Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Rancho Palos Verdes, California is among our top picks for outdoor adventures. With its picturesque coastal views, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a paradise for those who love outdoor activities. From horseback riding on the beach to kayaking in the harbor, you'll find a treasure trove of thrilling activities. Hiking trails provide awe-inspiring views of the ocean and nature, while the nearby Point Vicente Interpretive Center offers a variety of educational programs and activities. Fishing spots, golf courses, and parks provide something for everyone to adore. There's no shortage of activities, making Rancho Palos Verdes the ultimate outdoor lovers' heaven.
Top Spots in and near Rancho Palos Verdes
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Malibu, California
Balanced Rock via Sandstone Trailhead
5.04.36 mi / 1125 ft gain...From the PCH, make a left turn on Yerba Buena road (turn right if you're coming South) for about 6 miles until you get to the dirt parking area. If the lot is full, there's extra parking on the side of the road. FYI, Balanced Rock can also be accessed by starting at the Mishe Mokwa trailhead,...Read more -
12869 Yerba Buena Road, California
Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak
5.07.06 mi / 1755 ft gainTake Yerba Buena road to the trailhead. It is less zigzagged and shorter distance from PCH. Parking is easy provided that you start early in the morning. If the lot is full, you can always park on the side of the road. Bathroom is available at Sandstone Peak Trailhead parking lot, just 0.8 miles ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Grotto Trail
2.64 mi / 492 ft gainWho doesn't enjoy a hike that offers water, scenic views, boulder hopping and a subterranean cave? I know I do! The Grotto Trail begins at Circle X Ranch, which looks a bit like a small cowboy western store, and is approximately 6 miles from the Highway 1 (PCH). The parking is a tad tight, fittin...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Skimboard Table Rock Beach
Laguna Beach is both the birthplace *and* and the capital of skimboarding, and for good reason: it boasts an impressive array of beaches where (if you know where to look) you can find one where the conditions are right for one of the most difficult but rewarding of water sports. Table Rock is one...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Aliso Peak via the Valido Trail
5.01.14 mi / 325 ft gainThe Valido Trail trailhead can be found just off West street off the Pacific Coast Highway, just south of Aliso Beach. Park on West Street past the trailhead. The trail proceeds approximate .5 miles till it intersects with the Aliso Peak Trail. Go left .4 miles to the obvious summit and wooden p...Read more -
Laguna Niguel, California
Dripping Cave in the Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness
4.47.68 mi / 889 ft gainDripping Cave sits tucked away in a corner of Wood Canyon, part of the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, and the trail to the cave, while short, requires *at least* a 2.25 mile hike in from the nearest trailhead (West Ridge Trail to Mathis Canyon), though this is less than ideal as that rou...Read more -
Silverado, California
Hike to Black Star Canyon Falls
4.87.5 mi / 913 ft gainWaterfalls in Orange County are far and few between, with the best lying near and inside the Cleveland National Forest. Black Star Canyon Falls are some of the best just after a rain if you are heading out during a dry time of the season you should still expect to see some water. Free parking, ea...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach Caves
3.8Explore some beautiful caves right on the beach in Laguna. The stairs leading down to the beach are just off the side of PCH at 9th st. You can park anywhere along the PCH on both sides near 9th st. Head down the stairs and the main caves are on the left. To the right there are also some small c...Read more -
Laguna Niguel, California
Kick Back at Laguna Niguel Regional Park
This is an awesome tucked away little adventure that will have you occupied all day! With plenty of picnic tables you can be sure to have your own privacy tucked into a corner free from other people. Grab a lake side picnic table or even the numerous ones around the grass fields, they are all won...Read more -
Lake Forest, California
Hike Borrego Canyon to Red Rock Canyon Trails
4.64.2 mi / 500 ft gainJust south east of the city of Irvine, on the southern end of Orange County, is the scenic Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. Don't let the newly developed shopping centers restaurants fool you, because just beyond the parking lot ($3 Daily Use Fee) of the Borrego Canyon Trailhead, you will find your...Read more -
9000 Pacific Coast Highway, California
Cookout at Sycamore Cove Beach
If you ever wanted to see dolphins and seals playing and feeding in the surf while getting ready to barbecue, this is the spot for it. Whether you want some summer rays or some of our wicked wacky winter weather, Sycamore Cove will deliver. Usually isolated enough to keep large crowds away, this ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Camp at Point Mugu's Sycamore Canyon Campground
The beach at Point Mugu State Park is just far away enough from the bustling town of Malibu and its popular beaches to feel like you are still secluded with nature. A great way to be close to the beach at Point Mugu State Park and access it easily whenever you want would be to camp at the Sycamor...Read more -
Malibu, California
Scenic Trail
4.01.53 mi / 322 ft gainThe trailhead is located in the day use area of Point Mugu State Park. Park in the day use area parking lot. There is a parking fee of $12/day or $3/hr. From the parking lot, walk through the campground until you reach the old service road. After passing through the gate, turn left at the si...Read more -
Dana Point, California
Hike the Salt Creek Trail
5.03 mi / 20 ft gainStarting from the Salt Creek Beach parking lot (a paid lot that takes cash, debit, and credit cards and charges by the hour. There are pay stations at a few points in the parking lots), you head west towards the ocean...through a tunnel and down the hill towards the beach. Once you get to the bas...Read more -
Dana Point, California
Surf Salt Creek
5.0There are two HUGE parking lots off of PCH, so parking isn't an issue (unless it's on a weekend in the summer, then it does get full). This is a paid lot with a few pay stations located around the parking lot, and they take cash and credit/ debit card...you can pay by the hour. Once you find your...Read more -
Chino Hills, California
Adobe Loop
3.01.92 mi / 312 ft gainThe best place to park for this hike is at Hunter's Hill park. From there, the trailhead is located on Natalie Road just South of the park. There is a large sign marking the start of the trail, but it does not give a name for either the trail head or the trail itself. For reference, it is the But...Read more
