Yesterday I wrote about my first visit to Palos Verdes. I figured I had enough photos for one post until I realized how overwhelmingly beautiful Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is — it’s one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen in southern California. And a big reason is the fascinating tide pools on the beach below this park.

This has to be one of the most scenic views in all of SoCal.

Here’s my sister and I before our hike down to the beach:

A warning if you do this hike: be prepared to walk over lots of rocks once you get to the beach. Perhaps it’s because my feet are extra sensitive, but I find it uncomfortable to walk on rocks — even in good footwear. Luckily the tide pools are well worth the effort.

The Sea Dahlia Trail leads from the parking lot down to the tide pools. It’s not a long or hard trail by any stretch — totally doable for all levels of fitness. Like I mentioned, the rocks below are the only tricky part.

There they are! The tide pools!

As you can see, some people are very serious about the tide pools. Scientists and nature enthusiasts with intimidatingly large binoculars and cameras document their findings. Beth and I angle ourselves near the professionals and listen in.

There are living organisms ALL over the place. You have to really watch your step, lest you accidentally squash one of these little guys.

Can you see what looks like small rocks wedged into the side of each ledge? They are all alive!

Colorful starfish!

At this point I am practically jumping with excitement. This place is so cool.

The sun begins its slow descent to the horizon, casting a soft yellow light over the tide pools.

We know our time is limited but it’s hard to tear ourselves away.

Here’s a few final shots of the starfish:

Good-bye for now, tide pools of Abalone Cove! We will be back.

On our way out I pause to photograph a few guys surfing.

Since the tide pools are protected by rocks, I can get very close to the surfers and big waves without getting wet.

Glorious.

We get back to the parking lot minutes before sunset. We race to nearby Point Vicente Lighthouse just in time to see the sun go down.

Perhaps these photos have persuaded you to check out Abalone Cove? It’s well worth a day trip. My sister and I wish we had more time to hang out by the tide pools. We didn’t even get to walk to the other end of the beach! And there is a pretty park overlooking the cove (seen in the photo above, as well as the very first photo in this post) that is ideal for bringing a picnic. As I mentioned, parking is $5 and completely worth it.

Can’t wait to go back!