Malaga Cove Plaza - This Spanish Renaissance style plaza was the
peninsula’s first commercial area that began in 1925. You will still find
shops, offices, a food market, flower stand and a small restaurant there.
The centerpiece of the plaza is the Neptune Fountain, which is a two-thirds
size copy of a fountain in Bologna, Italy. The fountain was a gift to the
Palos Verdes Community and dedicated in 1930. This is a good starting point
to begin a drive around the peninsula.
Farnham Martin Park and Malaga Cove Library –
Directly behind the Plaza is a lovely stone wall and fountain, with steps on
either side leading up to a lawn and the library. The library and art
gallery opened in 1930. The lawn is the setting for free concerts in the
summer and home to some of the peacocks that reside in many places on the
Peninsula. The present library contains a history room that contains
documents, photos, newspapers, yearbooks and tapes all relating to peninsula
history.
Norris Theatre for Performing Arts – 27520
Crossfield Drive, Rolling Hills Estates – 310-544-0403. There are
productions throughout the year. The Norris Pavilion across from the
theatre offers classes in theatre arts and the dance.
Palos Verdes Art Center – 5504 Crestridge Road,
Rancho Palos Verdes – 310-541-2479. There are changing exhibits, classes
for children and adults, a ceramic studio and gift shop. Free admission.
They also have special events throughout the year such as the Concours
D’elegance, Art for Fun(d)s Sake and home tours.
South Coast Botanic Gardens – 26300 S. Crenshaw
Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula – 310-544-6815. This is an 87 acre garden
built on a landfill. Lectures, flower shows. concerts, car shows and
Shakespeare on the Meadow are held during the year. You can join a bird
walk on the 1st Sunday and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Admission fee and
tram ride available by appointment.
Talking Flower Clock – On Silver Spur Road
between Crossfield Drive and the Avenue of the Peninsula. Flowers change
with the season and holidays and it is one of the few in the country.
Wayfarer’s Chapel – 5755 Palos Verdes Drive
South, Rancho Palos Verdes – 310-377-1650. It was designed by Lloyd Wright
– son of Frank Lloyd Wright. The Chapel is open to all faiths and
denominations. Services are conducted every Sunday at 11:00 a.m., as well
as Easter and Christmas. It is open daily for prayers and meditation.
Wayfarer’s Chapel, often referred to as the Glass Church is a famous and
popular place for weddings. Many soap operas, television and movie weddings
have been filmed there. Admission to the chapel and grounds are free.
Abalone Beach and Ecological Reserve –5970 Palos
Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes – 310-377-1222. You can find
Coastal Sage Scrub, the California Gnatcatcher the Cactus Wren and tide
pools here. Swimming and picnic areas are available but there are NO fires
or dogs allowed. Parking is $5.00 and that covers access to the reserve.
Cabrillo Marine Museum – 3720 Stephen White
Drive, San Pedro – 310-548-7562. There are live exhibits and you can learn
about the natural history of the area. Beach walks and classes are held all
through the year. From March to August, during the full or new moon you can
participate in a Grunion run. The admission is free to the museum but there
is a charge for parking.
Los Angeles Maritime Museum – Berth 84 at the
foot of 6th St., San Pedro – 310-548-7618. This museum of maritime history
includes 700 ship models and other nautical paraphernalia. Admission fee.
Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur –
3601 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro – 310-548-5677. Rescued marine mammals are
rehabilitated here and released when fully recovered. You can watch while
volunteers tend to recuperating seals, sea lions and other animals. No
charge to visit.
Korean Friendship Bell – is also on Gaffey St.
The driveway is right next to the driveway for Fort MacArthur and the Marine
Mammal Care Center. There is a small museum and a spectacular view of the
Pacific. The bell was presented to the people of Los Angeles by the people
of the Republic of Korea in 1976.
