Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Overall, it was an amazing place to relax and visit. I drove from GOLETA, CA, to LA and stopped in the Santa Monica Mountains, and it was truly amazing. The weather was beautiful, and the views were off the charts. Just a quickpit stop while on my drive.

Love this place, awesome views. Good place to enjoy nature. You can go hiking or enjoy some nice quite time with nature

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is an absolute paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and it offers an incredible blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure that is truly unmatched. This place deserves all the stars and more! For mountain biking enthusiasts, this is a dream come true. The park boasts an impressive network of trails that cater to riders of all skill levels, from beginners looking for a leisurely ride to experienced bikers seeking an adrenaline-pumping challenge. The diverse terrain, including thrilling downhill runs and scenic ridges, ensures that every ride is an exhilarating and memorable experience. But what truly sets this park apart is its breathtaking ocean vistas. There's something magical about pedaling through the trails and suddenly finding yourself overlooking the sparkling Pacific Ocean. The panoramic views are awe-inspiring and provide a sense of tranquility that's hard to find elsewhere. It's a perfect reminder of the stunning natural beauty that California has to offer. And then there's the iconic MAS*H filming site. Standing at that spot where the TV show was filmed is like stepping back in time and reliving a piece of entertainment history. The nostalgia, coupled with the stunning surroundings, creates a unique and unforgettable experience that's bound to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or simply someone seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has something for everyone. The combination of exhilarating mountain biking trails, ocean vistas that take your breath away, and the chance to step into the world of MAS*H make this place an absolute gem. If you're looking for a place to rejuvenate your spirit, challenge your body, and connect with the beauty of Southern California, look no further than the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It's a true testament to the wonders of nature and the richness of human history, all wrapped up in one stunning package. Don't miss out on the adventure of a lifetime!

I love this place. It's so serene and calm, not to mention the fact that the views there are amazing. You can see the whole Valley from there. The best part is that you'll be surprised by the great trails that this place has!!! If you go down the mountains, there is literally a hidden Paradise with small rivers and amazingly​ beautiful vegetation!!! This is my favorite place to unwind my soul and mind!

short yet rocky walk to get to the sand. Easy to park on the shore line. Not crowded at all. Clean beach, clear water, well, clearer than Venice

Wow, wow, wow! One of the most amazing places in California to visit. I hiked the loop trail starting from the Backbone Trail at Sandstone Peak Trailhead and linking up onto the Mishe Mokwa Trail. Along the way, I stopped at Sandstone Peak, Inspiration Point, Split Rock, Echo Cliffs, and Balanced Rock. Excellent views all along this loop. There are many different wildflowers of all sorts and a good portion of the trail is overgrown with them. The rock formations sort of resembled the rock formations at Garden of the Gods in Colorado. Please be careful driving on the narrow and sharp turn roads. Visit these mountains. You will not regret it!

Great area to hike since we were here in February. I am not sure when it gets really but really enjoyed our stay since we only hiked King Gillette Ranch and Malibu Creek State Park regions of this national recreation area

Great place to spend the day outdoors with family and friends and enjoy nature.

This is a really cool, nice beautiful spot to check out. Get out the car. Take a few photos. Make some memories have some laughs. It's a good spot for sure.

Malibu Creek State Park is great. Small enough to feel safe, but large enough to feel like your far away and has trails to explore. Went in August and the weather was mild--even with Hurricane Hilary! But this time went in November. Days are hot and nights were in the 50's and 30's! Be prepared to keep warm! Take fireplace/Duraflame logs. Depending on fire conditions, you may not be able to burn wood but you need a fire! Propane is always allowed. Restroom are SUPER well maintained. Showers take TOKENS ONLY. Token machine ONLY takes $1dollar bills. You get 2 tokens for $1. One token gives you two mins of hot water. Be quick or take extra tokens. Read the shower operation directions carefully. One token at a time!!! Park rangers presence was great. On site camp host is available if you need help. There are water spigots about every 40 yards to wash dishes. Dogs are allowed but NOT on hiking trails. So either leave your dog home or don't plan on hiking. Rangers watch for dogs left unattended. You must be with your dog at all times. Quiet time begins at 10pm. Campsites allow up to 8 people per site. Otherwise you must reserve a large group site. There are also day use areas that close at 10pm. One car per site. Each additional car is $12. Oh, and there's a Stater Bros (or Albertsons--can't remember) about 2.5 miles from camp should you need to run to the store. A Target about 20 mins in either direction off the 134. If it's a hot day there's a rock pool at the end of the main trailhead that's large enough AND deep enough to swim in, or head back south onto Las Virgenes Rd to the beach. Have fun!

We stumbled upon this hidden treasure while on a drive down to Malibu from Glendale. We chose the route that went from highway 101 down to the pacific coast highway 1 and boy was it a great choice. The drive was stunning and the experience of seeing all the twisty roads was really amazing. It felt like we were in a movie! The entire drive down Malibu Canyon Road wasn't that long at all but the views were so amazing. It was the perfect amount of driving to be able to enjoy the canyon/mountains and also get a taste of the ocean on the way down. You could actually see the ocean from the oceans!! We parked a couple of times and snapped some photos because we couldn't resist. Next time we may take this route and actually stop to see what else the recreational areas might have to provide!!

So many times have I driven through the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) and regrettably taken it for granted. Recently, we finally explored her beauty and simple charm particularly in the Calabasas and Malibu areas (May 2018). It's so close yet so far away from L.A. I have been to the Visitor Center in Calabasas. Recommend it. There is also the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center in Newbury Park. There are so many hiking trails... some rock climbing. Camping. So much to do in the area. And this is just inside SMMNRA at Malibu Creek State Park. There's so much more... https://www.nps.gov/samo/index.htm LNT - Leave No Trace. You pack it in, so please pack it out. 2018 Challenge #83

Such a beautiful a scenic area!! So huge and a real getaway from the city!! You do hear cars passing by which is kinda lame because I like the pure sound of nature. Great thing about this place is that after you are done you have two options. Head north back into the city or head south to an amazing drive down PCH to overlook the Malibu ocean either way it's a win win!!

"You can try the best you can If you try the best you can The best you can is good enough.." ~ Optimistic (Radiohead) The above sierra soundtrack choice is not only appropriate for the "family-friendly" trail's creepy crawlers and carnivorous birds, but also restoring when Thom starts to wail those encouraging chorus-lines the moment the sun baked terrain disappears over your back and the first signs of cascading falls (more like a trickle during the off-season) are a short distance away. *clutches chronically-raspy throat* water!

What a great resource and playground to have adjacent to Los Angeles, to its northwest, and covering a large area mostly between the ocean and the Ventura Freeway, the 101. I don't know what the park now includes, given that so many changes have occurred. I do know that Lake Sherwood, previously eerily quiet, is now surrounded by McMansions. I also know that what used to be Tapia Park, apparently now picked up by the park, had a cross at the top of one of it's peaks that people could climb up to. If the cross was taken down because it was dangerous for people to be climbing up to it just like "the Beav" needed to find out if there was really soup in the billboard, that's probably a good thing. (That was THE best "Leave it to Beaver" episode). If the cross was taken down because someone was offended, then I'm offended. People can be so pissy about the stupidest things. http://oldweeb.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/011609_brents.jpg?w=450&h=337 There are trails to no end in here, and various points of entry into the recreation area - from Pacific Coast Highway, from exits along the Ventura Freeway, and from Mulholland Drive. The terrain is fairly varied, with mountains and rock outcroppings studded in oak, chaparral, and typical fauna found in Southern California. As for animal life, I'll let that go, since I might come off as slightly OCD. A few things haven't changed. The Las Virgenes Canyon exit from the West Valley along the 101 still turns into Malibu Canyon Road. The tunnel is still there. The drive is still serene and beautiful. And you still have to drive by Pepperdine (boo hoo - just kidding) before ending up at Pacific Coast Highway.

One of the most scenic and beautiful rides to be had in Los Angeles - from where the Mulholland Highway begins in Woodland Hills to 23 and down to the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) - everyone in LA and every tourist should do this trip. The mountains itself is ragged and beautiful. You'll find horse ranches as well as random ranches containing camels, peacocks, or any other exotic animals you wouldn't expect to find in the wild in LA. And you'll find even some of Malibu's vineyards. You'll also find deep canyons, tall trees, and plenty of picturesque views. The only price you have to pay on your part - to carefully bear with all the windy turns you'll have to make. But again, it's worth it - as there's nothing like it elsewhere in Los Angeles.

Hike the Sycamore Canyon trail from the ocean to Newbury Park. There is also a campground at the end of the trail, at the ocean. Leo Carillo beach is a little ways down, and county line is a little ways up Not to mention Topanga State Park, Malibu Beach, cave paintings at Newbury Park.

I went here the day before the wildfires happened a few weeks ago. This is one of my favorite places to come hiking with all the amazing scenery and sightseeing... Super sad that famous landmarks within This park I have been burnt down... I would deathly be hiking again just to check it out once they clear it

This place is beautiful. I like that's it's tucked away from freeways and buildings. It's nice to get out and walk with the pups and enjoy some fresh air away from everything. The grounds people do a really nice job at keeping this place clean and looking great. If you live in the area, this is definitely a cool and relaxing place to check out!!

My mom and I enjoy taking walks here on the weekends. It's always therapeutic to get outside surrounded by scenic views. There are many trails and photo ops available. Every now and then you might see a coyote or some sort of wild life, but it's quite safe for the most part. I suggest go with a friend or bring your dog along with you. Don't go strolling through the wilderness alone.

This is one of my favorite places in Southern California. I love everything about this place. In a city where people are always crowded in one place, it is nice to find a place where you can get some time alone.

A great place to hike around in various spots of the Santa Monica Mountains. Some historical and cultural sites are thrown in as well. The visitor center isn't actually in the park, so you might want to get information and maps there first before heading out. Some trails are not well shaded, so come prepared!

Nice pleasant place for a stroll. Very family friendly...so if you don't mind loud kids its worth the visit. Sparse shade so don't go on really hot days.

I wanted to find a nice hike in the Santa Monica Mountains that I could do without a car. Staying in LA, I connected to the 534 metro line and rode all the way out along the Pacific Coast Highway - is a very enjoyable ride along the ocean, passing Santa Monica pier. Get off bus at Corral Canyon Road - you need to walk in same direction bus was going in to get to the road that leads up to the trail head. (There is a 76 gas station you turn right at) This section of the mountain is called Solstice Canyon. As far as I can tell is the only portion of the Mountain range accessible without a car. You will walk about 3/4 mile up the road till you reach the trail head to begin your hike. There are some side trails you can go on, but I pretty much stayed on the main trails. You begin on Solstice Canyon trail, which leads into Sostomo Trail and then I took the Dear Valley Loop trail. The Dear Valley Loop was quite challenging for me - not to long, but its all uphill with some pretty steep points - had to stop numerous times to catch my breath. But my main reason for this hike was the fabolous view of the ocean once you reach the top and are near the side of the mountain. Was also the only time I had cell phone service on hike. View was amazing - probably walked grand total of 7-8 miles when counting toal distance from off the bus to back on after the hike. Took couple hours but was great weather - would do it again.