Del Cerro Park
A blufftop gem in Palos Verdes offering breathtaking ocean vistas, challenging hiking trails, and spectacular sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Del Cerro Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A blufftop gem in Palos Verdes offering breathtaking ocean vistas, challenging hiking trails, and spectacular sunset views.
"Beautiful place to see a wide view of the Pacific Ocean."
🚗 Secure Parking Early
Use the ParkMobile app for permits or arrive before opening. Parking can be competitive!
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be rugged and uneven. Protect your feet on this beautiful but challenging terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Ocean Views
Blufftop overlook
Breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, coastline, and distant islands. Perfect for sunset watching.
+1
Rattlesnake Trail
Trailhead near park entrance
A popular, albeit potentially thrilling, trail offering a challenging hike with diverse scenery.
Coastal Canyon Trails
Various trailheads
Explore miles of interconnected trails winding through lush canyons and rolling hills.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Permits & Access
Trail Conditions & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Secure Parking Early
Use the ParkMobile app for permits or arrive before opening. Parking can be competitive!
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be rugged and uneven. Protect your feet on this beautiful but challenging terrain.
🐍 Be Wildlife Aware
Keep an eye out for snakes, especially on less-traveled paths. Stay on marked trails.
🐶 Leash Your Pets
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Be mindful of their paws on rough surfaces.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Secure Parking Early
Use the ParkMobile app for permits or arrive before opening. Parking can be competitive!
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be rugged and uneven. Protect your feet on this beautiful but challenging terrain.
🐍 Be Wildlife Aware
Keep an eye out for snakes, especially on less-traveled paths. Stay on marked trails.
🐶 Leash Your Pets
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Be mindful of their paws on rough surfaces.
🌅 Chase the Sunset
The coastal views are stunning at golden hour. A must-see experience!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Del Cerro Park for its absolutely gorgeous ocean views and challenging hiking trails, making it a fantastic spot for photography and outdoor adventure. However, some note a decline in cleanliness over the years and mention that parking can be difficult without a permit, with a lack of amenities like restrooms.
"I was a bit disappointed. There were several beer cans, some drops from dogs or cats.
About 15years ago this park was much better and clean. In addition, the parking is not friendly. It is required to obtain a permit first. No wonder there's no people when I went there at this time."
OTAKE KENJI
"Beautiful place to see a wide view of the Pacific Ocean. Reserved parking signs were up. I'm not sure for what reason, but we just parked and watched the sunset for about 20 minutes. Definitely recommend checking this view out if you are in the area. I didn't see any kids' areas or playgrounds or restrooms."
Joshua Gonzalez
"a surprisingly gorgeous spot! the parking inside the park requires reservations though."
Ari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Del Cerro Park is located in Palos Verdes. You can reach it by car, and it's often recommended to use GPS coordinates or search for 'Del Cerro Park, Palos Verdes' to find the trailhead.
Yes, but parking can be competitive. It's often required to obtain a permit through the ParkMobile app, especially during busy periods. Arriving early is advised.
Public transport options to Del Cerro Park are limited. It's best to drive or use ride-sharing services. Check local transit schedules for any available bus routes that might get you close.
A helpful Reddit user shared these coordinates for the trailhead: 33.78566856958381, -118.41187412920142. This can help you pinpoint the starting point for your hike.
While the park itself is accessible, some trails can be rugged. The main bluff area offers easier access to views, but hiking trails require more effort.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no general admission fee for Del Cerro Park itself. However, parking may require a permit obtained through the ParkMobile app.
The park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check local listings or arrive during daylight hours.
Parking at Del Cerro Park often requires a permit, which can be obtained via the ParkMobile app. This is to manage capacity and ensure a better experience.
Yes, it's recommended to use the ParkMobile app to reserve parking in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak times or weekends.
The main restriction is related to parking permits. Otherwise, the park is open to the public for enjoying the views and trails during daylight hours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy stunning ocean views, go for hikes on various trails like the Rattlesnake Trail, and watch beautiful sunsets. It's a great spot for photography and enjoying nature.
Based on visitor feedback, there are no readily apparent restrooms or playgrounds at Del Cerro Park. It's advisable to use facilities before arriving.
Absolutely! Del Cerro Park offers numerous trails, from easy strolls to challenging hikes with significant elevation gain, perfect for trail running and exploring.
Visitors have reported seeing coyotes, snakes (both poisonous and non-poisonous), rabbits, and various birds. Be mindful of your surroundings.
While the views are family-friendly, the lack of playgrounds and restrooms, along with rugged trails, might make it less ideal for very young children. Older kids might enjoy the hiking.
📸 📸 Photography
The blufftop overlooking the ocean offers the most dramatic backdrops. Sunset is particularly magical for photography.
Golden hour, especially during sunset, provides stunning light for capturing the coastal scenery. Early mornings can also offer beautiful, soft light.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local ordinances and park rules before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
The dramatic coastline, the vast Pacific Ocean, and the rolling hills provide endless photo opportunities. Don't miss the chance to capture the sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Trail Runners
📸 Photographers and Sunset Chasers
+1 The panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean are unparalleled, especially during the golden hour. Bring your camera and a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive scenery. Be prepared for potentially competitive parking, so arriving early or using the ParkMobile app is recommended. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Trails and Terrain
Be prepared for the terrain, which can be steep in places. The park's natural beauty is amplified after rainfall, making the hills lush and green.
Wildlife Encounters
For pet owners, it's important to note that while dogs are welcome, they must be kept on a leash. The rugged terrain can be tough on pets with soft paws, so consider this if you're bringing your furry friend along for a hike.
Capturing the Views
+1 The sunset is a particularly magical time, bathing the landscape in warm, golden light that creates breathtaking photo opportunities. For photographers, a wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive vistas, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' before and after sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Early mornings also offer beautiful, soft light and fewer crowds. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit