If you’ve got California on your mind and you’re looking to live in one of the most beautiful areas in the state, then there’s no better place than Palos Verdes. With a population of just over 40,000 (2017 census), Palos Verdes is a part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The more affluent home buyers relocating to California absolutely love the hills and cliffs of the area that provide dramatic ocean and city views. Thus, it comes as no surprise that it is hailed as the hidden coastal gem of Los Angeles County.
The Palos Verdes Peninsula, located 30 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, is an entirely different world with huge tracts of land and marvelous ocean views.It’s just a 1.5-hour drive away from Los Angeles during rush hour; less, if you take the Pacific Coast Highway. This area consists of four cities:
- Palos Verdes Estates has a distinctly Mediterranean flavor with clay tile-roofed villas;
- Rancho Palos Verdes, situated along the coast, features amazing ocean views of the South Bay and Catalina Island;
- Rolling Hills is a private gated community located inland; and
- Rolling Hills Estates is nearby, with aunique rural environment that boasts over 25 miles of equestrian trails.
Must-see Palos Verdes attractions
Malaga Cove has the loveliest sandy beach in Palos Verdes Estates. Since it’s not as busy as its neighbors, Redondo and Torrance Beaches, you get to maximize the time spent enjoying the most popular things to do in Palos Verdes like swimming, surfing, scuba diving or simply doing some sun-worshipping.
Don’t miss the Haggarty Estate, home to The Neighborhood Church in Malaga Cove. This lovely Mediterranean-style mansion stands on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Originally built in 1927 as a summer home for wealthy merchant J. J. Haggarty, it exchanged hands overtime until the current church congregation bought the building for a mere $60,000.
If you’re in town on the second Saturday of the month, pay a visit to the historic Point Vicente Lighthouse perched on the cliffs facing Catalina Island. Also, ask the guides and the locals about this lighthouse’s own “haunted” story.
If you want to find a structure with the famous Wright style on it, then Palos Verdes has one with the stunning Wayfarer’s Chapel. Built by Lloyd Wright, architect and son of the famous Frank Lloyd Wright, this astounding glass building can be found on a knoll overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
For those who thrive in the Great Outdoors, among the places to visit in Palos Verdes would be the nature trails here like The Bluff Cove via Shipwreck Trail and Smuggler’s Cove. You can either go hiking or biking here, but better yet, go ride a horse. The trails and outdoor facilities here are perfect for taking in the sights of Palos Verdes via horseback.
Play a round of golf in the Trump National Golf Club, which is famous for fabulous ocean views at every hole. This golf course is the only one in the Trump chain that’s open to the public.
Shopping hubs
The beach of Malaga Cove isn’t the only tourist draw, so are the shopping and retailhubs here. TheMalaga Cove Plaza should be at the top of your must-visit list, not just because of the great restaurants and stores here but also because of the breathtaking Neptune Fountain that stands in its midst. The said fountain, especially the anatomically perfect statue of King Neptune himself, has a colorful story worth learning about.
Another shopping center is The Peninsula Center, an upscale shopping centerin Rolling Estates. Then get the freshest produce at the Sunday Farmers’ Market.
Homes for sale in Palos Verdes
It’s not surprising to find the loci of residential spaces in the areas of Palos Verdes that are facing the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Palos Verdes Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes are teeming with luxury single-family homes, beachfront abodes, and sprawling vacant lots. In keeping with the beachside/boho vibe, many homes here are the Mediterranean in design, with many others donning a contemporary or colonial style. Some of the older homes would have a Victorian façade but with modern interiors.
Homes in Rolling Hillsand Rolling Hills Estates are built low but they have a sprawling horizontal space and immense yards. Opulence and the good life come with the surroundings as Rolling Hills is a gated community where homes have an average of 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.
The Stephen Haw Group is your go-to specialists for real estate in the Palos Verdes Peninsula or simply buying a house in California. Get in touch with Stephen Haw at 310.503.9886 or email skh8828(at)gmail(dotted)com.