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Almost everyone I know usually goes to the crowded, traffic-jam cities of Malibu or Santa Monica for scenic drives and beautiful beaches on a casual weekend.
However, it seems that only a few take the plunge and drive down the I-405 or the I-110 to enjoy the unbeatable ocean views of Palos Verdes.
Don’t get me wrong, Malibu and Santa Monica are great, but if you’re seeking a relaxing place to unwind and enjoy breathtaking views, Palos Verdes will be your best choice.
Palos Verdes is an affluent residential neighborhood located in southwest Los Angeles, a prosperous oasis and home to some of the wealthiest people in California. Its own unique mix of jaw-dropping Spanish revival mansions and wooded canyons make this place like no other in LA.
Palos Verdes is the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of LA. With its clean air, hidden hiking gems and stunning views of Catalina Island, this place is super underrated. Furthermore, upon doing some research, I found out that Palos Verdes has one of the best public schools in the country. The only con is the lack of shopping amenities due to its secluded location in the hills. However, this is not an issue because you can drive down to Redondo Beach or Torrance while enjoying the beautiful scenery with the rolling bluffs and jagged cliffs.
If you want to enjoy the spectacular views from your car and experience Palos Verdes in all its beauty, cruise along Palos Verdes Drive, a road that circles the edge of the peninsula right above cliffs (starting in Torrance and ending in San Pedro). You’ll feel like you’re in Big Sur!
Down below you can see a picture of the sunset. I sat for 20 minutes and it was truly the most beautiful, calming and serene moment I’ve ever experienced. Watching the sunset as I heard the waves crash while feeling the breeze without tourists and traffic on Ocean Avenue or PCH make this place a unique hidden treasure for landscape photography lovers. This was confirmed by one of my colleagues from UCLA who lived in Playa Vista. He said Palos Verdes was the best spot in Los Angeles to see the sunset, and rightfully so.
The Peninsula Shopping Center is a cute little outdoor strip mall with the best Trader Joe’s in Los Angeles: super spacious and rarely crowded. Gosh, I wish I lived in Palos Verdes, and it’s only a 40 min drive from where I live (without traffic of course). Unfortunately, the median price of homes listed in Palos Verdes is $1.5 million dollars, so you’re left with three options: Redondo Beach which is right down the hill, the adjacent neighborhood of Rolling Hills, or become a Youtube sensation overnight before considering buying a house in the vicinity of this area.
Wayfarers Chapel
5755 Palos Verdes Dr S, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
You will be left speechless. The architectural design made of wood and glass slightly reminded me of the Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur. Indeed, the lush greenery and the panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean with the coastal bluffs that extend along the coastline made me feel like I was in Big Sur for a moment.
I came here at the perfect time, just when the sun was right about to set. It was so breathtakingly beautiful to stand at the entrance and look up to see the last rays of sun slanting through the glass. The church was designed in 1940 by Lloyd Wright (son of Frank Lloyd Wright). There’s also a visitor center for further information.
The grounds are impeccably well-kept with colorful blooming flowers. In the back of the church, there’s a pathway made of commemorative bricks with the names of all the newlyweds that got married there. Additionally, there’s a wooden outdoor corridor overlooking Palos Verdes Dr and the coastal bluffs, as well as benches. Every time I come to one of these serene places with so much beauty I always take the time to sit and take in my surroundings.
Wayfarers Chapel has also been featured in multiple filming productions like 90210, Revenge, Endless Love, Sliders, Innerspace and one of my favorite series of all the time, The OC! Did you know the opening sequence of The OC was filmed in Palos Verdes?
Watch the sunset at Point Vicente Park. 31550 Palos Verdes Dr W, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Walk around the beautiful grounds of La Terranea Resort and marvel at the luxury sports cars parked at the valet.
There is a secret trail on La Rotonda Dr, which is off of Palos Verdes Dr. South. Enjoy the beautiful views!! It’s even more stunning if you go there during the sunset!!
Thoughts on Palos Verdes? Have you ever been there? What are your go-to places to catch the best sunsets? Let me know in the comments below! 🙂
