Palos Verdes Peninsula

We had a lovely day full of free events on the Palos Verdes Peninsula today. We started out at the South Coast Botanical Gardens which had their 50th Anniversary Open House. It was absolutely beautiful. There was a Garden of Senses that invites you to touch and smell different herbs and flowers, a large cactus garden and a gorgeous, huge rose garden. A great place for a photog or a picnic in a relaxing, beautiful environment.

Next, we headed to the Wayfarer's Chapel. The drive there was gorgeous, past grand homes in Palos Verdes Estates and then along the coast. Don't let the first sign on the west side of the street fool you, the actual chapel is further down on the east side of the street. The chapel is made by Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright's son, and is completely made of glass so you feel as if you're outside. The ladies at the gift shop were super helpful, too. A great spot to check out.

The aforementioned helpful gift shop ladies then sent us to the Point Fermin Lighthouse. We missed the tours that stop at 4, but we were able to enjoy the ocean views from the park around the lighthouse. It's a nice point to watch the cruise ships that head out of Long Beach. There are picnic tables, grills and a playground. We'll have to go back for the tour.

Across the street was the Korean Bell of Friendship. I'd recommend walking up Gaffey to get there. We followed a group over a fence and up a steep hill which was fairly difficult, especially in flip flops. The bell was quite beautiful and surrounded by a pagoda. The location, on top of a hill, offers gorgeous views and lots of wind for many kite fliers.

www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org
www.wayfarerschapel.org
www.pointferminlighthouse.org
www.sanpedro.com/sp_point/korenbel.htm