Three Sisters Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes sprawls across 99 acres of rolling hills with actual ocean views that make the drive worthwhile. You’ll access the trails from the end of Ocean Terrace Drive, where the parking area opens onto a network of paths that work for different fitness levels—whether you want a short walk or something more substantial.

The reserve has been undergoing habitat restoration since 2009, which means the landscape is actively improving. You’ll see native wildflowers and have a decent chance of spotting some of the rare bird species that live here. The ecology feels genuinely intact rather than manicured, which dogs seem to appreciate as much as people do.

Dogs need to stay leashed, which keeps things manageable on the trails, especially where hikers from the neighborhood mix with wildlife lovers. The paths themselves are well-maintained enough that you won’t be scrambling over rocks or navigating technical sections, but they’re not flat either—expect real elevation changes that’ll give both you and your dog some actual exercise. The ocean views hit differently when you’re climbing toward them rather than seeing them from a parking lot.

A couple of things to know: bring water because there’s no source on-site, and the trails can get crowded on weekends since this is accessible from residential streets rather than feeling remote. The best time to visit is probably early morning or weekday afternoons if you prefer quieter hiking. The restoration work ongoing across the reserve means some sections occasionally get closed off for maintenance, so it’s worth checking the website before you head out—conditions can change seasonally, and you’ll want to know what routes are actually available that day.