Things to Do in Rancho Palos Verdes

Things to Do in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA - Rancho Palos Verdes Attractions

Things to Do in Rancho Palos Verdes

Check out must-see sights and activities:
The Point Vicente Interpretive Center, Wayfarers Chapel, Hiking Trails, Churches & Cathedrals. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Top Attractions in Rancho Palos Verdes

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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Other Top Attractions around Rancho Palos Verdes

*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Karen G
    Rancho Santa Margarita, CA67 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited the historic Point Vicente Lighthouse, which is open to the public every second Saturday of the month from 10 AM to 3 PM (good to know for next time). The surrounding trails are excellent—well-maintained and offering breathtaking views.

    We also explored the nearby Interpretive Center, which features a variety of exhibits showcasing the area’s rich history. One exhibit highlights the unstable soil and frequent landslides, a key reason why many trails, like those in the Portuguese Bend Reserve, remain closed to this day.

    The centerpiece of the museum is undoubtedly the rotating Fresnel lens from the historic Point Vicente Lighthouse, once one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. A fascinating video documents how engineers painstakingly dismantled the lens piece by piece to transfer it to the center for public display.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged to support this educational and enriching resource for future visitors.
    Written December 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • travelgal
    Fairfield, CT45 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see. You can see in as short or long of a visit you’d like. Go in a.m. There is a great short hike across the highway as well.
    Written April 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • James Weaver
    Irvine, CA2,282 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    On April 24 tired of being in lockdown in our home, we drove up the Southern California Coast. The temperature varied by by a few degrees, but I t was in the low 90’s F at the beach. A slight breeze was blowing. Nice to have Air Conditioning in the car and importantly, Navigation. We passed by the Seal Beach Navel Weapons Station where a very large US Navy ship was docked, but as we looked at it, we noticed two tug boats beginning to move it away from the dock and out to sea. There was Red Tide along all the beaches and Marinas we passed. An Allge that turns the sea a dark red tone. This happens maybe once a year. As we went North, the Peninsula roads became narrow and one lane of traffic in each direction. A nice drive to areas we have not been to in 40 years, yet so close by.

    Written April 25, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Russ Lacuata
    Long Beach, CA9,820 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful view! Stunning sunrise and very peaceful in the early morning hours. Happy to see wildflowers and you might be lucky to see sign of whales. Has trails that you can walk along the ocean cliff side.
    Written November 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andre F
    Parker, CO4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Take a hike on the Terranea discovery trial to the San Vincente Light House. You will see dolphin pods , whales migrating south to Baja and if your lucky you might even see the dolphins teaching their young how to catch fish in the cove. Stop by the Interpretive Center and learn more about the geography and eco - system. Worth your time and when you return stop by Nelson's and learn about the TV series filmed on this special piece of the coast while you enjoy crispy buffalo chicken wings by Chef Larry. I guarantee your will bring your friends and family back.
    Written December 16, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • pasowine
    Paso Robles, CA5,351 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Ocean Trails are truly a hidden gem. We hiked on a sunny winter day and it was still quite lovely, as there had been some recent rain. Certainly well worth the effort and time. It really is not that long a walk, compared to the other trails in the Palos Verdes Peninsula. You get some amazing views, and if you are a golfer, you can watch them hit. But also watch out for stray golf balls!
    The whole area is so peaceful and relaxing - you can hear the waves against the rocks - amazing...
    Very relaxing and peaceful hike to go with a date or the family. Listening to the ocean waves crashing onto the shore rocks is very tranquil. The scenic views are breathtaking as well.
    Written February 12, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Xoxo
    Palos Verdes Estates, CA52 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    My sister had her wedding photos taken here a while back. We decided to drop by and its still gorgeous. The view is breathtaking and there is a park nearby if you feel like taking a stroll or exercise. It's a bit colder in the winter time because you are surrounded by the ocean. So bring a sweater to be comfortable. It is very clean and a great place to relax from a busy week/escape from the city. Definitely a great for a nice picnic out.
    Written December 2, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • cjean168
    Rancho Palos Verdes, CA35 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This park is family and pet friendly, lots nice wild flowers to discover and take close up photos. There is a gate preventing vihecles to enter, but it allows people to walk in and follow the trail. We did not walk very far because of hot weather. Friends told us the trail can lead to as fast as Long Beach.
    Written July 10, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Russ Lacuata
    Long Beach, CA9,820 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Perfect vantage point for Catalina Island and whale watching. A lot of sea creatures and things to explore. The tide pools are amazing.
    Written January 13, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • sanpedronative
    Los Angeles, CA12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Clean, well kept Memorial Park. New additions being added. Masoleums especially the new one are very nice. Peace ful setting. Many of my deceased family are buried here and the graves are taken care of nicely.
    Written February 12, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LoveToVacateMichigan
    Michigan246 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Played 18 with 3 friends. Paid <$200 per person. Clubhouse was less gaudy than I had hoped. It was actually quite nice other than the Donald's old magazine covers adorning the walls. Staff was a bit pretentious. Seems they like to enforce rules as part of the atmosphere (walk here, wait here, guy on range closely monitoring). Range was disappointing. Mats req'd maybe due time of year, but were past their useful life and sloped with the terrain.

    Property is spectacular. Views are amazing. Holes are laid out like a Swiss vineyard winding back and forth along property side by side at different levels. Not a lot of room off fairway. Bunkers were consistent, but that was about 1/8" of sand on hardpan. Greens were in good shape and I found them extremely tough to read (yet most everything slopes to ocean). I would play it again.
    Written March 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • HandsomeXO
    Hong Kong, China13,241 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    St. John Fisher Church is a beautiful Catholic Church in Rancho Palos Verdes that also has its own private school. Father Francis is super funny, energetic, and inspirational, making every second of the Sunday mass super enjoyable and memorable!
    Written August 6, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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