

Pelican Cove Park: Terranea Discovery Trail
Pelican Cove Park (formerly called Pt. Vicente Fishing Access) is a 10.5-acre site whose main attractions are the Terranea Discovery Trail, an interpretive trail along the blufftop, and a small pocket beach and tidepools (not wheelchair accessible) below Vicente Bluffs. Plant life includes dune buckwheat (host plant to the endangered El Segundo blue butterfly), California bush sunflower, lemonadeberry,...
Pelican Cove Park (formerly called Pt. Vicente Fishing Access) is a 10.5-acre site whose main attractions are the Terranea Discovery Trail, an interpretive trail along the blufftop, and a small pocket beach and tidepools (not wheelchair accessible) below Vicente Bluffs. Plant life includes dune buckwheat (host plant to the endangered El Segundo blue butterfly), California bush sunflower, lemonadeberry, and coastal prickly pear. It’s a good place to spot marine life, and during our May visit we saw many California brown pelicans.
Sections of the trail travel through Terranea Resort, previously the site of Marineland of the Pacific Oceanarium. You’ll want to leave time for a leisurely stroll through the nicely landscaped property or to grab a bite at one of several restaurants.
Sections of the trail travel through Terranea Resort, previously the site of Marineland of the Pacific Oceanarium. You’ll want to leave time for a leisurely stroll through the nicely landscaped property or to grab a bite at one of several restaurants.
Trail/Pathway Details
Terranea Discovery Trail
Trailhead: From the west parking lot, at the end farthest from the accessible spaces
Length: 1-2 total miles
Typical Width: 4 ft. & above
Typical Grade: Gentle
Terrain: Firm
Near the trailhead are some soft spots where the decomposed granite has loosened, but I had no problem negotiating them in a motorized wheelchair.Description
Although it is called the Terranea Discovery Trail, locals know this as the Blufftop Trail, and as the name implies, you will travel high on the bluffs with unlimited ocean views. At the trailhead a detailed map shows six interpretive stations (all are accessible) along a mile-long stretch. The accessible route follows a circuitous path because of stairs...view full description
Accessibility Details
The facilities listed below meet all of our access criteria unless otherwise noted.
Accessible Parking: Yes
Accessible Restroom: Yes
At trailhead and by two interpretive stations: Lady of the Light and It’s So Diatomaceous
Other Things of Interest
The Wayfarer's Chapel, on Palos Verdes Drive South about 2 miles west of Pelican Cove Park, is an architectural gem designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's son, Lloyd Wright. Inspired by the natural cathedrals of California's redwood forests, Wright set the chapel amid redwood trees and gave it a glass ceiling and walls; it is often referred to as the "glass church." Perched on a hill overlooking the ocean, the chapel has been featured in many TV shows and movies. Parking and restrooms are accessible.
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Additional Information
View Map |
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Website: | www.palosverdes.com/rpv/recreationparks/ |
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Managing Agency: | City of Rancho Palos Verdes |
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Address: | 31300 Palos Verdes Drive South |
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Nearest City: | Rancho Palos Verdes |
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Phone: | (310) 544-5260 |
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Hours: | Dawn to dusk |
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Fees: | None |
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Dogs: | On leash |
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Public Transportation: | Metro |
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Reviewed by Ann Ruth, May 4, 2013
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