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Portuguese Bend
Portuguese Bend
This region, once a Portuguese whaling station in the 19th century, is a rich natural area and known for its unique geological features. The Portuguese Bend Reserve, part of the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, is known for its hiking and riding trails, and views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. The hills of Portuguese Bend were also home to Frank Vanderlip, the “Father of Palos Verdes”, who built a unique home called the “Old Ranch Cottage” there in 1916. Lloyd Wright Jr. 's 1951 glass church, the Wayfarers Chapel, once stood nearby. Added to the National Register in 2023, the church was deconstructed and preserved in 2024 due to severe land movement in the area.
When I was twelve, I rode the school bus to a friend’s house to visit after school. We drove up the narrow, winding road of Portuguese Bend and I remember thinking how special this place was. It had a wild feeling to it, like being way out in the country somewhere, separated from civilization, and yet, when you turned and looked out to sea and saw the channel and Catalina Island, it felt like being on the coast of Italy. Fifty years later, it has still been able to keep that wonderful quality. It faces new challenges now as developers seek to build in the area. It is hoped that they will maintain the classical beauty and traditions that have made it unique.
Portuguese Bend from Rolling Hills
"My dad took this photo from Rolling Hills, [standing] off of Southfield Drive and Ringbit Road. You can see the remains of the Portuguese Bend Club pier [in the left-most cove] after the landslide. The [portion] of the pier on land connected to the Club had been destroyed, but the portion of the pier in the water was still out there. Location: Rolling Hills, Portuguese Bend." Larry Paul
Every so often we would go to one of the coves on the south side to swim or snorkel. It was very different than the western or northern shorelines. The color of the water was turquoise and the cliffs were yellow and orange. It just felt like summer in some exotic place. It also had great sea caves with a blow hole out at the far end of the point. The trails to the shoreline were easy to traverse and the beaches were warm.
Aerial view of Abalone Cove and Portuguese Bend, Rancho Palos Verdes
Image shows aerial view looking northeast at Abalone Cove, with Portuguese Point (left) and Inspiration Point (right.) The Portuguese Bend Club and pier are visible at far right.
