Discovering Palos Verdes Estates, California in 4 Days

• Day 1: Spend the day exploring the South Coast Botanic Garden. The garden is spread over 87 acres and offers a wide array of plants and flowers. Take a stroll through the butterfly pavilion and explore the different thematic gardens. Make sure to stop by the gift shop.
• Day 2: Visit the Point Vicente Lighthouse that offers stunning views of the coastline. The lighthouse is open for tours on Saturdays, and make sure to check out the museum showcasing the history of the area. Go on a hike at the nearby Abalone Cove Shoreline Park and Ecological Reserve and spot tide pools, fossils, and a picturesque beach.
• Day 3: Spend the day exploring the Wayfarers Chapel, an organic architecture chapel designed by Lloyd Wright. Hike the trails at the Rancho Palos Verdes Trailhead, which offers amazing views of the city and ocean.
• Day 4: Go on a whale watching tour with Harbor Breeze Cruises. Enjoy the sightings of gray whales, humpback whales, and pods of dolphins. Take a scenic drive along Palos Verdes Drive and capture the stunning views of the coastline.

Time and Costs Estimates

• South Coast Botanic Garden (2-3 hours, $9)
• Point Vicente Lighthouse (1 hour, $7)
• Abalone Cove Shoreline Park and Ecological Reserve (2-3 hours, free)
• Wayfarers Chapel (1-2 hours, free)
• Rancho Palos Verdes Trailhead (1-2 hours, free)
• Harbor Breeze Cruises Whale Watching Tour (2-3 hours, $50)
• Palos Verdes Drive Scenic Drive (2-3 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: $73

Transportation

Palos Verdes Estates has an extensive road network. It's best to rent a car to explore the area. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available but can be expensive for longer trips. The estimated cost of renting a car for four days is $200. The area is also served by Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is an hour's drive from Palos Verdes Estates.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, make a pit stop to Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles for its stunning location right on the ocean. You could also pay a visit to Royal Palms State Beach for a fun day at the beach. If you have less time, you may consider skipping one of the locations or cutting down the whale watching tour to reduce costs.