Abalone Cove Trail Beach Hike with Kids in Rancho Palos Verdes

One of the most beautiful and scenic coastal hikes in Los Angeles is the Abalone Cove Trail in Rancho Palos Verdes. It’s a short 1.1-mile total hike that starts at the top of the cliffs and makes its way down to the beach, with great views of the ocean along the way.

In this blog post, we’ll cover:

Overview of the Hike
Location of the Trailhead
Food & Lodging nearby
Tips When Hiking
Videos of the Trail

Overview of the Abalone Cove Trail

Features of the Hike

There are some really unique features of this trail that make it worth the hike.

You get beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean along the cliffs, like most coastal hikes in Rancho Palos Verdes.

There’s a long stretch of beach at the end of the trail leads, so you’ll easily find a spot to play in the water.

There’s a small waterfall that trickles down the side of the cliff to the beach, which kids will love.

You’ll see some rocks and small tide pools to explore at one end of the beach.

What the Trail is Like

From the parking lot, you’ll head straight to the cliff edge where there is a fence. Then you’ll head south on a dirt path along the cliff with full views of the ocean.

The dirt trail then starts descending down the cliff side. You’ll get some nice glimpses of the coast along the way.

Midway down, the trail enters a clearing. You can take a paved road down to the Abalone Cove Beach to the right. Or you can turn right a walk a short distance on the paved road, and then continue back on the dirt trail.

The trail goes down and ends at a rocky beach.

If you turn left on the beach, you’ll pass be a small trickling waterfall that goes down the cliff side.

If you go all the way to the end of the beach, it will turn into a sand beach that you can play on, and you’ll see some rocks that you can climb on and look for crustaceans in the small tide pools.

Location of the Trail

Address & Directions

The trailhead starts at Abalone Cove Park:

5970 Palos Verdes Dr
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

It’s right off of the main road Palos Verdes drive.

Parking

There is a free parking lot at Abalone Cove Park with plenty of parking spots.

Facilities – Water & Restrooms

There are public restrooms and a water fountain at the parking lot.

Food & Lodging Nearby

Restaurants

There’s a small shopping center just a short drive north of the parking lot with a variety of quick and easy restaurants:

Hotels

Terranea Resort – If you’re staying in Rancho Palos Verdes, the Terranea Resort nearby is the quintessential luxury (and only) hotel to stay at in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Best Western Plus Redondo Beach Inn – If you need something more affordable and nearby, this hotel is in a beach community just a short drive away, with a pool, spa, fitness room, and free continental breakfast.

Tips When Hiking the Trail

Here are some tips when going on the Abalone Cove Trail hike:

Watch out for the sun. The entire trail is in the sun with no shade, so be sure to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, or on cooler days.
Remember you have to hike back up. The trail starting off is easy because its downhill, which makes it easy to underestimate having to walk back up on the trail.
Bring water and snacks. It’s a short hike, but it’s a good idea to have something to eat and drink along the way, especially if you plan on staying by the beach.
Bring beach items. If you plan on staying at the beach for awhile, be sure to bring all the accessories – towel, sunscreen, sandals, and bathing suit – or just wear it on the hike. Pack light though, as you’ll need to hike back up the trail.