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Pelican Cove Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 661 Google reviews · Running trail in Rancho Palos Verdes, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Pelican Cove Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Ocean-adjacent public park offers views of Santa Catalina Island & a walking trail to beach access.
What runners say about Pelican Cove Park
“There is a public restroom, and the surrounding areas are kept clean.”
“The views are beautiful, and the amount of pelicans here definitely does justice to the park’s name.”
“it’s a beautiful and serene slice of heaven and should be treated as such.”
Serene Nature, Fresh Air. Not very Busy Pebble Beach. Go with Comfortable Hiking Shoes. Lots of Colorful Pebbles & Beautiful pieces of Rocks !
We absolutely loved this trail! Stunning views and the amazing ocean sounds are just breathtaking. The trail is an easy hike, about 1.8 miles. My favorite part is that it is not crowded, quiet and peaceful. Highly recommend!
This is nice place to hike if you're a beginner. It has some incline but nothing most people can't handle, my 7 and 10 year old kids did it just fine. Plenty of areas where you can take great pictures and if your lucky you can even get to see some dolphins off the coast like we got to see.
Such a lovely spot! You can take a nice short hike down to the beach, and spend some relaxing time by the shoreline surrounded by rocks (lol). The views are beautiful, and the amount of pelicans here definitely does justice to the park’s name. Truly a peaceful place to enjoy the ocean, watch wildlife, and unwind.
Trail conditions & character
“The views are beautiful, and the amount of pelicans here definitely does justice to the park’s name.”
“it’s a beautiful and serene slice of heaven and should be treated as such.”
“I also wouldn't recommend going down as you may struggle going up the hill to the parking lot and bathroom area.”
“I also wouldn't recommend going down as you may struggle going up the hill to the parking lot and bathroom area.”
“I also wouldn't recommend going down as you may struggle going up the hill to the parking lot and bathroom area.”
“No dogs allowed on beach but views are breathtaking.”
Plan your run at Pelican Cove Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteca-ranchopalosverdes2.civicplus.com
- Phone(310) 377-0360
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
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