Sacred Cove Beach

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. 

There are few amenities at Sacred Cove Beach – it does not have any lifeguards but does have restrooms and walking paths.

Sacred Cove Beach offers numerous activities including hiking, beachcombing, tide pooling, surfing, kite surfing, boogie boarding, bodyboarding, wildlife watching, boating, kayaking, surf-skimming, and canoeing. If you’re going in the water, be careful as there are strong currents in Sacred Cove and there have been many accidents here. You can explore tide pools around the beach at low tide which is home to abalone shells, starfish, and sea anemones. Depending on the time of the year, you can also see seals, sea lions, dolphins, and migrating whales in the water near Sacred Cove Beach. The rocky Inspiration Point near the beach can be explored during low tide and features interesting rock formations including sea caves and tunnels. Once you arrive at Inspiration Point, be careful because the rocks are often slippery. If you like fishing, the part of Inspiration Point that faces the adjacent Portuguese Cove Beach is popular. If you like hiking, there are numerous hiking trails present near the beach that highlight Abalone Cove Shoreline Park’s coastal scrub habitat.

You can get to Sacred Cove easily – there is a paid parking lot for The Abalone Cove Shoreline Park which is located towards the end of 5970 Palos Verdes Drive South and is open between 9 am to 4 pm. Once you park, you can head to Sacred Cove Beach by accessing walking trails. However, the trail to the beach can be steep and eroded, and as a safer option, we recommend accessing the beach from the eastern end of the trail.

There are many attractions near Sacred Cove Beach. The International Printing Museum houses one of the largest collections of antique printing presses in the United States. Another nearby attraction is the Lomita Railroad Museum which is set in the replica of a 19th-century railway depot and features a variety of antique locomotives and boxcars. Another good option is Averill Park which is an ideal picnic spot that features an artificial pond and waterfall, a gazebo, and barbecue spots.

If you're looking for a restaurant, there are many nearby options. I-Naba Steakhouse is 18 minutes away by car and offers great premium steaks made from Japanese Wagyu beef. Another family-friendly option is Raffaello Ristorante which offers great Italian dishes. The modestly priced El Burrito Jr. is another great dining option serving fantastic Mexican dishes.

If you are looking for a hotel near Sacred Cove Beach, there are many nearby options. The 4-Star Beach House Hermosa Beach is 30 minutes away by car and offers a variety of amenities including a spa, fitness center, and a hot tub. A more affordable option is the 3-Star Redondo Beach Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, which features a number of amenities including a pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Another good and affordable option is the modestly priced 2-Star Ramada by Wyndham Torrance which offers a variety of amenities including a hot tub, a pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant that serves a complimentary breakfast.