Palos Verdes.
Birthplace of many an L.A. blueblood. Backdrop to some of your favorite crime movies — Usual Suspects, Chinatown, Inherent Vice.
And home to a bizarre gang of wealthy surfers who lay claim to Lunada Bay.
Don’t go there. Instead go a bit farther south, between Terranea Resort and Trump’s golf course, where several bays and lookout points make for stunning — and challenging — hikes.
You’ll start Del Cerro Park and then hike the Portuguese Bend Reserve down to the South Bay Archery Club. There, you pick up the beach trail down to Inspiration Point.
The path heads west along the beach before circumventing some rock outcroppings and twisting in and out of surge pools. The sea caves come into play around Portuguese Point.
Can’t stress this enough: you must check the tide charts before dipping in and out of these caves and surge pools. The ocean is relentless, and won’t care if you get stuck on the wrong side.
If the tide is too high or too low, just take the main trail. It won’t disappoint; the ocean is clear right now and the views of the South Bay are tremendous.
Take a break at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park before heading back to your car. Then head to Hermosa for brunch and beers at the Abigaile.
Or make this pro move: Terranea Resort is a short walk from Abalone Cove. Schedule a spa visit and bring a dry bag with a change of clothes. After a spa visit and shower, get some grub at Nelson’s.
Then Uber back to your car at Del Cerro.
Gear to Consider
The Filson Dry Bag is ideal for this trip. The straps are strong and comfy, and the rubber is 100% waterproof. It has plenty of cargo for two. You can grab one at General Admission in Venice Beach.
For your dogs, try the Olu Kai’l Trainer II, designed with input from Hawaiian lifeguards who needed a running shoe that could handle rocks and ocean spray. It’s built to drain and dry quickly.
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