Join us for a fun, social, scenic, and educational guided interpretive hike along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Palos Verdes coastline. We'll explore the 102-acre White Point Nature Preserve and Royal Palms Beach while enjoying panoramic ocean views, restored coastal sage scrub habitat, native plants, seasonal wildflowers (if blooming), birds and other wildlife, and breathtaking views across the San Pedro Channel toward Catalina Island.
We'll also make a brief stop at the White Point Nature Preserve Nature Education Center to learn more about the preserve's natural history and ongoing habitat restoration.
This hike also highlights the fascinating history of White Point during World War II. Along the route we'll visit historic military observation and defense sites, including coastal bunkers that once helped protect the Los Angeles Harbor. We'll also learn about the nearby White Point Hot Springs, a popular Japanese-owned health resort before World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the resort's owners, like thousands of other Japanese Americans, were forcibly removed and incarcerated by the U.S. government. The property was subsequently acquired by the U.S. Army and became part of the coastal defense system established to help protect the Los Angeles Harbor during the war.
Our co-leader, Joe Holliday, is a retired professor, geologist, naturalist, and Great Outdoors international adventure travel leader. Throughout the hike, Joe will share fascinating insights into the area's geology, ecology, natural history, and World War II history, bringing this remarkable landscape to life.
The hike is approximately 2 to 3 miles with about 150 feet of elevation gain. The route includes paved walkways, dirt trails, and some rocky shoreline. It is suitable for beginning to moderate hikers.
We'll stop during the hike to enjoy a relaxing lunch with ocean views, so please bring your own lunch, along with plenty of drinking water.
Location: White Point Nature Preserve
Parking: Eco-friendly permeable parking lot adjacent to the White Point Nature Preserve Nature Education Center.
Transit: Accessible via Metro Bus 246 (Paseo Del Mar/Meyler stop).
CARPOOL / RIDESHARE
Please carpool if possible — every little bit helps!
Due to liability and insurance requirements, Great Outdoors cannot formally organize carpools. Members may independently arrange rides using the following link:
Another Carpool Option:
Participants interested in carpooling from Long Beach may meet at: Hot Java Coffeehouse
Please arrive no later than 0915 AM to coordinate rides.
If the Great Outdoors group isn’t immediately obvious, look for a large table near the window by the Broadway entrance. At least John (see photo below) will be there.
Bring: Your lunch, drinking water in a reusable bottle, snacks, sun protection (hat and sunscreen), sturdy walking or hiking shoes, and emergency contact information.
Hike Leaders: John Blasco and Joe Holliday
John Blasco (562) 726-4165,
Joe Holliday and Kyrgyzstanian golden eagle
