Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Abalone Cove offers a 64-acre reserve with two beaches, tide pools, bluff-top viewing areas, and trails snaking around arid terrain.
The 109-acre Abalone Cove Shoreline Park sits at the tip of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, with black-sand Sacred Cove and bluff-top viewpoints at Portuguese and Inspiration Points facing the channel toward Catalina Island. At low tide, sea urchins, anemones, and starfish emerge in the tide pools, plus three sea caves and rock tunnels.
Abalone Cove Reserve and Photography Rules
Abalone Cove is a 64-acre ecological reserve named after the abalone shell, with tide pools, two beaches, and short trails that offer views of the coastline. The park sits at the base of the Portuguese Bend landslide area, where the inland landscape takes on an arid Mediterranean character. Because the shoreline and marine resources are protected by law, photographers should follow posted rules and leave shells and animals undisturbed while shooting.
Best Photo Spots
Six photo spots at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park include coastal viewpoints, a cove, tide pools, a trail, and a picnic area.
Portuguese Point
Photographs of This Location
Common Questions
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is located at 5970 Palos Verdes Drive South in Rancho Palos Verdes, about 25 miles from LAX.
Abalone Cove tide pools are rated as beginner difficulty.
Practical Information
Palos Verdes Drive South; 110 S to San Pedro; The park is better accessed by car and parking is readily available on-site.
There is just one parking lot for the park and it requires a fee to park there.; Large gated parking lot; Parking pricing: first 30 minutes free, 30 minutes to 2 hours costs $6, over 2 hours costs $12; Seniors 62+ and Handicapped are free year-round.
4 p.m.; The parking lot is closed on January 1, Thanksgiving Day, December 24 and 25.; Visitors are allowed to stay for free for the first 30 minutes at Abalone Cove.
$6 for two hours, $12 for longer; $6 (30 min–2 hrs), $12 (over 2 hrs), first 30 min free; $5
The park contains a State Ecological Preserve and taking of protected animals and marine life is prohibited.; Barbeques and fires are prohibited at Abalone Cove.; As of July 9, 2024, Abalone Cove Beach, Sacred Cove Beach, and all beach access trails in the Abalone Cove Reserve are closed due to the Portuguese Bend Landslide.
Session Tips
- Photographers should be careful around the cliff sides which may be unstable and stay on designated areas.
- Tides should be checked to increase opportunities to encounter more creatures in the tide pools.
- Lifeguards are on duty at Abalone Cove Beach during summer hours and weekends only.
- Do not attempt to swim across the channel to reach the third cave unless you are a strong swimmer and conditions are calm, as people have been seriously injured or died there.
- Use caution when navigating the tide pools as they can get slippery with algae.
What to Wear
- Dressing in layers is recommended because mornings and evenings can be chilly, and sturdy shoes are needed for hiking.
- Traction sneakers or hiking boots are recommended for the sandy, loose descent, and water shoes are useful for the rocky tidal pools.
- Photographers should wear hiking shoes they don't mind getting wet for the rocky shoreline.
- Because the coastal trail has limited shade, visitors should wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Visitors should wear or bring comfortable footwear because the session involves hiking to and from the beach.
When to Shoot
Best Time to Photograph
1:24 PM - 1:49 PM
1:49 PM - 2:49 PM
12:34 AM - 1:34 AM
1:34 AM - 1:59 AM
Best Season
Winter
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:58 | 17:08 | 10h 10m |
| Feb | 06:37 | 17:38 | 11h 0m |
| Mar | 07:03 | 19:01 | 11h 57m |
| Apr | 06:22 | 19:24 | 13h 2m |
| May | 05:52 | 19:47 | 13h 55m |
| Jun | 05:42 | 20:05 | 14h 23m |
| Jul | 05:54 | 20:04 | 14h 10m |
| Aug | 06:15 | 19:39 | 13h 24m |
| Sep | 06:36 | 18:59 | 12h 22m |
| Oct | 06:58 | 18:19 | 11h 20m |
| Nov | 06:25 | 16:50 | 10h 24m |
| Dec | 06:50 | 16:46 | 9h 55m |
What to Expect During Your Session
A visit to Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove requires checking tide charts in advance, as the tide pools and sea caves are only accessible at low tide. Parking is available at the top of the cliffs with an automated exit gate; after 4pm no rangers are on site, and if rangers depart before closing, the gate remains up and parking is free. Visitors should stay on designated trails due to unstable cliff edges, watch for algae-slick rocks in the tide pools, and be aware that lifeguards staff Abalone Cove Beach only during summer hours and weekends.
The hike back up from the beach to the park is steep.
Plan for 15 to 20 minutes of hiking before reaching the beach.
A typical hike along the Abalone Cove coastline trail takes about 45 minutes before turning back.
“After 4pm there are no Rangers on site but the parking lot exit is fully automated.”
Getting There
Access & Transit
- Wheelchair access
- The trail to the tide pools is not stroller-friendly and is not recommended for those with health conditions due to its steep, narrow, rocky nature.
- Parking
- Parking is readily available on-site at the top of the cliffs at Abalone Cove.
- Public transit
- Public transportation is available to reach the Abalone Cove Shoreline Park trailhead.
- Walking distance
- The trail to the tide pools starts at the far left corner of the parking lot and leads down to the rocky beach at Portuguese Point.