White Point Nature Education Center and Preserve — Attraction in Los Angeles

This is a beautiful place and a good hike where you don't have to worry about being too 'away from civilization'. The flowers in Spring, the hovering birds of prey, the occasional big gopher snake or kingsnake slithering by.

Sadly, much of this is marred by the gross entitlement of a handful of people letting their large dogs off leash. Please leash your dogs, as there is wildlife such as lizards, coyotes, squirrels, rattlesnakes, etc. that could threaten your own doggo. Also, it's thoughtless and rude for the many of us with small leashed dogs or small children. I see the same few people letting large dogs run uncontrolled through this space (and even over by the kid's playground across the road).

There's also too many bike riders, many motorized, that come through the trails and paved spots. These cause erosion and are a safety and environmental hazard.

Come on, folks. The leash and vehicle laws are here for a reason and they apply to everyone, not just everyone else.

Let's all show some basic awareness so everyone can enjoy the trails and the flora & fauna,...

This is an atypical nature center in that it is also a historical site. The area has been used in the past as a Rancho in the early days of California, a gun battery between World Wars I and II, and as a missile defense site during the Cold War. There are several options for trails that include a flat loop and several ways up the hill. You can choose to keep to a natural hike or can make your way up to the former gun emplacement to see what it California's coastal defenses used to look like. The staff in the Visitor's Center is cheerful and more than happy to provide you with insight into the historical and natural history of the site and the Palos Verde Pennisula as a whole. Kids will enjoy the Nature Center as well with easy, flat hikes and lots of looking and touching items in the...

This is a nice little hike in Palos Verdes, truly a hidden gem. The trails are short and sun exposed, but have great views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. I love that the trails are DOG FRIENDLY! But heads up, the beach down the hill is NOT dog friendly.

There is a free parking lot for the trails and nature reserve but there is a fee to park down at the beach. The fee for the beach seems worth it; there’s some decent tide pooling if you catch the beach at low tide. It’s not too busy of an area, which is great if you need to get out of the city for...