Wayfarer's Chapel, Palos Verdes

Los Angeles, CA Print   Leave a comment

Description

The Chapel and Gardens
Frank Lloyd Wright's son designed this chapel, which is one of the nicest you will ever see. It is magical! Made entirely of glass and wood, it feels so blissful with the greens of the pines and the sunny California light peering through the glass. You can sit on the pews and meditate on how lucky you are. Quiet music plays, soothing your nerves after a long day of traveling. Outside, lush gardens with tropical flowers and sloping lawns overlook Abalone Cove, a deep brown cliff-face. Notice how everything in the chapel and on the walkways is in geometric shapes of triangles- even the trashcans!
The Drive Here
The drive to the chapel is part of the joy. It is amazing to find this vast, open land right in LA! Miles and miles of undeveloped coastline stretch before you. It's quite dry and unusual-looking. I'm not sure why trees and plants don't grow here- ususally the fog by the coast makes everything green. Maybe the soil is too rocky. But the colors of the rock and beaches- the mustard yellows and greys- are unique. And it's fun to read the signs that warn of how the land is always shifting here- no wonder it's not developed!
For Everyone, including Kids
It's easy to take kids here, as the church is right by the parking lot and the grounds are small and peaceful. Our son was having a tantrum, but once we brought him here, he calmed down!
The nice thing about this chapel is that it is for all people, not a certain religion or denomination.
Things to Do Nearby
While in the area, take a walk along Pasel Del Mar Clifftop Walk, and then enjoy a deli sandwich or a fresh-baked pizza at historic Malaga Cove Plaza.

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Photo Gallery

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The glass chapel, tucked amongst trees.

The chapel- what a delightful shape it has!

The peaceful interior of the chapel.

Directions

From Highway 1 southbound, after you've driven through the town of Redondo Beach, turn right on Palos Verdes Blvd. Head south on Palos Verdes Blvd, and turn right at the triangle, onto Palos Verdes Dr West. Continue along Palos Verdes Dr West, which becomes Palos Verdes Dr South. It will feel like you're in the wilderness, but continue on! Once you get to the Abalone Cove area, you will see a brown sign for Wayfarer's Chapel at the entrance to their driveway. Turn left and park in the large parking lot.
Admission is free.
To get home, continue east on Palos Verdes Drive South. It winds around more lovely coastal areas. Continue through San Pedro (this part is ugly!) and turn left at the V on Gaffey. It leads to Highway 110, which you can take north to Highway 405.

This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.

Visitor Ratings

Overall Visitor Rating:

Rosie 12/21/2009 09:15	i love it!
Amanda 10/01/2009 14:59	miss this georgous place

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