Abalone Cove

So of course this is a place most people that live in the south bay area are well aware of, if not then you should be. Great place to go on a sunny day during low tide. It's right off Palos Verdes Drive South with it's own large parking lot which unfortunately is $5 per car but hey, if it's to keep places like this clean and accessible I'm all for it. You can try to find nearby street parking but be very careful, most of the residential areas are permit only and strictly enforced. Just past the parking lot is a green field with picnic tables that overlook the ocean and on clear days amazing views of Catalina. A few trees here and there can be found if you're looking for shade. On summer days this place can get pack but on a Friday in January we had the place virtually to ourselves.

You walk down a decently maintained trail to the beach, not super steep but definitely not flat. You may want to stop and "enjoy the view once on the way back up"
Once at the beach you must walk over rocks to get to the sand, depending on tide you may have to do this for awhile, watch your ankles. If the tide is low you'll see some great tide pools, starfish everywhere, crabs, sea urchins, sea anemone, hermit crabs, baby fish, and if your lucky baby octopus. Not really a great place if looking for a swim but there are some spots that will do. Depending on time of year you may see a nice green trail or tons of tall wild flowers or a dry brown hill side. I recommend mid spring for flowers and green.
There are also many other things to explore in the area before or after the tide pools. Across the street is Wayfarer's Chapel, a must see. The Point Vicente Interpretive Center is also another cool stop.
Things to know before you go:
1) pay parking
2) check the tide, you won't see much at high tide
3) were shoes that grip well or can get wet, the rocks are both slipper and sharp
4) don't take shells or sea creatures from the area
5) parking lot is only open 12:00 - 4:00 during the week and 9:00am-4:00 on weekends
6) No fires, barbeques or dogs allowed