- Glass Church
Located in Palos Verdes, California, on the cliffs above the ocean, Glass Church – is a magnificent modern glass structure, a part of the Swedenborgian Church of North America. The church was built as a memorial to its late founder Emanuel Swedenborg. Designed by Lloyd Wright, the son of Frank Lloyd Wright, in 1940s and completed in 1951, the church is a departure from the traditional material. Glass walls allow the surrounding nature to “define the sacred space.” A tower and a visitors center were added later, but the center was lost in a landslide in 1960s. The chapel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular wedding destination.
2. The Point Vicente Interpretive Center
Point Vicente is a beautiful park that surrounds the Point Vicente Lighthouse. It is a popular recreation spot with great educational opportunities. The park’s 10,000-square-foot Interpretive Center was opened in 1984 in order to present and explain the history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and its unique features. The center features a range of exhibits on the cultural and natural history of the peninsula and the Pacific gray whale.
3. Point Vicente Lighthouse, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Point Vicente Lighthouse was built in 1926 on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, between Point Loma Lighthouse and the Point Conception Lighthouse. It is located in Rancho Palos Verdes, just north of Los Angeles Harbor, near rocky shoals that sank many ships in the past. The lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its light was dimmed during World War II to avoid being seen by the enemy. The Coastguard automated it in 1971.
4. Abalone Cove Shoreline Park & Ecological Reserve
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is located on a beautiful stretch of coast and features two popular beaches – Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove, caves, picnic areas, many tide pools, fantastic views from the top of the bluff, and great hiking trails. The park includes a State Ecological Preserve that protects animals and marine life in the park. A long trail from the parking lot on the bluff provides access to Abalone Cove Beach. To get to Sacred Cove beach, there are two trails along Palos Verdes Drive South, between Inspiration and Portuguese Points.
5. Trump National Golf Club, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Located in the beautiful Rancho Palos Verdes, the course at Trump National Golf Club is considered one of the top public golf courses in Southern California. It is the first and only course with a Pete Dye and Donald J. Trump Signature Design. Trump National offers a driving range, practice putting green, and a game practice. It features numerous walking trails that wind through the course and along cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, running all the way to the beach and to a lovely public park on the bluffs in front of the clubhouse.
