With its dramatic bluffs, quiet canyons and panoramic views of the Pacific, Palos Verdes offers some of the most memorable hiking and walking routes in Southern California. From relaxed coastal paths to steeper hillside loops and rocky shoreline adventures, there is an option for nearly every schedule and experience level.
Whether you are looking for a quick morning walk, a challenging workout or a scenic place to watch the sunset, these Palos Verdes trails are worth exploring.
Easy Coastal Walks
Approachable routes with beautiful scenery and relatively manageable terrain.
Terranea Discovery Trail — 1.9 Miles
The Terranea Discovery Trail is an easy coastal walk showcasing expansive views of the Pacific and the rugged Palos Verdes shoreline. The 1.9-mile out-and-back route gains approximately 206 feet in elevation and generally takes between 30 minutes and one hour to complete. Open throughout the year, it is a popular destination for walking, trail running and birdwatching. Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash. Find more information here.
Abalone Cove Trail — 1.4 Miles
Abalone Cove offers a memorable combination of blufftop scenery, rugged coastline and access to the coves below. The relatively short route is a great choice for visitors who want impressive ocean views without committing to a lengthy hike. Those continuing toward the shoreline should pay attention to tides, terrain and current access conditions. Find more information here.
Point Vicente Beach Walk — 5.7 Miles
This scenic coastal route follows the bluffs above the Pacific, offering broad ocean views throughout much of the walk. Beginning near a small parking area, the trail heads south and passes the Point Vicente Picnic Area after roughly one mile before continuing toward Coastsite Drive.
Although the route is relatively gradual, its length makes it a more substantial outing. Portions of the path run close to neighboring residences, so visitors should remain on the designated trail and respect the surrounding private property. Find more information here.
Gnatcatcher, Sagebrush and Shoreline Park Loop — 1.2 Miles
This compact loop through Shoreline Park delivers impressive coastal scenery in a relatively short distance. The elevated route looks out across the Pacific and is particularly picturesque in the late afternoon as the sun begins to set.
Despite its modest length, the trail includes a noticeable climb and can feel more demanding than expected. Shade is limited along the route, so bring water and sun protection, especially when hiking during warmer weather. Find more information here.
Moderate Scenic Hikes
Shorter routes with steeper climbs, changing terrain and rewarding coastal views.
Pescadero Trail — 0.6 Miles
Pescadero Trail is a short but moderately demanding out-and-back route through the natural landscape of Rancho Palos Verdes. Although the trail is less than a mile long, its terrain provides a more substantial outing than the distance might suggest. Most visitors complete the route in approximately 20 minutes.
Open throughout the year, the trail is popular for walking, hiking and birdwatching. Visiting during a quieter part of the day may offer a more peaceful experience. Dogs are not permitted on this trail. Find more information here.
Rancho Palos Verdes Coastal Trail — 1.9 Miles
This coastal route passes through a landscape of native sage, cacti and other drought-tolerant vegetation, with expansive views of the Pacific along the way. The surrounding coastline also has an interesting connection to television and film, having served as a backdrop for productions including the MTV Beach House, The O.C. and scenes associated with Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean films.
The lower portion of the route crosses a rocky stretch of shoreline, which can make the return trip slower and more physically demanding than the mileage suggests. Families with young children may need additional time. Check the tide schedule before visiting, since high water can make sections of the beach difficult or unsafe to navigate. Leashed dogs are permitted on the trail but are not allowed on the beach. Find more information here.
Lunada Canyon Trail — 1 Mile
Lunada Canyon Trail is a short out-and-back route with enough elevation to provide a moderate workout. The path is used by hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers, though visiting during less popular hours may offer a quieter experience.
Open throughout the year, the trail takes most visitors between 30 minutes and one hour to complete. Dogs are welcome but should remain leashed. Find more information here.
Prickly Pear Cactus Grove via Alta Vicente and Nike Loop — 2 Miles
This hillside loop winds through stands of prickly pear cactus before climbing to elevated viewpoints above the coast. On a clear day, hikers may be able to see Catalina Island, the shoreline and San Nicolas Island in the distance. Although portions of the route remain relatively close to nearby roads, the expansive ocean scenery gives the trail a more secluded feel.
The surrounding park once served as a Nike missile site and is now home to the Rancho Palos Verdes Civic Center. Visitors can also find picnic areas, tennis and sand volleyball courts, and a dog park nearby. Find more information here.
More Challenging Adventures
Steeper climbs, rugged surfaces and longer routes for hikers seeking a stronger workout.
Forrestal Preserve Loop — 2.9 Miles
Beginning near the athletic fields at Ladera Linda Park, this hillside loop follows narrow trails through the Forrestal Preserve. The route offers striking views of the Pacific Ocean and Inspiration Point, with seasonal wildflowers adding color to the landscape during spring.
With more than 700 feet of elevation gain, the trail provides a solid workout despite its relatively short distance. Much of the route is exposed to the sun, so bring plenty of water and wear appropriate sun protection. Find more information here.
Three Sisters, McCarrel Canyon and Barkentine Loop — 2.5 Miles
This scenic loop combines hillside views, canyon terrain and a rewarding amount of elevation in a relatively short distance. One of the route’s standout sections is McCarrel Canyon, where the trail descends into a quieter landscape framed by native vegetation and exposed rock formations.
The changing terrain creates plenty of opportunities to pause for photos and take in the surrounding hills. Wildlife is also frequently seen along the route, including rabbits, deer and a variety of local bird species. Find more information here.
Burma, Ishibashi, Barn Owl, Peppertree, Water Tank and Kubota Loop — 5 Miles
Covering several interconnected trails, this demanding loop descends from the higher elevations of the preserve toward the coastline before climbing back through the hills. The route’s considerable elevation change makes it one of the more strenuous options in the area, while open stretches provide impressive views across the Pacific.
Visitors should plan their parking arrangements in advance. Del Cerro Park is restricted to permitted vehicles, while public parking can be found near the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Crest Road. Parts of the trail system run alongside privately owned land, particularly near Burma Road, so hikers should carefully follow the established route and observe all property boundaries. Find more information here.
Shipwreck Hiking Trail — 4.6 Miles
Following the rocky shoreline beneath the Palos Verdes neighborhoods, this coastal route offers sweeping ocean views, quiet coves and a close-up look at the Peninsula’s rugged terrain. The trail leads to the remains of a historic shipwreck, giving the hike a distinctive destination beyond the scenery itself. Much of the route requires navigating loose rocks and uneven surfaces, so sturdy hiking shoes are strongly recommended. Be prepared for frequent rock scrambling and check tide and coastal conditions before setting out. Find more information here.
Before You Head Out
Trail access and conditions throughout Palos Verdes can change because of weather, maintenance and land movement. Review current notices before visiting and follow all posted closures and safety instructions.
Bring water, wear sun protection and remain on designated paths to help preserve the Peninsula’s sensitive natural habitat. For coastal and shoreline routes, check tide conditions in advance and use extra caution around rocks, cliffs and uneven terrain.
From peaceful blufftop walks to challenging canyon loops, exploring Palos Verdes on foot offers an entirely new perspective on the Peninsula. These trails showcase not only the area’s extraordinary natural landscape, but also the outdoor lifestyle that makes Palos Verdes such a special place to call home.