Malibu, California
Malibu, California is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers. With its stunning beaches, scenic trails, and incredible attractions, there’s no shortage of things to do. From the iconic beaches of Zuma and Surfrider to the lush trails of Malibu Creek State Park, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a more active outdoor experience, there are plenty of options. Explore the rugged terrain of Malibu Canyon, take a boat tour of the Pacific Coast, or go kayaking in Malibu Lagoon. For a more relaxed day, take a stroll along the boardwalk at Malibu Pier or visit the iconic Malibu Bluffs Park. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful and calming day or a full-on outdoor adventure, Malibu has it all.
Top Spots in and near Malibu
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Malibu, California
Scenic Trail
4.01.53 mi / 322 ft gainThe trailhead is located in the day use area of Point Mugu State Park. Park in the day use area parking lot. There is a parking fee of $12/day or $3/hr. From the parking lot, walk through the campground until you reach the old service road. After passing through the gate, turn left at the si...Read more -
Topanga, California
Calabasas Peak Motorway
7.23 mi / 1565 ft gainGetting There You can, from Los Angeles, go one of three ways: take I-405 to US-101 and head west, or from downtown, take US-101 the whole way, OR, get on I-10 from the Westside or east of there and take that until it becomes PCH, then take that to Topanga Canyon (turn left onto Old Topanga Cany...Read more -
Oak Park, California
China Flat Trail to Simi Peak
5.05.03 mi / 1398 ft gainFrom the trailhead, simply follow the trail headed up the mountain. The first 2 miles is the hardest part of the hike, because of the steep ascent. Continue on until you hit a junction. Turn left, and you will eventually see an old rusty gate, and a sign which says "China Flat Trail". You will ...Read more -
Newbury Park, California
Boney Peak
4.012.04 mi / 3025 ft gainThe hike begins at the parking lot for Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park, CA just outside LA. Pull into the parking lot and walk on the dirt road until you see the trail for Boney Peak. It is easy to find because the peak can be seen from the beginning of the trail. The trail is generally an in...Read more -
Ventura County, California
Sycamore Canyon Falls
3.3 mi / 545 ft gain...When arriving in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, take the drive and park at Sycamore Canyon parking lot. Parking is free and also offers restrooms and some history about the park. Follow the trailhead South until you come to the Satwiwa Culture Center on your left and a dome-like...Read more -
Malibu, California
Camp at Thornhill Broome State Beach
5.0Take PCH through Malibu towards Oxnard and the campground will be on your left. There is no day use here and you can drive right to your campsite.During the summer, make reservations or arrive really early to nab a site. Spaces can fill up quickly.There is access to a hiking trail across PCH.Read more -
Malibu, California
Camp at Point Mugu State Park's Thornhill Broome Campground
5.0Beach camping in California seems elusive these days, but we were able to pitch our tent just feet from the surf! We stayed for two nights and felt like we had our own private stretch of beach. First, you'll want to make reservations at www.reserveamerica.com. It was fairly easy to reserve a spot...Read more -
Malibu, California
Ratner Beach
4.5Unlike most beaches in Los Angeles, this tiny little stretch of beach is usually empty, and is a little gem! It is the perfect place to get an unobstructed view of the sunset, and the sticks in the ground make for a picturesque sunset picture! Just be warned, this beach is right on PCH, so expect...Read more -
Topanga, California
Eagle Rock in Topanga State Park
4.45.99 mi / 1106 ft gainEagle Rock is located in Topanga State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains, and it is a unique formation that provides an amazing panoramic view of Santa Monica. On a clear day, the Catalina Islands and Palos Verdes Peninsula are visible. You can park on along the street of Entrada Rd. or pay $10 ...Read more -
Topanga, California
Parker Mesa Overlook via Trippet Ranch
4.06.75 mi / 1181 ft gainThis is a 6.8 mile round-trip hike that starts at Trippet Ranch in Topanga Canyon. Even though the range in elevation is 400 feet from peak to trough, the up and down trail totals to approximately 1800 feet elevation gain making this a beginner to intermediate adventure. The trail itself is pre...Read more -
Malibu, California
La Jolla Valley Walk-In Camps
5.010.58 mi / 2146 ft gainHello Friends! I just took a really chill overnight backpacking trip to the La Jolla Valley Backcountry campsite and I’m going to give you some details so you can have as nice of an outing as I did! The trailhead is conveniently just off of the Pacific Coast Highway, across the street from the T...Read more -
Malibu, California
La Jolla Canyon Falls
1.75 mi / 449 ft gain...I think out of all the State Parks in the Santa Monica Mountains, Point Mugu State Park is without a doubt the best one. Maybe it has something to do with its proximity to the beach, or the endless trails and epic views, but the energy and diversity here is just so much more wild. With the par...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Los Liones Trail
5.04.41 mi / 1115 ft gainLos Liones Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Pacific Palisades, California.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Santa Ynez Falls
3.52.25 mi / 243 ft gainThe Santa Ynez Canyon Trail is located 10 minutes away from the beach providing you the opportunity to do this hike early in the morning and spend the rest of the day hanging out at the beach. To get to the trailhead, take Vereda de la Montura Road until you reach the private residential area (th...Read more -
Ventura County, California
Hike the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve Trail
8.6 mi / 1851 ft gainThe most popular point of entry is through the Victory Trailhead, which has ample parking. You can park on the street or you can pay $3 to park at the trailhead parking lot. You can also enter at the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Trailhead at the northern end of Las Virgenes Canyon Road in Calabasas....Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Parker Mesa Overlook via Paseo Miramar
4.25.32 mi / 1099 ft gainThis 5.4-mile out-and back trail takes off from the end of the residential area of Paseo Miramar. Once you hike a little less than a quarter mile in, you'll connect with Los Liones Canyon Trail. Continue on Paseo Miramar Trail, which in another 2.5 miles, will connect you with the Parker Mesa Ove...Read more
