Lunada Bay, bay in Palos Verdes Estates, United States of America

Lunada Bay is a southwest-facing bay in southern Palos Verdes Estates, below a 75-metre cliff. A dirt path is the only way down to a narrow beach of pale sand and stones, with flat rock ledges and scattered dark rocks in the shallows. Trees and houses line the cliff top.

Local surfers began claiming Lunada Bay in the 1960s as surfing grew popular, and the spot became known as Southern California's most exclusive beach. In 1991 the Los Angeles Times reported that visiting surfers were pelted with rocks and their vehicles vandalized. A 1996 lawsuit was dropped after a member of the Bay Boys paid $15,000 to settle; a class action followed in April 2016.

Since the 1960s, local surfers have claimed Lunada Bay, earning it a reputation as Southern California's most territorial beach. In 1991 the Los Angeles Times reported that outsiders were pelted with rocks and their vehicles vandalized. A 1996 lawsuit ended after Bay Boys member paid $15,000, and in April 2016 a class action targeted the surfers and the city.

Access to the bay involves steep hiking trails, best reached from the intersection of Paseo Del Mar with Oakley Road or Avenida Mirola, requiring sturdy shoes and careful footing. Parking is limited, especially on weekends, so arriving early helps secure a spot and allows time for the climb back up.

Lunada Bay is reached only by a dirt path descending the 75-metre cliff, which helps explain the territorial behaviour documented there. From the 1960s local surfers confronted outsiders; in 1991 the Los Angeles Times reported stone-throwing and vandalised cars, and in 1996 a surfers' group paid $15,000 to settle a dispute. A class action was filed in April 2016 against a surfers' group and the municipality.