Bell of a Beautiful Sunset

It’s always good to end a day in the right light, and this hike will help make that happen. It’s a double feature starting from Point Fermin Park at the south end of the Palos Verdes Peninsula in San Pedro. The park is home to the 19th-century Point Fermin Lighthouse, set at the center of a 37-acre bluff-top park with big green lawns and bigger ocean views. Look down on waves crashing into the 100-foot sea cliffs or out across the Pacific toward Catalina Island—this is about as close as you can get without a boat. Before sunset walk across the street and up the hill to the Korean Friendship Bell in Angel’s Gate Park. A gift from the Republic of Korea at America’s bicentennial, the bell is suspended inside an impressive traditional Korean pavilion with ornately carved and painted features on every surface. Cinephiles will recognize this location from The Usual Suspects. Admire the colorful detail work on the pavilion’s green and blue tiled roof. The pavilion’s red columns grow even brighter when lit by the setting sun. The bell itself weighs 17 metric tons and has a circumference of over 23 feet, room for relief-carved symbols for freedom, independence, peace, and prosperity. You’ll find peace too, looking out from the pavilion over the Pacific Ocean as the day comes to an end.

Start from Point Fermin Park at 807 Paseo Del Mar in San Pedro. Leave the park and walk northwest along the sidewalk overlooking the bluff. After 300 yards, carefully cross Paseo Del Mar and enter the park across the street, where a short trail leads up the hill to the Korean Bell of Friendship. Dog-friendly!