Itinerary: Palos Verdes Peninsula

The Palos Verdes Peninsula is one of those places that most Angelenos view from the beaches that dot the Santa Monica Bay. But those who venture to the top of this hillside community at the end of the L.A. basin know that there are scenic coastal bluffs, dozens of hikes and many points of interest.

Friday

Start your trip with a visit to the Point Vicente Interpretive Center (31501 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes, [310] 377-5370). Situated in a grassy park on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Interpretive Center provides one of the best views on the Peninsula. From the terrace at the back of the museum, you can see the ocean from Malibu to Catalina. The spot is considered one of the best spots for whale watching (prime whale time is December-March) and is used by the American Cetacean Society to count whales migrating from Alaska to Mexico’s Baja California. The museum features exhibits on local archeology and animal life on the Peninsula.

Next door to the center, check out the Point Vicente Lighthouse on the tip of Point Vicente. The lighthouse was built in 1926 after numerous ships were wrecked on the rocks below. The lighthouse was decommissioned in the 1970s, but the Coast Guard Auxiliary continues to offer tours by appointment only. (310) 541-0334.

Saturday

No trip to the Peninsula is complete without a stop at the Wayfarer’s Chapel (5575 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, [310] 377-1650). The glass church was designed by Lloyd Wright, the son of Frank Lloyd Wright, for the Swedenborgian Church--a Christian church founded in Sweden in the 1600s. Lloyd Wright was asked to create a chapel that reflected the relationship between physical and spiritual dimensions of reality. He created a church with glass walls, redwood beams and Palos Verdes stone and surrounded it with trees. The chapel sits on 3.5-acre grounds that contain a reflection pool, beautiful gardens and a hillside stream.

On your way down the hill, stop off at the South Coast Botanical Gardens (26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, [310] 544-6815). This 87-acre county-run facility was developed to import and test plants from all over the world. There are numerous demonstration gardens, a desert garden, rose garden and garden planted by volunteers. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for students and seniors. Children under 12 get in free.

Sunday

Next take a hike up George F Canyon (27305 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rolling Hills Estates, [310] 547-0862). The 36-acre canyon cuts through the sprawling hills of Rolling Hills Estates and is one of the most popular hikes on the Peninsula. The trail winds its way through coastal sagebrush, a habitat for the California gnatcatcher. Markers along the way provide information about the Peninsula’s indigenous plant life. At the base of the canyon is the George F Canyon Nature Center, which is open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features exhibits on Peninsula plants and wildlife.

Or try a guided horseback ride at Palos Verdes Stables (4057 Via Opata, Palos Verdes Estates, [310] 378-3527). Guides are available to take wranglers on a ride through the many canyons and equestrian trails on the Peninsula. Two-hour rides begin at 10 a.m. and cost $50; one-hour rides are offered at 2 and 3:30 p.m. for $30. Reservations are required. Rides are also offered on Fridays.

Finish off the day with the short quarter-mile hike down to the beach at Abalone Cove (5970 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, [310] 377-1222. Parking, $5). This state-designated ecological reserve is situated in a secluded cove where no man-made structures can be seen. It’s perfect for swimming, frolicking in the sand or tide pooling.