Palos Verdes is one of those places that’s beautiful up close, but even more beautiful from a distance on the ocean. The luxury houses that dot the hillside become little squares of color, and the bluffs that surround the peninsula lend it an otherworldly quality that makes the ocean seem even more vast. It’s a go-to destination for everyone who has the means to get out on the water, and you’ll see a lot of surfers, kayakers, and boaters dotting the water from the shoreline.

If you’re into paddle sports, this is the place to do them. There are a lot of options to choose from for kayaking tours, kayak fishing, paddleboarding, and rafting. Kayaking tours generally are the way to go if you’re new to kayaking, since you’ll be led by an experienced kayak instructor who knows the area. There are some extremely scenic spots in Palos Verdes if you know where to find them, and most kayaking tours will be designed to help you get the most of the sights this area has to offer. Wanting to go off the beaten path is nice in theory, but when you’re out in unfamiliar water, it’s nice to have a kayak tour guide who doesn’t have to look at a map to know where they are.

Rafting is another paddle sports option in the area, and unlike kayaking, doesn’t require as much knowledge to get started. If you want to be on the water with a friend to help you paddle, there are a lot of options for rafting rentals and launch areas that will help you make the most of the Palos Verdes scenery.

Palos Verdes also has some unique fishing spots if you are a kayak or raft fisher eager to catch some sea bass or halibut. There is a bed of kelp close to Point Fermin where many commercial fishermen and sport fishermen alike catch sea bass, halibut, and calico bass. Rocky Point is another popular spot, with bonito, barracuda and yellowtail, as well as bluefin tuna. It’s essential to make sure you’re keeping an eye on the weather forecast when you go out to avoid thunderstorms and other surprise weather - and if you’re kayaking, make sure you know how to re-enter the kayak if you fall out. As long as you do, you’ll probably have a great time fishing along the Palos Verdes coastline - since it’s so rich with sea life, it’s a great spot to catch dinner!

Avid kayakers coming to Palos Verdes who want to avoid the crowds will usually bring their own kayak - and will have to decide where to launch from. The most popular launch areas are at Royal Palms Beach, where access is fairly easy. From this point, there’s quick access to beautiful views with high cliffs. There are also launch points at Point Vicente and Bluff Cove, although if you decide to launch at Bluff Cove, be sure to watch for surfers and give them a wide berth.

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