Best Tide Pooling: Abalone Cove Ecological Reserve, Rancho Palos Verdes: 64-acre preserve 30 miles south of Los Angeles. high bluffs towering above a rocky shoreline where caves and pools teem with sea life. Can see Catalina Island from up top, Hike Abalone Cove Trail from the picnic area to the beach, then walk to the pools clustered below Portuguese Point. Tip: Call the reserve in advance for help in timing your visit to low tide, when the pools are easier to reach. pvplc.org
