Parks and Gardens in Long Beach And Palos Verdes

Point Fermin Park

Gaffey St & Paseo del Mar, San Pedro.
Tel (310) 548-7756 (310 832-4444 for whalewatching tours Dec–Apr), daily

This tranquil 37-acre (15-ha) park sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Between January and March, migrating gray whales can be spotted offshore and, on a clear day, there are views of Catalina Island. The charming Eastlake-style lighthouse dates from 1874. Its bricks and lumber were shipped around Cape Horn. The lighthouse originally used oil lamps that emitted approximately 2,100 candlepower.
They were replaced by an electric lamp in 1925.

South Coast Botanic Garden

26300 S Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes
Tel (310) 544-6815
Timing: 9am–5pm daily

This 87-acre (35-ha) garden was created on top of some 3,175,000 tons of waste that were dumped here from 1956 to 1960. Prior to that, the area was the location of a mine for algae-rich diatomaceous earth.
Today, gas formed underground as a result of the waste decomposing is collected and used to generate electricity. The garden is a study in land reclamation, with an emphasis on drought-resistant landscaping. Specimens from all the continents except Antarctica are planted within the grounds.
In the Herb Garden plants are divided into three main categories: fragrant, medicinal, and culinary. The Rose Garden has more than 1,600 roses, including old-fashioned and miniature roses, floribundas, hybrid teas, and grandifloras.
One of the most innovative areas is the Garden for the Senses. Here, plants are chosen for their extraordinary qualities of color, smell, or touch. Some of the flowerbeds are raised, making them more accessible.