If you’re in the South Bay and want to take in some fantastic views, head over to Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in Rancho Palos Verdes. An affluent suburb of Los Angeles, the bluffs of Rancho Palos Verdes make for an ideal location to enjoy scenic views – specifically, the Palos Verdes Coast and Catalina Island. If you really have your heart set on seeing Catalina Island, check the weather before leaving as it tends to get really foggy up there.
You can park your vehicle at the parking lot right off Palos Verdes Dr for $5. The park offers 2 different beaches for you to enjoy – Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove. Once you park, you’ll have to take a trail in order to get to Abalone Cove Beach; the trail can be accessed directly from the parking lot. In order to get to Sacred Cove Beach, walk south along Palos Verdes Dr (from the parking lot) and you’ll run into 2 trails that will lead you there.
You can enjoy a view of the coast from the grassy area atop the 180-foot bluff. If this is a romantic outing, why not pack some sandwiches and have a picnic. Afterwards, head down to the shore via a steep trail and take a walk along the beach; the trail is approximately ¼ mile in length.
Trying to figure out where to have a picnic? Look no further. As you drive along Temescal Canyon Rd in the Pacific Palisades, you’ll notice about a dozen areas on both sides of the street that are a perfect for that afternoon picnic (not to be confused with Temescal Canyon Park). There is plenty of green space for a traditional picnic on the grass, or if you’d rather sit down at a table, each area also has a picnic shelter. It’s usually pretty busy on warm Sunday afternoons, so just keep that in mind if you’re looking for some quiet time.
If you want to make a day out of it, bring a kite or frisbee along for some fun after your picnic. You can also head down to Will Rogers State Beach which is only a few blocks away (depending on how far up you are along Temescal Canyon Rd). Once you’re there, you can go rollerblading, bike riding, or just take a casual stroll along the beach.
Getting There
Getting to Temescal Canyon is extremely easy. Simply take PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) to Temescal Canyon Road and make a right. Alternatively, you can travel westbound along Sunset Blvd until you reach Temescal Canyon Road and then make a left. You can park your car right on the street. Depending on how busy it is, you may have to park a little further from the site and then do a little walking.
Since 1969, the El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach has hosted over 2 million visitors coming to enjoy its scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings. The Nature Center is home to a variety of animal life, including coyotes, hawks and squirrels. As you step in to the Nature Center, you’ll be immediately drawn to it’s lush greenery – composed of Oak, Redwood, and Alder Tress.
The 102 acre nature center can be traversed by way of a paved trail, which is 1/4 mile in length, and/or a 2 mile dirt trail which winds around a pair of lakes. As you walk through the Nature Center, you will find dozens of peaceful spots where you can relax and simply take in all the beauty it has to offer. If it’s been an especially chaotic week, or you just need a quiet place think, swing by the El Dorado Nature Center for a few hours.
The Nature Center is also a fantastic location for a date, especially the first one. It’s a great place to talk and get to know each other without all the distractions you may find in the city.
Nestled along Sunset Blvd in the Pacific Palisades, Lake Shrine is an oasis from the busy and sometimes hectic lives we lead. Located only ¼ mile from PCH, you have probably driven past it countless times without even knowing it was there.
Each year, thousands of people head out to Lake Shrine to enjoy its beauty and serenity. Only ten-acres in size, the lake is home to Swans, Ducks, Koi, and a variety of plant life. On the lakes periphery, there a number of spots and benches where you can just sit down and take in the scenery. It’s a perfect place to enjoy with that special someone, or just a quiet place to reflect on things.
Driving through Beverly Hills along Santa Monica Blvd, one can’t help but notice the strip of park along the north side of the street. If you look closely, there is an ample amount of green space, park benches, and a walking path that spans from Doheny to Wilshire.
Lined with trees and adorned with lush green grass, the park offers the perfect escape from busy city life. Even on the busiest days – you can completely tune out the honking horns, revving engines, screeching tires, and the occasional yelling from angry drivers. The park is especially pleasant on a warm day…the shade from the trees and a little breeze work together to keep you cool.
On a Sunday morning, you can head over to the Starbucks located on Wilshire and Santa Monica for some coffee. Afterwards, cross the street towards the fountain and take a stroll (heading east) along the walking path. The path is about 2 miles in length so remember that you’ll also have to make the trip back. If you get hungry, cross the street (heading south) and take your pick from one of the many cafes in Beverly Hills. Alternatively, you can head over to Rodeo Drive for some window shopping (assuming you still have energy after your walk).
If you’re in the South Bay and want to take in some fantastic views, head over to Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in Rancho Palos Verdes. An affluent suburb of Los Angeles, the bluffs of Rancho Palos Verdes make for an ideal location to enjoy scenic views – specifically, the Palos Verdes Coast and Catalina Island. If you really have your heart set on seeing Catalina Island, check the weather before leaving as it tends to get really foggy up there.
Since 1969, the El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach has hosted over 2 million visitors coming to enjoy its scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings. The Nature Center is home to a variety of animal life, including coyotes, hawks and squirrels. As you step in to the Nature Center, you’ll be immediately drawn to it’s lush greenery – composed of Oak, Redwood, and Alder Tress.
