Golden Cove Beach(Neptune Cove, Vicente Bluffs Reserve)

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. 

Golden Cove Beach has no amenities, so prepare your visit accordingly. Getting to Golden Cove Beach is easy – it is situated at 19 Calle Entradero, where there is a free parking lot. Getting to the beach can be dangerous as the pathway is steep and partially eroded.

Golden Cove Beach offers a number of activities including boating, beachcombing, tide pooling, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, paddle boarding, and wildlife watching. It is wise to look out for strong rip currents while swimming or engaging in water sports near the beach. The clear waters near the beach and the reefs make it an ideal spot for snorkelers and divers. Golden Cove is also famous among divers as it houses an underwater arch and an underwater kelp forest. The marine environment here is home to a variety of fishes including garibaldis and blacksmiths and the rare sea slug Trapania Velox. The waters near the beach area are home to seals, sea-lions, and migrating whales.

There are many attractions near Golden Cove Beach. The Point Vicente Lighthouse is a part of the United States’ National Register for Historic Places. It is open for tours and visitation on the second Saturday of every month between 10 am and 3 pm. On the first Saturday of March, a local celebration commemorating the annual grey whale is held in Point Vicente, which sees cultural performances, exhibitions, and live music near the lighthouse. The Point Vicente Interpretive Centre has interesting exhibits about the vibrant biodiversity, geology, and history of Rancho Palos Verdes and it also features a native plant garden. Another nearby attraction is Wayfarers Chapel featuring exquisite Organic architecture. The nearby Portuguese Bend Reserve offers an insight into the unique natural history and topography of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

If you're looking for a restaurant, there are many nearby dining options. Chart House Redondo Beach is an upscale restaurant that is 23 minutes away by car that offers delicious seafood including Alaskan king crab, lobster bisque, and mahi-mahi. A more family-friendly option is The Crepery Cafe which serves delicious breakfast dishes including sandwiches, pancakes. Another modestly priced dining option is Chicken Maison, which serves great Mediterranean dishes.

If you are looking for a hotel near Golden Cove Beach, there are many great options. The 4-Star The Portofino Hotel and Marina is 22 minutes away by car and is a deluxe harbor-side hotel with scenic ocean views, a restaurant, bike rentals, multiple pools, and a hot tub. A more affordable option is the 3-Star DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel San Pedro-Los Angeles which has a restaurant, a fitness center, and a hot tub. The modestly priced 2-Star America’s Best Value Inn Rancho Palos Verdes is another great accommodation option that features a restaurant and is located close to some of the most popular attractions in Rancho Palos Verdes.