Photos by Julia Sumouske
Among the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, sometimes residents are looking for more than just another store to spot the latest trends. Lost in LA is back again to quench your thirst for adventure by looking at the hidden coastal treasure known as “The Sunken City.”
About 80 years ago, a landslide caused the homes and buildings on this cliffside to fall. What’s left are the ruins of roads, buildings, pipes and, now, beautiful graffiti art. Many have seen the Instagram posts and the multiple blog sites that have mentioned this spot and that it is perfect for photos and a mild but worthwhile hike. Though the hike isn’t particularly strenuous, if you plan on going down to the ocean, you will need a good pair of hiking shoes and ones you aren’t afraid to get a little dirty.
To start, head to the park on 500 Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro. With traffic, this is about a two-hour drive away from Pepperdine, but is a beautiful trek along the coast side of Palos Verdes. At the far left, there is a cafe, a road that leads to nowhere and a white wall that separates the park from the ocean.
Here’s the slightly scary part: Hop over this small wall and past the fence that is aligned with it. Be careful, as this may be a bit dangerous or frightening at first, but it is in no way as dangerous as the surrounding hikes in Palos Verdes or even here in Malibu at Corral Canyon.
Once past the white wall and fence to the left, follow the dirt road. The remnants of the city left behind won’t be hard to miss. The area is as if a piece of Venice, California was taken and splattered among the ruins left behind. Sometimes as the “Atlantis of California,” this is possibly the closest you may get to seeing what a post-apocalyptic world might look like. Colorful graffiti art covers every inch of the pieces left behind. For fans of Venice or street art in general, this is the place for you.
If you find yourself hiking to these ruins, you won’t be able to resist the incredible hike down to the beautiful oceanside nearby. There are many spots to just sit and relax, or even to enjoy the waves near the beach further down.
Another close-by spot worth checking out is the Korean Friendship Bell, a large bronze bell that was donated by the Republic of Korea to Los Angeles in 1976. The Marine Mammal Care Center tends to injured and abandoned seals, and is another worthwhile adventure. It’s completely free to walk around to tour the facility, and they are always looking for more volunteers.
If you find yourself craving new hangouts outside of the city of Malibu, this is a must. Grab your hiking shoes, your camera, your sense of adventure and get lost in The Sunken City.
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