Point Vicente

photo banner of different intertidal species

Point Vicente Biodiversity Survey findings

Point Vicente is located in the South Coast region of California, within the Point Vicente State Marine Conservation Area. This site is accessed through Pelican Cove Park, which has been owned by the city of Rancho Palos Verdes since May 2004. There is a parking lot with an access trail down to the beach. Almost directly up the steep cliff from the site (though not accessible directly from the site) is Point Vicente Lighthouse. This gently sloping site consists of extremely uneven terrain, containing many deep cracks and folds.

closeup of research site

Point Vicente is dominated by a mixture of consolidated sandstone and mudstone, boulder fields, and cobble beach, and the area surrounding the site is comprised of a mixture of consolidated bedrock, boulder fields, and cobble beach. The primary coastal orientation of this site is south/southwest.

closeup of research site

Biodiversity Surveys were done in 2012.  The Biodiversity Survey grid encompasses one section that is approximately 30 meters (along shore) x 20 meters (seaward). For more information see the Biodiversity Survey findings at this site.

For more information about Point Vicente, please contact Pete Raimondi (raimondi@ucsc.edu).

Last modified: Jul 28, 2025