Summary

Rancho Palos Verdes is the largest city on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, with almost half of its square mileage located on the coast. It was founded with the intention of preserving as much of its beautiful nature and open space as possible, making it a very green and wildlife friendly community. With numerous coves and cliffs providing incredible views, this city is regarded as one of Los Angeles’ most upscale suburbs.

Schools

The Palos Verdes Unified School District (PVPUSD) produces some of the highest test scores in the state. Ridgecrest Intermediate School, Miraleste Intermediate School, and a number of elementary schools are located within the city’s boundaries. While home address determines what elementary and middle school students attend, high school enrollment is open to the whole Peninsula, and students in the PVPUSD are able to make their own decision on where they’d like to attend.

Shopping and Entertainment

Terranea Resort is to many, the highlight of Rancho Palos Verdes. Serving as the premier luxury destination resort on the Southern California coast, Terranea is home to bungalows, casitas, and villas, as well as decadent dining, boutiques, swimming pools, golf courses, and more.The Golden Cove Center is another location making up Rancho Palos Verdes’ shopping experience. Featuring restaurants, grocery stores, salons, urgent care, cleaners, small offices, and more, this shopping center has everything that Rancho Palos Verdes residents could need, close by.

Parks and Recreation

The Point Vicente Interpretive Center is one of the best whale watching spots in all of California. The center also features exhibits of Palos Verdes Peninsula history, and is a popular field trip destination. The Trump National Golf Club is a public golf course, complete with 18 holes overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Weddings and special events are often held there as well. The Portuguese Bend Riding Club houses equestrian facilities, while the Peninsula Racquet Club is a popular destination for tennis players. And of course, Rancho Palos Verdes wouldn’t be complete without its numerous hiking trails and public parks, most notably Hesse Park and Ryan Park. Both of these locations boast baseball fields, playgrounds, grassy areas, and more.

Places of Worship

  • Ascension Lutheran Church - 26231 Silver Spur Rd

  • Chabad Of Palos Verdes - 28041 Hawthorne Blvd

  • Church Of Jesus Christ Of Lds – 5845 Crestridge Rd

  • Community Christian Church – 1903 W Summerland St

  • Congregation Ner Tamid- 5721 Crestridge Rd

  • Wayfarers Chapel (The Glass Church) – 5755 Palos Verdes Dr S

  • Mt Olive Lutheran Church – 5975 Armaga Spring Rd

  • Pacific Unitarian Church – 5621 Montemalaga Dr

  • Peninsula Baptist Church – 5640 Crestridge Rd

  • Peninsula Community Church – 5640 Crestridge Rd

  • Shri Satya Sai Bab Spirital – 6869 Verde Ridge Rd

  • South Bay Evangelical Church – 5640 Crestridge Rd

  • St John Fisher Catholic Church – 5448 Crest Rd 

  • St Paul’s Lutheran Church – 31290 Palos Verdes Dr W

  • St Peter’s Presbyterian Church – 6410 Palos Verdes Dr S

Police and Fire

The Lomita Sheriff’s Station conducts all police activity for Rancho Palos Verdes. Fire and paramedic services are under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. 

Demographics

  • Population: 41,530

  • County: Los Angeles County

  • Land area: 13.7 sq miles

  • Zip code: 90275

Crime Statistics (from 2019)

  • Murders: 2

  • Rapes: 3

  • Robbery: 2

  • Assaults: 22

  • Burglaries: 102

  • Auto Thefts: 12