If you are in Los Angeles, take a day trip to the stunning cliffside town of Palos Verdes. Here you can go hiking, enjoy a spa day, or have a latte with ocean views.

South Coast Botanic Garden, Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Estates, CA, USA

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Palos Verdes, CA, USA

Point Vicente Lighthouse, Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, USA

Terranea Resort, Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, USA

South Bay, CA, USA

Palos Verdes, CA Itinerary

If you come to Palos Verdes consider visiting the South Coast Botanic Gardens as the start of your day. 

I grew up in Palos Verdes, so I know this best kept secret very well, and will guide you on having the best experience.

Palos Verdes (PV) used to be a ranch until 1913, when it became a residential neighborhood. If you are looking for a peaceful experience, with beautiful views, Palos Verdes will certainly reward you.

Spot 1 - South Coast Botanic Gardens (2-3 hrs)

Stop by The Crepery Cafe for breakfast to get a sweet crepe or an omelette, then head up the hill to the Botanical Gardens.

The botanical gardens should take about 2 hours to walk around. It is a great attraction for kids and families, and even has dog walking hours. Check the website for hours, and buy tickets online in advance since they might get sold out day of.During the holidays they have a light exhibit in the evenings. In Spring the cherry blossom trees bloom, and throughout the year they will have art installations.

When you are tired and hungry from the gardens, stop by Yellow Vase Cafe at the bottom of the hill for a nice panini or salad. Or even a sweet treat like macaroons, and a nice latt

There are several Yellow Vase cafes in the area. All of them are adorable with yellow wallpaper, and usually have a built in flower shop. Their food and pastries are amazing.

This particular Yellow Vase on PV drive West has the best views, as it is facing the ocean. If it's not cold, ask for outdoor seating to really enjoy the ambiance.

Make sure to bring a jacket, as it does get cold and windy. Wear comfortable walking shoes, or at least bring a pair with you. Also bring a hat and sunscreen since you will be outdoors on most of this adventure!

Once you are in a food coma from all the delicious sweets, it's time to go for a walk to help you wake up!

Either cross the street and follow the sidewalk until you reach the trail, or drive down a couple minutes and park at the following parking lot.

Once you reach the lighthouse area, there is a grassy park where kids can play and run around. There are also picnic tables to rest or have a snack at. Near the lighthouse there are also bathrooms during operating hours. When you are ready, turn around and walk the same path you came on to return to your car.

From this parking lot, you will then follow the sidewalk along the water until you reach the trail, and turn right to enter the trail. The trail will be a dirt path, with wooden railing on both sides, and usually brush on both sides as well.

It will take about 30-40 min to reach the Point Vicente Lighthouse. Along the way, enjoy picturesque views of the cliffs and the Pacific Ocean.

The trail is kid and dog friendly, and it very flat. However it is not very accessible for those with walking disabilities or injuries, as it is an uneven dirt path. 

Disclaimer: If you do not intend to walk much, or just want to hang out near the lighthouse, there is another parking lot that you can park at. Just be careful entering and exiting, as it is right off the highway.

Spot 3 - Terranea Resort and Spa (2-3 hrs)

After a good walk around the lighthouse, drive down PV drive West for a few minutes to get to the Terranea Resort and Spa. 

This is a great location to stay as well, if you want a relaxing place to spend the night. They offer spa services, golfing, kayaking, a pool, and have several restaurants onsite. Note that this is a luxury hotel option.

If you just want to visit the resort, it is open to the public. Park at the upper parking lot for visitors, and walk through the main entrance. There is a lounge area where you can relax, and sometimes they have live singers performing.

If you would like to try dinner at a spot outside the resort, Swan Thai PV has delicious Thai food, along with several smoothie or boba options. Get there before sunset to enjoy the views while you eat.

You can enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants at the resort, or get a drink at the bar. If you walk outside and take the stairs down, there are multiple paved paths you can take to walk around the resort.

Hope you enjoy this itinerary for a day trip in Palos Verdes!

When driving home or back to your hotel, be careful as the roads are very windy and the town is not well lit at night.

Palos Verdes, CA Itinerary

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