Abalone Cove Beach

Abalone Cove Beach can be discovered below the parking lot at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in the city of Rancho Palos Verdes. The bluffs in the park are protected in a state ecological preserve called Abalone Cove Reserve. Trails begin at the parking lot and meander up and down the bluffs and out to two prominent points that separate gorgeous coves.

It is worth your time to hike out to Portuguese Point at the east end of Abalone Cove. This point towers over Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove and is a perfect vantage point for Catalina Island. Whale-watching is popular here from mid-December through March. At the base of Portuguese Point there are a couple large caves to investigate at lower tides. The better one is a tunnel that waves crash deep into and can be viewed from the Sacred Cove side. Don’t attempt to enter the caves, they are best viewed from the rock shelves outside of them. Rocks have been falling from the cliffs so some areas have been closed – note the signage and don’t venture beyond them.

Tidepooling is wonderful in Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove. It has even made our list of the best tidepools in California list. Check tide tables and go there at low tide for your safety and more pools to see.

Trails meander up and down the bluffs of Abalone Cove Park. Some are open to bikes and others are pedestrian only. See the map in our photo gallery to see which trails are open.

The buildings in the center of Abalone Cove Beach are part of Portuguese Bend Nursery School which will have children on site in the mornings mid-week. Lifeguards staff the tower next to the school during summer weekends.

Fishing in the cove is covered by Abalone Cove State Marine Conservation Area and it has restrictions (Sacred Cove is outside of this MPA).

The park’s parking lot has strict hours so note the hours as you enter the lot (and don’t get locked in). The first 30 minutes of parking is free but after that they charge a fee.

Before or after your visit to the beach it would be worth stopping at the Wayfarers Chapel across the road to take in the view from their grounds.

Address

5970 Palos Verdes Dr S
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Park Name

Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, Abalone Cove Reserve

Other Names

East Beach, Altamira Canyon, Portuguese Point

Owner

City Park

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach, but ok if leashed in picnic area and on some trails

Fees

Fees for parking

Activities

Hiking, Tidepooling, Whale Watching, Scuba Diving, Mountain Biking

Amenities

Trails, Restrooms, Tide Pools, Caves, Lifeguards, Picnic Tables, Drinking Water, Benches, Viewpoints

Links

Tide Chart
Water Quality
Water Temps