Switchbacks and Sweeping Views

Bicycling the Donut Loop on the Palos Verdes Peninsula

A fierce workout and killer coastal views—that’s the fabled Rancho Palos Verdes Donut Loop. One of the best road rides in SoCal, this 24-miler is named for its shape—a loop—and not, alas, for any actual donuts along the way. You can begin anywhere and ride in either direction. Clockwise means right turns only, but you won’t be on the coast side of the road. Counterclockwise means some tricky left turns, but you’ll be on the coast side, making selfie stops more dramatic. Getting lost is not an issue, as the streets all bear the same name, Palos Verdes Drive. Just remember north, west, south, and east, and follow the loop like circling a compass. Or a donut.

Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is a good place to park, and you can stay parked there until dusk. If you ride counterclockwise from the park, you’ll tackle the challenging climb up Palos Verdes Drive East—6 miles of steep switchbacks—early in the ride. You will definitely feel the burn! This toughest part of the ride also boasts the best views—panoramas of the California coast, from the glittering mansions of Rancho PV to the ports of San Pedro and Long Beach. Once you enter the residential area, the ride gets more mild and includes flat and downhill stretches. Most of the 1,800 feet of climbing is behind you.

As you approach Palos Verdes Drive North, the scenery changes drastically. Hint: Watch out for horse crossings! At this point, the bike lane narrows and the road gets busier. The gentle 10-mile stretch along Palos Verdes Drive West and South is a relaxing way to end the ride. Plus those incredible coastal views are back. You might even see some whales!

To begin at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park, take the 110 south toward San Pedro, then make a slight left turn onto N. Gaffey St., followed by a quick right onto W. 1st St. Make a left on Western, then a right onto W. 25th St., which turns into Palos Verdes Dr. South. Abalone Cove Shoreline Park will be on your left: *5970 Palos Verdes Dr. S., Rancho Palos Verdes*. To make the counterclockwise loop, turn right out of the lot, ride south for 3 miles, and turn left on Rancho Palos Verdes Dr. East.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Let's Go to Paso!

    Paso Robles is a good idea in all seasons, but one season brings a special bounty: harvest season! Road-trip ready and teeming with fall colors and fun events, Paso Robles is the ultimate destination for unique autumn experiences.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Can't Top This

    San Francisco’s Presidio was already a fantastic place to hang out for the afternoon, a beautiful site within the largest urban national park in the United States (the Golden Gate National Recreation Area). And Presidio Tunnel Tops is like a cherry on top. Make that two cherries on top, with the newly opened (July 2025) Outpost Meadow, a 1.5-acre green space located at Old Mason Street across from the Crissy Field Marsh in the Presidio.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View