No Visa Required

No Visa Required

I consider myself a well-seasoned traveler. I’ve lived and visited some pretty amazing, far exotic places. But sometimes the best place on Earth can be found right in your backyard. Just 30 miles from downtown LA, exists one of the most beautiful hidden gems – the Palos Verdes Peninsula. It’s in LA county, yet it’s nothing like the stereotypical LA with bumper-to-bumper congestion under a cloud of smog. The panoramic views are outrageously stunning and the only traffic around is a flock of pelicans up above the palm trees, flying high along the rocky coast.

There are many wonderful things to do and places to see in PV. Imagine starting out by exploring Abalone Cove, a shoreline park known for its abundant tide pools. The terrain is rugged, and the path is steep, but the views are to die for, as you descend through the lush vegetation, carefully dodging spiky cacti and small lizards. We arrive to a rocky beach. It’s gorgeous, reflections of the sun bounce off the waves and rocks. The sand is filled with random spurts of water from the local clams creating a natural fountain on the beach. 

There’s not a soul around and the only LA stars to be seen are underfoot, in the tide pools, filled with colorful sea stars and other interesting creatures. The hermit crabs make us laugh as they are the only ones rushed in this relaxed setting, scurrying along with little shells on their heads. 

We head back up the trail with sun kissed cheeks and beachy hair. Across the way, above the seaside cliffs, a glass church is hidden amongst the trees. Wayfarers chapel is probably one of the most tranquil and serene churches I’ve ever seen. It was designed by Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright. The redwood groves surrounding the church become part of the architecture displaying an ever-changing natural beauty. 

We could continue off the beaten path and encounter more miles of scenic hiking trails, but we decide on the manicured route lined with a wooden fence protecting from the deadly drop below. Just looking down sends me into a state of vertigo as you see the waves crashing upon the rocks with no mercy, tossing the sea kelp high into the misty waters. We walk past Point Vicente’s lighthouse to the Interpretive Center, a gathering of people – the most we’ve seen since LAX – are looking out and tracking the whale migration. I spy a few container ships in the distance and just then to my delight, I see a spray of water and a large tail burst out of the clear blue ocean. Pleased with my first whale sighting we stop for a coffee at one of the most gorgeous Starbucks on the planet. The views are out of this world! As I wait for my drink, I spot a school of dolphin swimming below in the distance.

Continuing our journey, we arrive at the grounds of a beautiful luxury hotel – The Terranea Resort. Past the hotel’s high-end shops, we enter a large, opulent lobby displaying almost 360 degrees of ocean views. Down the steps beyond a large pool, sounds of children splashing fill the air. A bit further, smells of lavender and other luxurious scents emerge from the spa. There’s also a private yoga class holding peaceful poses next to the immaculate golf course. Music gets louder as we near the Adult Only pool where singles flirt, drifting along on inflatable beds, holding colorful cocktails. Alongside the path there’s a picnic table where children are enjoying a plein-air art class. A loud splash and laughter erupt from the tiny beach below – a guest unsuccessfully tries to stand on a paddle board, maybe kayaking would have been a better choice. 

We end with a cold brew at the hotel’s laid-back, outdoor restaurant where we watch the sun melt into the horizon behind Catalina Island. Let’s stay a little while longer. This is heaven.

With over 582 rooms, suites, villas, casitas and bungalows to choose from, there’s a slice of paradise for everyone. And if you fancy the idea of a “staycation,” you can purchase a Terranea villa for around 1.9 million dollars.