(Oct 14, 2025)
Bob Fenton has been a docent (volunteer) with the nonprofit Los Serenos de Point Vicente since 2019, to lead tours inside the center as well as hikes to local tide pools and adjacent areas. The park grounds are open from 9 AM until desk, with picnic tables available. Dogs must be kept on leashes.
The Point Vicente Interpretive Center is at 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West, near the Point Vicente Lighthouse in Rancho Palos Verdes. It opened in 1984 to present the history and features of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. In 2006, expanded exhibits featured local natural and cultural history, especially on migrations of the Pacific gray whales that migrate along the coastline between Alaska and Baja California in December through mid-May every year. The center is a popular location to watch this migration, where volunteers maintain a count of the number of whales seen.
The Point Vicente Lighthouse Fresnel lens and a whaling industry exhibit were added in 2019. In April 2021, the museum introduced interactive exhibits showing migrating gray whales and birds. The history of animal and human migration and navigation in the Palos Verdes area are also displayed, supported by funding from Los Serenos de Point Vicente. In March 2023, a new exhibit was added of a nearly 11-foot-tall sperm whale jaw (acquired from a Japanese whaling station in the early 1970s and donated by a Los Serenos de Point Vicente docent), along with an interpretive panel about sperm whales.
The native plant garden has over 72 species of native plants, with brochures along the trail. The outdoor amphitheater has a seaside ocean view for public and private events. Tours are led by Los Serenos de Point Vicente docents. The museum and gift shop are open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Weddings and other social events can be booked at the center. Contact 310-544-5375, or online at https://rpvca.gov/1204/Visit-Point-Vicente-Interpretive-Center.