We have said it many times: one of the best ways to explore your home state is to hop in the car and hit the road. There are so many scenic byways and cool road trips to take in Southern California, depending on what you want to see and how far you want to travel. One of the prettiest, in my opinion, is this short scenic drive in Palos Verdes, CA. Though extremely close to the city, you do have to go a bit out of your way to find it - and you’ll be so glad you did.

Just over 11 miles as I’ve mapped it, you could drive end to end in about half an hour with no stops. While this quick mini-escape would still be worth going out of your way for, take my word for it - you’re going to want to make some stops. I have included just a few of them here, but you’ll find plenty of reasons to spontaneously pull over and explore, so give yourself a little time. You can click on the Google map above to adjust the route, direction, and stops as you like.

Palos Verdes Drive is a wide, smooth divided road with gentle sweeping curves that follow the general coastline around the rim of the peninsula. It is hard to fathom that you are anywhere near the buzzing hubbub and traffic of the city.

In addition to the natural beauty along this route, you'll find some eye-catching real estate as well - sprawling mansions of the well-to-do and the magnificent Terranea Resort.

Whether you begin at the northern end near Torrance or the Southern end near San Pedro, you will be hard-pressed to keep your eyes fixed solidly on the road as you pass stunning vistas and glimpses of Palos Verdes Peninsula's rugged and beautiful coastline.

If you're starting on Palos Verdes Drive West from the north, one of the first stops you'll want to make is at the Bluff Cove Lookout. The color of the water and the varied landscape of the bluffs are a must-see. If you feel particularly adventurous, you can take a nearby trailhead down and along a rocky beach (best attempted at low tide) to look for the shipwrecked remains of the SS Dominator.

As you make your way south, take some time to explore the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. The interesting museum is full of local history and culture and houses the historic Fresnal lens from the Point Vicente Lighthouse.

Outside the museum, you'll discover gorgeous ocean views (of course), long walking paths, grassy lawns, and scattered picnic tables. Load up on yummy road trip snacks before you head out so you can enjoy them here while keeping an eye out for migrating whales, dolphins, and sea birds.

From the Interpretive Center, you'll also get a lovely view of the lighthouse itself. It is only open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month, so if you'd like to explore it for yourself, plan your drive accordingly.

Even if you are not staying the night, Terranea Resort is an incredible place to visit. Perched on a mini-peninsula on the peninsula, the resort offers extraordinary coastal views, including gorgeous sunrises and magnificent sunsets, along with eight different dining options. Enjoy an elegant Sunday brunch or dinner on the patio at Mar’Sel, cozy up for a casual meal or drinks around a fire pit on the edge of a cliff at Nelson’s, or feast on a fresh seafood buffet on the coast at Catalina Kitchen. Even if you simply grab a coffee at Sea Beans and take a little stroll, you won’t be sorry you stopped.

Don't miss the epic San Pedro Scenic Overlook. You'll take a slight detour off the main road onto Palos Verdes Drive East (yeah, there are four roads named Palos Verdes Drive) to make the climb to the lookout and take in views of the entire South Bay coast.

If you are not done exploring or want to switch gears with some shopping, eating, and fun attractions, the cool city of Long Beach is just a few miles from Palos Verdes. So, are you ready for this scenic drive in Palos Verdes, CA, with more views than miles? If you've already been here, we would love to hear about your favorite stops along the way!

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