If you love beaches and nature the Abalone Cove Beach in Rancho Palos Verdes California is not to be missed! Abalone Cove Beach is one of two beaches in the Abalone Cove Shoreline Park. The park offers a State Ecological Reserve, tide pools and miles of trails providing fabulous views from rocky bluffs. Rather than being a lazy, sun worshiping, listen to music beach, Abalone Cove Beach is for the adventurer. The combination of hiking trails and wildlife is perfect for exploring.
Access to the beach is from the parking lot via a long trail. Facing the ocean, the top of the trail can be found at the left corner of the picnic area. Follow the trial down to the beach. The trail is moderately strenuous; families with young children maneuver it quite well. The tide pools can be found at the bottom of this trail. In total there is about 5 miles of hiking trails.
The Dahlia Trail is a very narrow path which is off of the Olmstead Trail which is near the tide pools. It is very close to the edge and runs from the tide pools down to the beach. There are additional narrow trails which guide along the top of bluff. If there are young children in your party, you may want to stay on the main trails.
The tide pools are reportedly among the best in the country. Watching the tide levels change over a 4 to 5 hour period is well worth the wait. The magnitude of wildlife is amazing! You will find starfish, hermit crabs, tiny fish, sea slugs and anemones, easily viewable during low tide. The array of colors, sizes and shapes is a visionary feast. In addition there are pelicans, sea lions and sand sharks. Keep in mind that the park is a preserve and the animals are protected, they can not be taken or harmed. Unfortunately, Abalone, the beach's namesake, has been almost entirely erased due to over-harvesting.
The actual beach is partly sandy and partly rocky. Swimming, surfing and fishing are available activities. Note that lifeguards are only on duty during summer hours and on weekends.
In addition to the wildlife exploration, the views from the hiking trails are breathtaking. The rocks and landscape are covered in a vivid green moss which is striking against the blue ocean. Abalone Cove can also be viewed from the trail to Portuguese Point.
The geology buff will find the rock formations along the beach of interest. The layers of sediment can be seen, indicating the geologic time periods. In places, giant rock slabs border trails.
Exploring requires some safety precautions. The trails are rocky; ensure that you have good rubber soled foot gear, or hiking boots. Bring water as you will want to extend your stay. Rest areas and picnic areas are only available near the parking lot. Dogs, fires, and barbecues are not allowed. In addition, use caution, as rattlesnakes are inhabitants of this area.
This wonderful park is open Monday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00p.m., and from 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. on weekends and Memorial day to Labor Day.
Abalone Cove Beach is easily reachable and is located at 5970 South Palos Verdes Drive. Take the 110 Freeway to the end, continue south on Gaffey St, and turn right on W. 25th St, which turns into Palos Verdes Drive South. The beach is just west of Narcissa Drive. There is a small parking charge per car.
