Palos Verdes

The City of Palos Verdes Estates, incorporated December 20, 1939, is the oldest of the four cities on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The Palos Verdes Peninsula, which became known as Rancho de los Palos Verdes was part of a land grant deeded to Don Delores Sepulveda in 1822 in return for his support of the Mexican Revolution. In 1882, the land was deeded to Jotham Bixby who brought farming to the Peninsula. The Bixby family in turn, sold the land to New York City Financier Frank A. Vanderlip, Sr. in 1913. Vanderlip, then President of National City Bank in New York, covered every mile of his new acquisition on horseback and formed his vision of a magnificent community by the sea. To achieve these goals, Vanderlip called in the most talented experts and professionals of his day.

Click here for Palos Verdes Wayfarers Chapel Gallery

Deed restrictions were imposed on the land in 1923 when the Bank of America, as trustee for Vanderlip's Palos Verdes Project drafted a trust indenture and outlined provisions for development of the new community. The restrictions included specific items to 'preserve the fine views of ocean, mountains and park, and 'increase with the years the wonderful natural beauty of the property. The document established set back requirements, prohibited billboards and imposed a system of architectural review on builders administered by the Palos Verdes Homes Association and the Palos Verdes Art Jury. Subdivision of the land and construction of the first Spanish style homes in what is today Palos Verdes Estates began in the early 1920's.

The new community was laid out and landscaped by the Olmsted Brothers, sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr., who designed Central Park in New York City. Gently winding roadways, green hillsides, paths, stands of eucalyptus, pepper, and coral trees were established and a full 28% of the land area was dedicated to be permanent open space. This early planning and dedication of parklands gives the City its unique rural character and has resulted in its international reputation for scenic beauty.

Neptune Fountain

One of Palos Verdes Estates' notable landmarks is Neptune Fountain, the City's logo, in Malaga Cove Plaza. The elaborate two-thirds scale replica of a bronze statue and fountain erected in Bologna, Italy in 1563, was donated to Palos Verdes Estates in 1930 by the Palos Verdes Project. The statue is thought to have been over 100 years old before it was brought to the City and was obtained from a villa courtyard outside Venice.

Kayaking - Peninsula Paradise Kayak Tours
Palos Verdes Peninsula in the Lunada Bay Plaza
2215 Via Anacapa
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
310-544-6183

Palos Verdes Estates based Peninsula Paradise Kayak Tours, reports that right now kayaking is one of the top growing sports on the West Coast. With it's excellent views, close proximity to nature, freedom and added benefit of a being a great form of exercise, it's easy to see why.
These kayaks are stable and lightweight. The' re made of fiberglass and are not as intimidating as the traditional versions with the enclosed cockpit that requires more advanced skills to use.

The isolated and rocky Peninsula coastline has 14 miles of inlets, reefs and caves to explore. Experienced kayakers love the challenge of navigating the turbulent shoals and jagged rocks, and it's a very beautiful area, but it can get rough so if your a beginner, go with a guide.
Most of the tours are during spring and summer due to high surf and adverse weather during the winter. You may get damp but spring and summer weather on the Peninsula are usually sunny and warm with water temperatures anywhere from 64-74 degrees Fahrenheit. There are a variety of tours offered, and they are available both morning and afternoon. Prices start at $60.00 per person for groups as small as four or as large as 20 to experience a two to four hour outing. You will wear a life jacket and receive an orientation session before entering the water, and don't forget your bathing suit, beach towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, tennis shoes (or hiking boots for the trails) and most importantly - a camera. You may also want to bring a snack and beverage to enjoy for your break.

You will want to watch for pelicans, gulls, cormorants, starfish, lobsters, orange garibaldi fish, leopard sharks, seals and frequently a curious dolphin. The tours range from Malaga Cove from the north in Palos Verdes, south to Point Fermin in San Pedro depending on weather conditions and there are 7 launching points around The Hill. You'll pass through the shoals at Abalone cove, and at Portuguese Point lies the cave that's accessible only by kayak that provides a refreshing break from the sun. After the work of rounding the point, lies the sandy beach of Smuggler's Cove - a perfect place for a lunch and a stroll to the nearby tidepools. The paddle back to the launch point, against the wind is tougher, but they can tow you in if needed.