Pelican Cove Park
Pelican Cove Park is defined by its dramatic coastal trails, seasonal wildflowers, and expansive ocean views.
Reached from a parking lot on southbound Palos Verdes Drive just south of Point Vicente Park and Lighthouse, Pelican Cove is a half-moon shaped cove on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The rugged shoreline below Terranea Resort offers tidepools, bluff-top trails, and seasonal wildflowers, with migrating whales offshore.
Pelican Cove Park Trail and Marine Protection
The 10.5-acre Pelican Cove Park overlooks the Pacific Ocean, with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy having protected nine acres of bluff along the access trail that descends to the cove. The site was formerly known as Point Vicente Fishing Access, but in 2012 the waters were redesignated the Point Vicente State Marine Conservation Area, where fishing is no longer permitted. The protected bluff acreage and the trail descending to Pelican Cove give a photographer a defined route to a shoreline where fishing activity is now prohibited.
Best Photo Spots
Five coastal photo spots around Pelican Cove Park include tide pools, scenic trails, and a secluded beach cove.
Pelican Cove Park
Photographs of This Location
Pelican Cove Park Features and History
Pelican Cove Park lies within the Palos Verdes Peninsula, one of the largest green open-space areas in the Los Angeles metropolitan region. The city acquired the property from Los Angeles County in May 2004 through a grant deed. A 1.7-mile walk along the Terranea Discovery Trail leads to the cave featured in the filming of The Lost Boys. The park also hosts the city's annual Independence Day celebration.
Common Questions
Pelican Cove Park is not a beach location; Shoott photos at this venue are taken in the park only.
Pelican Cove is reached by car from Palos Verdes Drive S, with signs leading to the park; it is 17 miles from LAX and 10–12 miles from the South Bay beach cities.
Practical Information
31300 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275; 405 freeway; Palos Verdes Drive S
Parking lot on Palos Verdes Drive S; Free parking; Pelican Cove Park has a paved parking lot on site.
9:00 am; 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset; Pelican Cove Park is located at 31300 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.
$25 per photo; No sitting fee; Free
Some locations including Pelican Cove Park are subject to permit and/or travel fees.; Pelican Cove Park is subject to State Marine Conservation Area rules and fishing restrictions.
Session Tips
- Visitors who want to bring a pet to their Pelican Cove Park session should verify the current pet policy on the location's own website, since local rules can change.
- Photographers should plan their visit around low tide to explore tide pools.
- If walking over the beach pebbles is too difficult, photographers can use the easier bluff-top stretch path alongside the cove for alternative views.
- Visitors should bring binoculars to enhance wildlife viewing opportunities.
- There is an area closer to the cliff at the bottom of the cove that is easier to walk than the rocky beach.
What to Wear
- Visitors should bring layers because the park gets chilly in the evening even during summer.
- Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for walking on smooth pebbles and over kelp at Pelican Cove's 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
wildflower season
| 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 | 06:37 | 18:59 | 12h 22m |
| Oct | 06:58 | 18:19 | 11h 20m |
| Nov | 06:25 | 16:50 | 10h 24m |
| Dec | 06:51 | 16:46 | 9h 55m |
What to Expect During Your Session
Pelican Cove Park opens one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset, giving photographers access to golden hour and blue hour light along the California coast. Reaching the shore requires descending the steep, zigzagging Toveemor Trail from a 200-foot cliff, with the beach covered in smooth pebbles and kelp; a flatter stretch near the base of the cliff and a bluff-top path alongside the cove provide easier alternatives. Plan around low tide to explore the tide pools, and bring water, sturdy shoes, and binoculars for the wildlife viewing.
The Shoott photoshoot at Pelican Cove Park is a free 30-minute personal session.
“After a Pelican Cove Park Shoott session, a digital gallery of 40+ photos is delivered within 3-5 business days.”
Getting There
Access & Transit
- Wheelchair access
- The beach access trail is steep, making the rocky beach difficult to reach.
- Parking
- Pelican Cove has a public parking lot, with overflow parking available at Point Vicente or the Terranea Resort.
- Walking distance
- Palos Verdes Drive South parking lot