Best LGBTQ Beaches in Rancho Palos Verdes

Located a few minutes away from Point Vicente, Golden Cove – which is also known as Neptune Cove – is situated on the western coast of Palos Verdes Peninsula. The beach in Golden Cove is located below a bluff-top residential area and has mostly rocks and very little sand. The water in Golden Cove has unique underwater rock formations, various rare marine animals, and rocky reefs. 

Located on the southern coastline of the city of Rancho Palos Verde, Terranea Cove Beach, also called Long Point Beach, is a beach that lies near the eastern end of the Terranea Resort. The northern portion of the beach is sandy, while the terrain near the shoreline is rough and full of rocks and pebbles. The eastern part of the beach has a sea cave that can be explored at low tide. 

Located below the bluff top of Trump National Golf Club and the Ocean Trails Reserve, Rancho Palos Verdes Beach is a remote beach located on the southern shoreline of Los Angeles County. The southern part of the beach is narrow and rocky while the northern part of the beach is wide and has light brown sand and pebbles.

Located south of Point Vicente, Pelican Cove Beach is a rocky beach situated adjacent to Palos Verdes Drive South. The beach is situated in arch-shaped Pelican Cove which stretches between Vicente Point and another rocky point called Toveemor Rock. The beach is full of gravel, pebbles, and dry kelp, so it’s advisable to visit the beach with appropriate footwear.

Located in the southern shoreline of Palos Verdes Peninsula, Abalone Cove Beach is a narrow beach that is part of the Abalone Cove Shoreline Park. Abalone Cove is surrounded by steep and unstable bluffs, and the water around it features great underwater biodiversity. Abalone Cove Beach has both rocks and dark brown sand. 

Located in the southern part of Palos Verdes Peninsula coastline, Portuguese Bend Cove Beach is a rocky beach situated near Portuguese Bend, which is one of the last major stretches of natural vegetation in the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The beach is located near the South Bay Archery Club. The name ‘Portuguese Bend’ comes from the Portuguese whalers who operated in this region during the 19th century.

Located in the southwestern part of the Palos Verdes Peninsula shoreline, Sacred Cove Beach– which is also known as Smuggler’s Cove–is a part of the Abalone Cove Shoreline Park and has brown, pebbly sand. 

Located in the southern part of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Point Vicente is a bluff-top park featuring walking trails, an interpretive center, and the iconic Point Vicente Lighthouse. The park was earlier known as Point Vincente. The grounds around the lighthouse and the interpretive center are part of Vicente Bluffs Preserve. A narrow and rocky beach is present below Point Vicente. 

Located in the city of Rancho Palos Verdes, Portuguese Bend Beach Club is a gated beachside community with its own private beach club that was founded in 1948. The beach here is sandier, cleaner, and wider compared to the public Portuguese Bend CoveBeach situated up north. The southern part of the Portuguese Bend Beach Club has rocky terrain and tide pools. The area in which the beach is situated got its name from the activities of Portuguese Whalers who used to operate here during the 19th century.