32. Hiking the nearby Santa Monica Mountains
Just a short drive from the beach, the Santa Monica Mountains offer a rugged, natural escape with hundreds of miles of hiking trails. It’s the perfect way to combine a beach vacation with outdoor wilderness adventure.
Trails for Every Level
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is the largest urban national park in the country. Whether you're looking for a gentle, shaded stroll through a canyon or a strenuous, steep climb to a peak, there is a trail for you. Popular beginner hikes include Temescal Canyon and Los Liones Trail.
Breathtaking Ocean Views
The defining feature of hiking in this range is the incredible payoff. Many trails lead to high ridges that offer sweeping, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the curving coastline of the Santa Monica Bay, and on clear days, all the way to Catalina Island.
A Natural Escape
Leaving the bustling city behind, the mountains offer a chance to connect with nature. You'll hike through fragrant coastal sage scrub and chaparral, and you might spot local wildlife like red-tailed hawks, mule deer, and maybe even a bobcat if you're lucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a car to get to the trailheads?
While having a car makes it easier to access deeper parts of the mountains, some popular trailheads like Los Liones are a short, inexpensive rideshare trip from downtown Santa Monica.
Are the trails dog-friendly?
It depends on the specific park. Trails in state parks (like Topanga) usually do not allow dogs, while trails on National Park Service land often do, provided they are leashed.