Walking Paths on Rancho Palos Verdes Bluffs

This is a beautiful walk. I’m not sure I’d call it a hike as it’s pretty flat. It’s awesome for a trail run, walking the dog, or just a gorgeous fast paced walk. I imagine it’d be a great hike to walk down to the beach, although I didn’t cross any access points, though I’m sure they are there.
Of note: you park on the ocean side of Hawthorne. There are a variety of spots. The previous Unilocal comments didn’t mention that. So you just go on Hawthorne into that «estates» community. It’s not gated and parking is a-​ok!
Overall a very pretty walk with breath taking ocean views. Not the best workout unless you’re running :-)

There are so many beautiful walking trails in this area. San Pedro, Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and Ranch Palos Verdes all have walking and hiking trails where you could become one with nature and enjoy the spoils of the gorgeous coastline. The hiking trails are friendly to all types of walkers and hikers, whether you’re new at this or not. I have even seen people out here on the trails with a wheelchair, so that tells how accessible it is.
The area is accessible enough to where you can come out here in a summer dress and flip flops or shorts and a t-​shirt to full on workout or gym clothes. You encounter all types of people on these trails; some out for a workout and others who just stopped because it’s so beautiful. You might want to bring a light jacket if you walk in the evenings, as it can get pretty windy. On the hot days when the sun is beating down on you, which is most Southern California days, you might want to bring a hat, because it’s easy to burn quick in that sun.
Many of these trails link up to others and you can end up going a lot further than you realize, so just remember where you started, so you don’t forget where you parked. There are benches out here, so you can sit and enjoy the views and listen to the waves crashing below. Some people find trails that lead down to the water and walk down there. That’s all fun and cool, but I’d hate to hike back up and believe me… it’s a hike. I’ve done it before and my cheeks (and not the cheeks on my face) were screaming all kinds of expletives at me! You have to make sure you’re in the right kind of shoes or you WILL slide, either going down there or even coming up. There are lots of rocks on some of those trails, so again, you have to be careful going up and down some of these trails.
There are signs everywhere, so make sure to read them and take heed to them, especially the ones related to snakes and other wildlife. They ARE there, so steer clear. I’ve also seen people walk off the designated trails, but I don’t suggest that. There’s no telling what in the world is out there in those bushes.
Happy hiking!

Nice trail with great beach views, but I’ve never seen so many dead animals in my life. Kind of depressing. Gives a nice experience of the circle of life i guess… Anyway nice hike not very hard at all.

This spot was no joke if you want to climb down!!! Expert ONLY!!! There were plenty of people climbing down different spots in the cliffs to the beach. We were able to climb down and enjoy flooded tide pools to snorkel in. My friend described this as a «double black diamond entry», I should have listened! Please take my advice and bring solid shoes and be ready to have a challenge. If you are staying above the beach and on the path you should be in store for beautiful views and amazing landscape. Stuff you would never expect just outside of downtown LA. Reminded me of Carmel, CA!

Beautiful coastline and easy, moderate hike makes this a regular rotation on my hike schedule… I Just love the drive there, as well as the parking ease, so it doesn’t matter if it low tide to see more ocean critters, or just stick to rock climbing and mermaid spotting (yeah, my friend thinks she’s a mermaid!).
This is a very close second to Abalone Cove, which is just down the road. Plus free parking. Yay. Win/​win; cool/​cool!

There is a new (still under construction) subdivision west of PV Drive W, at Hawthorne. You’ll see a fountain at the entrance. The park (I don’t think it has a name yet) with bluff-​top walking paths is between the houses and the ocean, not visible from the street. Someone tipped me off as to this location. A parking lot is at the north end of the public area & it’s never crowded. The paths go on and on, along the high bluffs, offering ocean views to die for. Dogs are allowed, on leashes. There are no grassy areas — the paths surround a habitat of native plants, quite beautiful. There is no shade, so bring a hat & sunscreen and avoid the hottest part of the day in summer. If you are very brave, it is possible to walk on trails along the sides of the vertical bluffs down to the water. I saw people roaming the tide pools today, so far below me they were barely visible.
Rugged beauty inspires at this peaceful retreat.