Abalone Cove Shoreline Park Los Angeles
Discover stunning tide pools, dramatic cliffs, and secluded beaches at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in Los Angeles.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See amazing marine life
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park Los Angeles
Best Time
See amazing marine life

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover stunning tide pools, dramatic cliffs, and secluded beaches at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in Los Angeles.
"A hidden gem with incredible tide pools and breathtaking ocean views!"
🎯 Check Tide Charts First
Aim for tides under 1 foot. Arrive an hour before low tide for the best experience.
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Rocky terrain and slippery rocks require good footwear. Leave the flip-flops at home!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Abalone Cove Tide Pools
Shoreline
Discover vibrant marine life in natural rock pools during low tide. A must-see for nature lovers!

Oceanfront Cliffs & Caves
Coastal trails
Explore dramatic sea cliffs and hidden caves offering breathtaking ocean vistas. Perfect for photography.

Secluded Beaches
Abalone Cove & Secret Cove
Relax on beautiful, less crowded beaches. Pack a swimsuit for a refreshing dip!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tide Pool Timing is Key
Access & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tide Charts First
Aim for tides under 1 foot. Arrive an hour before low tide for the best experience.
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Rocky terrain and slippery rocks require good footwear. Leave the flip-flops at home!
🥽 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
Explore the underwater world at the tide pools. You might see fish, anemones, and more!
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Street parking is available, but can fill up. Consider arriving early, especially on weekends.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tide Charts First
Aim for tides under 1 foot. Arrive an hour before low tide for the best experience.
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Rocky terrain and slippery rocks require good footwear. Leave the flip-flops at home!
🥽 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
Explore the underwater world at the tide pools. You might see fish, anemones, and more!
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Street parking is available, but can fill up. Consider arriving early, especially on weekends.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are limited facilities. Stay hydrated and fueled for your exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Abalone Cove's stunning natural beauty, particularly its tide pools and dramatic coastal cliffs. Many appreciate the opportunity to explore unique sea caves and enjoy the secluded beaches. However, some find parking challenging and note that access to certain areas can be restricted.
"This place is stunning and must see but for the unforeseen future, the trail is closed to the tide pools due to landslides. Always check the website or call first. You can still picnic and see the gorgeous overlook even though trail is closed"
Leah Burns
"Parking is free for about an hour and then you pay after that. We stayed for almost half a day and paid $12.
They had gorgeous flowers in bloom from the recent rains. It was nice taking pictures with those.
Beware you do have to walk on a TON of big rocks and a steep decline to get to the beach. My calves were killing me after. Somehow a lot of families still brought their kids though.
We came for the tide pools and it was pretty cool and fun to explore. We saw a brittle star for the first time!
It’s also fun to look at all the different rocks :0)"
Jessica You
"Tidepools here are the main event—sea stars and anemones at low tide. The bluff trail gives classic PV views. The path down is steep and can be slippery with pebbles, so wear good shoes. Restrooms and picnic tables up top are handy. Worth timing your visit with the tide chart."
Adrian Omorio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Abalone Cove is located in Rancho Palos Verdes. You can drive and park in the designated lot or find street parking nearby. Some visitors mention parking in the lot can be challenging during peak times.
Public transportation options to Abalone Cove are limited. It's generally recommended to drive. Check local bus routes for potential connections to the Rancho Palos Verdes area, but be prepared for a walk.
There is a parking lot available at Abalone Cove, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during summer. Street parking is also an option, though it may require a bit of a walk.
The park has some paved paths, but the terrain can be uneven and rocky, especially down to the beaches and tide pools. Access to certain areas might be restricted.
Yes, The Lost Whale Inn Oceanfront B&B has a private trail that leads to the secluded beaches near Abalone Cove, offering convenient access for guests.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park typically does not have an entrance fee for general access. However, parking fees may apply in the designated lot.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. However, access to specific areas like the tide pools is dictated by tide levels and may have unofficial restrictions.
No, advance booking is not required for Abalone Cove. It's a public park, and you can visit anytime during its operating hours.
Access to the tide pools is dependent on low tide. Some Reddit users have noted that gates have been installed in the past, potentially restricting access to the rocky areas. Always check current conditions.
Typically, dogs are not allowed on the beaches or in the tide pool areas of Abalone Cove to protect the sensitive marine environment. Check park signage for the most current pet policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best time is during a low tide of 1 foot or less. Aim to arrive about an hour before the lowest tide point to maximize your viewing time.
You can expect to see a variety of sea creatures like sea anemones, starfish, crabs, small fish, and possibly octopuses.
Yes, Abalone Cove offers scenic coastal trails with stunning ocean views. These trails can be rocky and uneven, so wear appropriate footwear.
Swimming is possible at the beaches within Abalone Cove, but be aware of ocean conditions, currents, and any posted warnings.
Yes, Abalone Cove has picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal with ocean views. It's a great spot for a family outing.
📸 📸 Photography
The oceanfront cliffs, sea caves, and the tide pools during low tide offer incredible photographic opportunities. The dramatic coastline is a photographer's dream.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful soft light for landscape and seascape photography. Midday can be harsh but still offers dramatic cliff views.
For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you plan on commercial photography or videography, it's best to check with the local authorities for any necessary permits.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline and cliffs. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of tide pool creatures. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance ocean colors.
The sea caves and the dramatic rock formations are unique. During low tide, the intricate patterns and marine life in the tide pools offer fantastic close-up shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main trails offer scenic views, be mindful that some paths can be steep or rocky, so supervise young children closely. Consider bringing a carrier for very young children. The beaches are great for building sandcastles and playing in the shallow waters, but always keep a close eye on them near the ocean.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive coastal vistas and a macro lens for detailed shots of the tide pool inhabitants. A polarizing filter can help cut glare and enhance the vibrant blues of the ocean. Be prepared for uneven terrain and potentially wet conditions, especially when shooting the tide pools.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Beyond the trails, the park is a haven for observing marine life in the tide pools during low tide. Keep an eye out for local bird species and enjoy the fresh ocean air. Remember to pack water and snacks, as amenities are limited within the park.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Tide Pools
When exploring the tide pools, proper footwear is essential. The rocks can be slippery and uneven, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes are highly recommended over flip-flops. Some visitors have noted that access to the rocky areas where the tide pools are located can sometimes be restricted by gates, so it's wise to check current conditions before your visit. Bring a small bucket or container if you plan to collect anything (though catch-and-release is encouraged) and a magnifying glass can enhance the viewing experience.
Coastal Trails and Scenic Views
While the trails are generally well-maintained, some sections can be rocky and uneven, so wearing appropriate hiking shoes is advised. These trails lead to different coves and viewpoints, allowing you to explore the diverse shoreline. Keep an eye out for seabirds and marine mammals that frequent the area. The Lost Whale Inn offers a private trail that connects to the secluded beaches, providing an exclusive way to experience the coastline for its guests.
Beach Access and Activities
Visitors often bring beach gear like towels, umbrellas, and picnic baskets to make the most of their time. The beaches are accessible via trails from the parking area, which can involve some stairs or inclines. For those looking for a more private beach experience, Secret Cove, located adjacent to Abalone Cove, is often mentioned as a quieter alternative.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit