Palos Verdes, California Palos Verdes is the Spanish name for the Indian term "green trees". Keeping true to its name, the early planners of the Peninsula showed great vision in establishing ground rules for development, which have protected Palos Verdes from the massive over-development that marks much of the Los Angeles basin. The Palos Verdes Peninsula is a 27.3 square-mile area located on a small mountain on the Pacific Ocean coast with over 16 miles of coastline and is 23 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The Peninsula enjoys strict zoning codes which do not allow billboards, industry, hotels, or motels, and no unwanted construction to crowd its open spaces, pollute its air, or detract from its panoramic views. The 16,700 acres of the Palos Verdes Peninsula contain some of the most spectacular topography to be found anywhere in the world. Its beauty includes breathtaking panoramas of the Pacific Ocean on one side and picturesque mountain ranges on the other. The Palos Verdes Peninsula also known as "the Hill" is a place for relaxed living to about 78,000 residents in about 25,000 homes. Within the Peninsula's borders are four cities. Palos Verdes Estates (incorporated in 1939) 14,000 residents, 5500 homes, 4.75 sq. mi. Rolling Hills (incorporated in 1957) 2,000 residents, 690 homes, 3 sq. mi.  Rolling Hills Estates (incorporated in 1957) 9,000 residents, 2,875 homes, 3.6 sq. mi. Rancho Palos Verdes (incorporated in 1973) 42,000 residents, 17,000 homes, 13.6 sq. mi. Palos Verdes Peninsula (unincorporated). 1,400 residents, 500 homes. The School District is the excellent Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District. There are also several local private schools. The telephone area code is 310. The postal zip codes are 90274 and 90275. click here to see a scenic slideshow of the Peninsula