A former Nike missile site has gone back to nature in this 102-acre preserve of coastal sage-scrub habitat. Hiking trails run from from 0.8 miles to a 7-mile loop, and there are monthly children's programs, guided naturalist hikes, bird walks and plant sales, all from the preserve's nature education center.

Free parking for the nature preserve.

It's across the street from White Point-Royal Palms Beach.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. White Point-Royal Palms Beach

0.12 MILES

This county-run beach features 1.5 miles of rocky shoreline and 30 acres of parkland. You can scramble among tide pools to see sea anemones and other…

2. Korean Friendship Bell

1.32 MILES

A gift from South Korea for the US bicentennial in 1976, this nearly 12ft-tall, 18.75 ton bronze chime dominates the hillside and makes for a fantastic…

3. Point Fermin Lighthouse

1.44 MILES

Ostensibly the main visitor attraction in Point Fermin Park is this restored 1874 lighthouse, which looks like a Victorian home and is one of the oldest…

4. Point Fermin Park & Around

1.46 MILES

Locals come to this grassy community park on the bluffs to jog, picnic, watch wind- and kitesurfers, cool off in the shade of spreading magnolias, gaze at…

5. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

1.74 MILES

This city-owned aquarium is the smaller, older, low-tech cousin of Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific. It’s also a lot lighter on your wallet and less…

6. SS Lane Victory

2.4 MILES

If you enjoy clambering around old ships, visit this museum vessel that sailed the seven seas from 1945 to 1971. Self-guided tours take in the engine room…

7. Ports O’Call Village

2.43 MILES

Shrieking gulls and excited children animate this aging shopping district filled with trinket stores (which you can safely skip) en route to copious meals…

8. Los Angeles Maritime Museum

2.58 MILES

Galleries in LA's historic ferry building (on the National Register of Historic Places) tell the story of the city's relationship with the sea and display…