is worth checking out! It is located right across the Wayfarers Chapel, parking is $5 and ask for the trail map.
You get an awesome ocean view from the beginning of the trail and it descends down to the shore. Just a warning, be careful when walking on the rocky area along the shore. Tennis shoes will do fine, but watch your ankles! If you get lucky, there's interesting sea creatures to see around the tide pool areas during low tide. Pretty fun place to explore. Will definitely come back again :) -
Review from Cecilia V.
South Gate, CA
2/12/2011
LOVE IT HERE! It is not a extreme hike whatsoever, we take our 2 yr old who has no problem being there! Plus it is never crowded like the other hiking trails around so cal! great place to go to in the summer!
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Review from melissa c.
Huntington Beach, CA
3/30/2010 5 photos
Beautiful spot for a light hike. The tidepools are awesome. Lots of starfishes, crabs and anemones. The beach itself is kinda rocky, so make sure to bring some beat up shoes if you plan on traversing the wet rocks.
Great place for photographers! -
Review from John T.
San Jose, CA
2/26/2011 6 photos
Personally i like the tide pools and its always different everytime i come out to this park, the rocks can be a real pain on the knees and feet, if you get a chance walk to the other side of the cove and there are tons to explore there
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Review from T A.
Redondo Beach, CA
1/30/2011
One of my favorite local places to take my energetic, marine life-loving 4-year-old. Also a fun outing for out-of-town guests.
Lots of cool creatures to be seen at low tide. We've observed different kinds of sea stars, periwinkles, barnacles and limpets, sea anemones, sea urchins, and various types of crabs, to name a few things. On the trails we have encountered cute little rabbits and squirrels.
Parking is $5. The hike down is fairly easy. Coming up is a bit more challenging, but nothing horrible. It's never been crowded when we're there, so that's always nice. Bring your camera and comfortable, sturdy shoes that can get wet.
Watch out for rattlesnakes, clean up after yourself, and please don't take home any sea creature "souvenirs!" -
Review from ka b.
Los Angeles, CA
5/1/2011
Bringing water shoes so you can hike to the tide pools and explore sea life that usually is non existence at our local beaches.
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Review from Cheri. A G.
Los Angeles, CA
2/26/2007 2 photos
Where are the most beautiful tide pools I have seen. Hawaii? Bali? No LA! I know it is hard to believe but it is true. It surprises me that so many people don't know about this place. You pay $5 and hike down an easy hill (it is not dangerous but wear your old tennis shoes or you may slip especially on the tide pools. When you get to the bottom of the hill you will pass an outhouse and a park then turn left and walk along the coast. You will not immediately see the tide pools so don't think it is not there. YOU MUST have a minus tide or a very low tide under 1 ft is about the highest or everything is underwater check this website to see when to go http://www.tidesandcur... any of the Los Angeles tide charts will work fine. There are beautiful starfish and sea life of every color. Every step you take you see more beauty. Bring water because you will want to stay a while and there is no drinking water.
More info from website here
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park features two beaches (Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove), tidepools, bluff top viewing areas and trails crisscrossing the area. The park contains a State Ecological Preserve and taking of protected animals and marine life is prohibited. There is direct access to a parking lot off Palos Verdes Drive South. Access to Abalone Cove Beach is by a long trail from the parking lot. To access Sacred Cove, users must walk along Palos Verdes Drive South to one of two trails between Portuguese and Inspiration Points. Lifeguards are on duty at Abalone Cove Beach during summer hours and weekends only. The views of the ocean and Catalina Island are spectacular. Barbecues, fires, and dogs are prohibited at this site.
Here are some beautiful photos from a website. I hope they do not mind me posting this.
http://www.trailhiker....
Park hours:
Open
Mon. - Fri. 12:00 noon - 4:00p.m.
Sat. & Sun. 9:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.
Memorial Day-Labor Day
9 am-4pm
Closed
January 1, Thanksgiving Day, December 24, December 25
Parking lot fees:
$5 per car
$15 per bus
No charge for seniors Labor Day through Memorial Day
If you haven't been there before you must go and bring the family or friends it's incredible!Listed in: YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT
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Review from Ronald d.
Hermosa Beach, CA
3/28/2011 4 photos
Park at the Abalone Cove Parking Area....if it's open and Hike from Point to Point or Cove to Cove...whatever floats your boat. There are trail heads along PV Drive South but no Parking. Trails are intermittent and unmarked....you can walk along the beach but don't get caught in high tide if you're at the points. The place has Breathtaking views...even the drive over is gorgeous.
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Review from Frank D.
After a hearty Sunday breakfast I headed out to this much anticipated hiking destination. The road to this spot (Palos Verdes Dr.) is like being on a rollercoaster. Broken and super bumpy asphalt and twisting turns. Kinda fun to drive actually. Contrary to reviewed belief parking is NOT free on Sundays. It's $5.00 to park in a dirt lot. I was a little irritated to find this out because I specifically waited to come on a Sunday. Call me a cheapskate if you like but I hate to pay for parking. Especially when there are hiking spots on either side of this place that have free parking 7 days a week (i.e. Trump National and Terranea). You need a permit to park in the surrounding neighborhood and there is no beach parking at Wayfarers Chapel across the street. There are four parking spots adjacent to the lot in a pull-off but it's only 30 minute parking. But luck was on my side that day! Shout out to the firemen of fire station 53!!! They showed me a spot I could park for free right in front of the station which is not even 1/4 mile away. Good Looking out LAFD!!! The trail is relatively easy to traverse on the way down to the cove. There is a small strip of sandy beach but it's mostly rocky. Tons of tidepools surround this scenic little cove. The rocks can be very slippery and waves are crashing all around so watch your step! Lots of crabs, starfish, mussels, and anemones (no abalone). There is a ton of kelp around the beach which means tons of flies(yukk!!!). I was even lucky enough to see a couple dolphins swimming by slowly just of the coast. Low tide is obviously the best time to peep the tidepools out so check the tide times before coming. The hike back up is a bit more strenuous than coming down but not that bad. There are picnic tables on the grassy bluff above the cove where the parking lot is as well as restrooms. Cool scenic spot!!! Two thumbs down on the parking fee though (Like this rich ass neighborhood really needs more money!!!) But now that I know where to park I will definitely be back.
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Review from Jason A.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
6/5/2008
This is the poor mans PBC. This is a great spot for people who dont have access to the private beach. It is rarely crowded and has a pretty accessable trail. Dont get suckered into paying for parking though, just park a block west in front of the fire station for free! Cool spot for out of towners. If you get a chance, try the Portuguese Bend Club private beach. (membership only, resident only). You can always make friends with a member!
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Review from Dana M.
Hermosa Beach, CA
7/6/2011 8 photos
Paid $5 for the parking at the entrace to the park and walked along the beach utilizing some of the more difficult trails. Ultimately went down to the beach in front of the lifeguard tower and made our way over to the first set of tide pools on the northern-ish side of the cliff. The tide must have been coming in as there were only a few, so we made our way back up the cliff and over to the other side where we had seen even more tide pools (the trails were pretty difficult, so not recommended for the less than physically capable). Was not disappointed with the hike over the cliff, although it was a bit difficult (final stretch passes along a large black pipe of sorts). Once you pass the cove on the right you're greeted by an abundance of sea life in the tide pools...sea urchins, crabs, sea anemones, sea sponges, and starfish (lots of starfish!)...which stretch around the south and west sides of the cliff . Highly recommend this to anyone who loves exploring the coast and its sea life!
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Review from Al B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/8/2009
I had driven past and seen the beach many times and always wondered how the heck to get down there. I finally actually put some effort into it and noticed there is an easy parking lot there where you can pay $5. I read you can park in the residential area up the street, but that's a bit of a walk. Near the parking area there are picnic tables and a nice view of the ocean. From the trail head you walk down about 5 minutes to the beach. Be sure not to end up where you have to clamber over a quarter mile of loose rocks like I almost did... It's about a 15 minute walk to the tide pools. If your focus is the tide pools, I'd suggest checking the tides on the internet to make sure it's low tide. I saw sea urchins, starfish, hermit crabs, anemones, and little guppie fish. There was a class out among the tide pools so there were a lot of people. The rocks can be slippery so be sure to wear sturdy outdoor shoes. Overall it was a fun experience that I would recommend trying if you're in the area and want to do something outdoorsy.
