In the early 1900s, the 6,000-acre Palos Verdes Peninsula was used as a cattle ranch and farming area. In 1913, Frank A. Vanderlip, president of the National Bank of New York, bought the peninsula from a local rancher. Vanderlip wanted to develop the land as a residential area, but the depressed national economy and lack of adequate roads kept the population low until well after World War II. The coves, cliffs and beaches around Rancho Palos Verdes made it a popular site for those seeking a respite from big-city living.  

Today, the peninsula is made up of four cities: Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates. Rancho Palos Verdes, which was incorporated in 1973, is the youngest city of the group. Although many residents work in nearby larger cities, such as Los Angeles or Long Beach, it's Rancho Palos Verdes that they call home. Rancho Palos Verdes is known for its secluded coves and breathtaking ocean vistas. On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island from the city's rocky bluffs.
 

The Point Vicente Interpretive Center allows visitors to view the Pacific from high above the waves. From December to April, you might catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales as they pass by. The Point Vicente Lighthouse is located on a bluff near the center. Opened in 1926, the lighthouse is listed on the National Registry of Historic Sites. 

Take a guided hike through the Ocean Trails Project, where you'll see the peninsula's native flora and fauna in a natural setting. Ryan Park offers another spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. And the city boasts several smaller local parks for those seeking a secluded spot to relax. 

Annual events include the Shakespeare by the Sea festival; the Palos Verdes Marathon; and Whale of a Day, which celebrates the Pacific gray whale's annual migration from the icy Arctic seas to the warm waters of Baja California.