Camping in Santa Monica, CA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
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California
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Santa Monica

96% (1086 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Santa Monica

Available this weekend

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Los Padres National Forest

Under $50

96%

(91)

Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Lake Hughes, CA

Run by three generations, our ranch has been in our family for more than 70 years. We opened our doors to the public in 2014 to help support feeding our animals, bred and rescued, after the Powerhouse Fire almost burned us out. We’ve survived a county quarantine(2018-2019), the COVID Lockdowns (2021-2022), the Lake Fire (2020), and the Hurricane Kay burn scar debris flow and flood (9/11/22), depending on hard work and strong family and community bonds. In addition to camping and educational tours, we host private and community events, grow & sell produce and eggs, hatch and sell chicks, rescue ratites, and support the local bee population (which gives us RAW honey to sell), and are working to open a private U-pick-by-appointment orchard. We are all animal lovers, and conservationists, and try to do our part to ensure our children inherit a healthy and viable world. This is our home where we live, work, love, and play. We enjoy sharing our space with visitors who we hope learn about ostrich and make some great memories.

Malibu Beach RV Park

298 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Malibu, CA

Malibu RV is set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. Founded in the 1970s, Malibu RV offers RV Sites, Van Sites and Tent Camping, a communal ambiance, and a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of your travels along the California Coast. Whether you are a digital nomad, a surfer looking to shack up for the night, or an adventurer looking for an extended stay, we would love to have you.

100%

(49)

Camp RainDale

6 sites · Tents30 acres · Santa Paula, CA

There is a road that leads to the site when you enter the gate the road runs between the stream and the mountain there are 4 Camps to choose from so far. Many more on the way and you can ask if you would like to camp somewhere else on the property and we can work it out. The site runs along a flowing stream consisting of paths from camp to stream. There are many trees enclosing the entire camping area.

Booked 1 time

San Gabriel Driveway

1 site · RV1 acre · San Gabriel, CA

Driveway for RV and Pull Behind. Nice place to park your RV and explore Greater Los Angeles. Close to 10 freeway. Many michelin star restaurants and grocery stores close by. Easy to restock on food and supplies. We live in the house and can be call upon for assistance. Driveway is detached from main house.

AntFarm LA

6 sites · TentsLos Angeles, CA

NOTE: THIS IS A PARK AND HIKE-IN TENT-ONLY STAY. You must park by street and hike-up. You will not sleep in vehicle/RV.My wife and I built this place with the help of our 2 toddlers, our friends, and our team of shovels.

12 top campgrounds near Santa Monica

94%

(94)

Malibu Beach RV Park

298 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Malibu, CA

Malibu RV is set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. Founded in the 1970s, Malibu RV offers RV Sites, Van Sites and Tent Camping, a communal ambiance, and a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of your travels along the California Coast. Whether you are a digital nomad, a surfer looking to shack up for the night, or an adventurer looking for an extended stay, we would love to have you.

Camp RainDale

6 sites · Tents30 acres · Santa Paula, CA

There is a road that leads to the site when you enter the gate the road runs between the stream and the mountain there are 4 Camps to choose from so far. Many more on the way and you can ask if you would like to camp somewhere else on the property and we can work it out. The site runs along a flowing stream consisting of paths from camp to stream. There are many trees enclosing the entire camping area.

91%

(41)

The Lodge at Deer Creek

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Malibu, CA

At The Lodge at Deer Creek you'll be nestled between mountains and the pacific ocean. Surround yourself with nature and its music on this 25 acre ocean view property. Grab a surf or paddle board and head to the beach or zen out amongst the greenery. Grocery, restaurants, and retail are a beautiful drive along the coast.

Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Lake Hughes, CA

Run by three generations, our ranch has been in our family for more than 70 years. We opened our doors to the public in 2014 to help support feeding our animals, bred and rescued, after the Powerhouse Fire almost burned us out. We’ve survived a county quarantine(2018-2019), the COVID Lockdowns (2021-2022), the Lake Fire (2020), and the Hurricane Kay burn scar debris flow and flood (9/11/22), depending on hard work and strong family and community bonds. In addition to camping and educational tours, we host private and community events, grow & sell produce and eggs, hatch and sell chicks, rescue ratites, and support the local bee population (which gives us RAW honey to sell), and are working to open a private U-pick-by-appointment orchard. We are all animal lovers, and conservationists, and try to do our part to ensure our children inherit a healthy and viable world. This is our home where we live, work, love, and play. We enjoy sharing our space with visitors who we hope learn about ostrich and make some great memories.

100%

(18)

Malibu Mountain

3 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Malibu, CA

Welcome to Malibu Mountain, 13 acres of natural land at the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains. Bordered on two sides by national parkland, you will find peace and nature in abundance, along with incredible views across the Conejo Valley to the Topa Topa mountains. The Backbone Trail is at the end of the driveway, with the trailheads to Echo Cliffs (rock climbing) and Sandstone Peak just a few minutes drive up the road. PCH is 12 minutes down the mountain for quick access to Malibu beaches and surf spots. The campsite is extremely private and well-insulated from other humans. There is a small community of homes nearby, the closest being about 1/8 mile away. The neighbors are all up on the mountain for the same reasons- peace, serenity, nature, open space, fresh air, and starry skies. Wake up to watch the sun rise over the hills and the mist burn off in the valley below! We purchased the property for our family as an escape from the noise and hustle of modern life. The property is fully off-grid, and someday we'd love to build a cabin and small farm. It's truly an oasis tucked up in the hills.

100%

(6)

Beach Whimsical Cottage

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · El Segundo, CA

This is a sweet beach cottage with one or two bedrooms that is close to town and super close to the beach. I offer bikes, Jaccuzzi and parking for a small car. This is the place to rest after camping and waiting to take a flight from LAX or just relax at the beach. This is not a camp spot but a lush garden area with trees, vines and flowers. Also, this is a non smoking property for all types of smoke and no vaping.

AntFarm LA

6 sites · TentsLos Angeles, CA

NOTE: THIS IS A PARK AND HIKE-IN TENT-ONLY STAY. You must park by street and hike-up. You will not sleep in vehicle/RV.My wife and I built this place with the help of our 2 toddlers, our friends, and our team of shovels.

100%

(1)

EAGLE ROCK NEST

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Topanga, CA

The Nest is located at the end of the road very close to Eagle Rock and Santa Ynez waterfalls right off Musch Trail, bordering the state park.we have a toilet and 2 large picnic tables also have some water but not for drinking... amazing views, many hiking trails and lots of bunnies and other animals...

Green Oak Retreat

5 sites · Lodging23 acres · Topanga, CA

Indulge in the luxury of glamping with our exquisite tent that offers a captivating ocean view. Thoughtfully furnished with a king-sized bed, a cozy table for two, and convenient amenities like a coffee maker and filtered water. Accessible via a scenic 15-minute hike, the well-maintained trail features steps where needed. Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience with a hot water outdoor shower equipped with soap, shampoo, and conditioner. For added convenience, a VIP porta-potty awaits with running water, lighting, and a fan. The Setton, nestled in an enchanting oak grove, promises an unforgettable stay with a breathtaking ocean vista at the top! 🏕️🌅

San Gabriel Driveway

1 site · RV1 acre · San Gabriel, CA

Driveway for RV and Pull Behind. Nice place to park your RV and explore Greater Los Angeles. Close to 10 freeway. Many michelin star restaurants and grocery stores close by. Easy to restock on food and supplies. We live in the house and can be call upon for assistance. Driveway is detached from main house.

100%

(1)

WIldflower Ridge

2 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Topanga, CA

Pitch your tent in the shade of a sprawling Sumac tree, enjoying views of the mountain side. Be intoxicated by the scent of vibrant purple sage surrounding you on all sides. Be enchanted by the abundance of wildflowers in every direction. Catch views of Black Walnut and California live oak trees. Relax in our hammock and take in the beauty of the mountain. Eat by camp at our picnic table with chairs to lounge in. Take a nap in the tree on our treehouse platform. Access a private hike with a 360 degree view featuring Topanga Canyon, Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and San Fernando Valley. Dog friendly :)

92%

(83)

Nomad-NeXus @ArtFarm Nature Space

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Leona Valley, CA

Nomad-NeXus @ ArtFarm Nature Space offers the best of both worlds: Amazing Nature , bright stars and serenity , a fun creative vibe and good people and blazing fast internet connection for digital nomads and young entrepreneurs who are looking for a space to connect with nature and the world at large all at once, bridging the gap between Nature and Technology, Freedom and Community , hard work and inspiring moments with inspiring and positive people. ArtFarm Nature space is the perfect space for Digital Nomads and Creative entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in Nature while enjoying the benefits of an instant community of inspired people who love to connect, collaborate and create ! we would love to meet you

Star Hosts in Santa Monica

100%

(49)

Camp RainDale

6 sites · Tents30 acres · Santa Paula, CA

There is a road that leads to the site when you enter the gate the road runs between the stream and the mountain there are 4 Camps to choose from so far. Many more on the way and you can ask if you would like to camp somewhere else on the property and we can work it out. The site runs along a flowing stream consisting of paths from camp to stream. There are many trees enclosing the entire camping area.

Malibu Beach RV Park

298 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Malibu, CA

Malibu RV is set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. Founded in the 1970s, Malibu RV offers RV Sites, Van Sites and Tent Camping, a communal ambiance, and a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of your travels along the California Coast. Whether you are a digital nomad, a surfer looking to shack up for the night, or an adventurer looking for an extended stay, we would love to have you.

Tiny Home Cabin in the Hills

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Sunland, CA

On the hillside of rural Shadow Hills in Los Angeles known as "Horse Country", most residents work in the film and TV industry in an area described as "close but a world away from the studios"!With views of the hillside and neighboring horse arenas and barns, you'll forget that you're still in Los Angeles and Disney studios is a mere 15 minutes away!

Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Lake Hughes, CA

Run by three generations, our ranch has been in our family for more than 70 years. We opened our doors to the public in 2014 to help support feeding our animals, bred and rescued, after the Powerhouse Fire almost burned us out. We’ve survived a county quarantine(2018-2019), the COVID Lockdowns (2021-2022), the Lake Fire (2020), and the Hurricane Kay burn scar debris flow and flood (9/11/22), depending on hard work and strong family and community bonds. In addition to camping and educational tours, we host private and community events, grow & sell produce and eggs, hatch and sell chicks, rescue ratites, and support the local bee population (which gives us RAW honey to sell), and are working to open a private U-pick-by-appointment orchard. We are all animal lovers, and conservationists, and try to do our part to ensure our children inherit a healthy and viable world. This is our home where we live, work, love, and play. We enjoy sharing our space with visitors who we hope learn about ostrich and make some great memories.

97%

(264)

Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Topanga, CA

DEAR HIPCAMPER, Make Sure You CLICK "Show More" SPECIAL OFFER BELOW! PLEASE KNOW NOW IS "The Best Time" To Visit Our Beloved Canyon With The "Road Closure." There's Hardly ANY Thru Traffic. MANY OF US Taking Walks With or Without Our Dogs, Riding Bikes & Horses On Canyon for 1st Time in Decades Since NO Cars Speeding By! "Welcome" To Cross Bull Ranch/CBR Where You Can Unplug & "Disconnect" from Technology & Devices because... WE HAVE A GREAT "Connection With Nature" HERE ON THE RANCH! URGENT/IMPORTANT PLEASE KNOW THAT IN AN EFFORT TO INCREASE REVENUE TO INVEST IN & IMPLEMENT MUCH NEEDED REPAIRS ON THE LAND AFTER THIS YEAR & LAST'S DEVASTATING TORRENTIAL RAINS, LAND/ROCKSLIDES, MUDFLOWS & SUBSEQUENT IDEFINITE "Road Closure" AS OF TODAY MARCH 20th, 2024 I AM MAKING "A Special Offer" JUST FOR YOU! ALL HIPCAMPERS WHO BOOK 2 NIGHTS ON CROSS BULL RANCH/CBR BASE "Campsites" WILL RECEIVE A 3RD NIGHT FREE. SO, "IF" YOU BOOK FRIDAY & SATURDAY ON THE HIPCAMP PLATFORM TO VISIT US, EXPLORE THE RANCH AS WELL AS "Our Beloved Canyon & Beach" Thursday or Sunday WILL BE FREE YOU JUST NEED TO LET ME KNOW WHICH DAY YOU PREFER TO BE YOUR 3RD NIGHT, THE NIGHT PRIOR OR AFTER THE 2 YOU BOOK & I CONFIRM ONLINE AND I WILL IMPLEMENT AN "Owner's Block!" PLEASE NOTE: OFFER EXCLUDES New "CBR Glamping Site." LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU HERE ON "The Ranch!" Xx ALSO PLEASE KNOW 2 YEARS AGO THIS APRIL 1ST I INVESTED IN CREATING "3 MILES OF HIKING TRAILS" ONSITE WITH "Breathtaking Views!" WonderFULL TO HIKE AT SUNRISE, SUNSET. ANY TIME! You Can Find Us @crossbullranchtopanga On Instagram! PERFECT FOR 1ST TIME CAMPERS, FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN UNDER 10 (Children Under 3 Camp FREE.) & VETERAN CAMPERS TO PRACTICE & HONE THEIR SKILLS IMMERSED IN NATURE YET CLOSE TO ALL THE CONVENIENCES OF... "Home." CBR is A Secluded 16 Acre Eco-Village, Rural Rustic Permaculture & Preparedness Retreat & International Healing Center within Walking Distance to "Topanga Living Cafe" (TLC) & "Cafe' 27". Grab a Bullet Proof Coffee or Oat Milk Latte' with a Wonderful Organic Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch. "Pack Up" & "Head Out" for A Day of Adventure hiking trails, offroad mountain biking The Canyons or cycling along the Pacific Coast Highway, enjoy swimming in seasonal fresh water pools, food foraging, boogie/paddle boarding & surfing The Waves Of Topanga State Beach. While returning to Cross Bull Ranch/CBR Stop Off At The "Topanga General Store" or "Topanga Gourmet" to Pick Up Provisions to "Chill Out" Under The Stars at Your Campsite or One Of Our "Human Nests!" If You're "Lucky" It Will Be Low Fire Danger & We Can Make Smores in The Main Fire Pit Together! Enjoy The Sights, Sounds, Smells, Beauty & "Majesty" of Nature, Enjoy A Drink & A Nice Dinner at "Endless Color," "Then Canyon Bistro" or... The World Renoun "Inn Of The Seventh Ray" in Town. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Sunday Brunch! Or Perhaps "IF" You're In Need Of "Healing" Set Aside 2 - 3 hrs. for Yourself and... Book A "Shamanic Somatic Healing Session" or "Plant Medicine Ceremony" Customized JUST FOR YOU with Your Hostess, Lisa. Details BELOW. Surprise loved ones or take a solo trip to Celebrate Life, Holidays, B'Earth Days, Anniversaries, Multi-Generational Family Gatherings, Reunions+++ ALL while... Safely "Social Distancing in Nature." Cross Bull Ranch was Originally A Chumash Indian Village. In 1926 "A Farmer" Named McDougal Came to CA from Santa Fe, NM in Search of A Better Life for He & His Family. Originally 40 Acres The Farm Provided ALL Produce, Dairy, Poultry & Beef to The Topanga Community via The "General Store" Until The End of WW2 IN 1945 when The American Public were Sold Post Military Chemicals as pesticides & fertilizers. It was Then That "Corporations" began Buying Up Fertile Farm Land, Clear Cutting, Mono-Cropping. Creating Corporate "Grocery Store" Chains DESTROYING "The Family Farm." My Son's Father & I Rescued This Land in 1998. It was Derelict. We were Handed A 1' HIGH FILE FULL OF Building Department "Violations" The Oaks were ALL Dying from Lack Of Fresh Air/Oxygen & Sunshine. We Removed (8) 5 TON DUMPSTERS/40 TONS OF GARBAGE INCLUDING: Cars, Car Parts/Tires, Toilets, Jacuzzi Tubs, Dishware, Newspapers, Utensils++. We Picked Up EVERY Chard of Glass from Broken Beer Bottles, EVERY Bottle Cap, EVERY Cigarette Butt. Which ARE NOT BIODEGRADABLE. It was A "Travesty." And... "A Labor Of Love." We IMMEDIATELY "Invested" $25,000.00 Clearing & Cleaning, "Healing" The Oaks. With Ropes NOT Spikes. We Bought A Brush Cutter & Cut Down Weeds TALLER THAN ME. At 1st you Couldn't EVEN See The Topography Of The Land. We Renovated an Existing Trailer Adjacent to The Farm House. The "Treehouse Trailer" as We Affectionately Call It Was Out Home for 7 Years While I Resolved A 1' High File Of Building Violations, Woke at 5:30AM EVERY MORNING To Direct/General Contract A Crew Of Talented Artisans from San Miguel Allende, Mexico NONE Of Which Spoke English (Soy Boriqua) & Who'd NEVER Built or Renovated A House Before. In 2009 after Separation, Divorce & Financial Devastation in '09/'10 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This "Dis-Ease" Ended Up Being "A Gift". It Lead me On "The Red Road" To Getting Baptized in The Native American Church in The Lakota Way, Taking "Refuge" in Tibetan Buddhism, Hosting Shaman & Healers from ALL OVER The World in Plant Medicine Ceremonies, Practicing Permaculture & Preparedness, Creating My Own Line Of "Cross Bull Ranch" Non-GMO Organic Food, Becoming A Certified Somatic Healing (Trauma Release) Practitioner & Ordained Minister. Until November of 2019 I had been Hosting Retreats, Workshops, Weddings++ In "Our Home." Until... covid. Similar to "My Prayer" 10 Yeas Ago Asking "God" To Send Healers Who Needed Land to Support Their Work In Exchange/Barter For me To Receive The Healing I Needed. Again "I Prayed" HARD & Divine Inspiration Came To me Similar to "Food Being Medicine," that Pachamama, "Mother Earth" is The MOST Potent Healer. I Decided to "Open Up The Land" To Offer To "Others" to Leave Society & Devices Behind. Ground Themselves. FULLY IMMERSING Themselves, Family & Friends in Nature "Maskless." In Order To Breathe Fresh Air. Filling Their Lungs With Life Sustaining Oxygen & Bathe Themselves in Sunshine which Is A PowerFULL Disinfectant, Recharge "Their Souls" & Stimulating Their Third Eye/"Pineal Gland." Helping Others To Re-Boot & BOOST Their Immune Systems. Which is Of The UTMOST IMPORTANCE "Right Now." I Am Lisa Cianci and... I AM Looking Forward To Seeing YOU Here On The Ranch!" Until Then... Take Care. Stay Safe & Well!

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(6)

Beach Whimsical Cottage

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · El Segundo, CA

This is a sweet beach cottage with one or two bedrooms that is close to town and super close to the beach. I offer bikes, Jaccuzzi and parking for a small car. This is the place to rest after camping and waiting to take a flight from LAX or just relax at the beach. This is not a camp spot but a lush garden area with trees, vines and flowers. Also, this is a non smoking property for all types of smoke and no vaping.

The Lodge at Deer Creek

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Malibu, CA

At The Lodge at Deer Creek you'll be nestled between mountains and the pacific ocean. Surround yourself with nature and its music on this 25 acre ocean view property. Grab a surf or paddle board and head to the beach or zen out amongst the greenery. Grocery, restaurants, and retail are a beautiful drive along the coast.

Malibu Beach RV Park

298 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Malibu, CA

Malibu RV is set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. Founded in the 1970s, Malibu RV offers RV Sites, Van Sites and Tent Camping, a communal ambiance, and a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of your travels along the California Coast. Whether you are a digital nomad, a surfer looking to shack up for the night, or an adventurer looking for an extended stay, we would love to have you.

Camp RainDale

6 sites · Tents30 acres · Santa Paula, CA

There is a road that leads to the site when you enter the gate the road runs between the stream and the mountain there are 4 Camps to choose from so far. Many more on the way and you can ask if you would like to camp somewhere else on the property and we can work it out. The site runs along a flowing stream consisting of paths from camp to stream. There are many trees enclosing the entire camping area.

Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Lake Hughes, CA

Run by three generations, our ranch has been in our family for more than 70 years. We opened our doors to the public in 2014 to help support feeding our animals, bred and rescued, after the Powerhouse Fire almost burned us out. We’ve survived a county quarantine(2018-2019), the COVID Lockdowns (2021-2022), the Lake Fire (2020), and the Hurricane Kay burn scar debris flow and flood (9/11/22), depending on hard work and strong family and community bonds. In addition to camping and educational tours, we host private and community events, grow & sell produce and eggs, hatch and sell chicks, rescue ratites, and support the local bee population (which gives us RAW honey to sell), and are working to open a private U-pick-by-appointment orchard. We are all animal lovers, and conservationists, and try to do our part to ensure our children inherit a healthy and viable world. This is our home where we live, work, love, and play. We enjoy sharing our space with visitors who we hope learn about ostrich and make some great memories.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

92%

(224)

Angeles National Forest

La Crescenta Montrose, California

Mountains cascading in the marine layer in the early morning

100%

(11)

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Leo Carrillo State Park

Lake Sherwood, California

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Malibu Lagoon State Beach

Malibu, California

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(62)

Channel Islands National Park

Isla Vista, California

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Point Mugu State Park

Camarillo, California

The sunsets get better with time on this beach!

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(60)

Crystal Cove State Park

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Malibu Creek State Park

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Bolsa Chica State Beach

Huntington Beach, California

Camping near Santa Monica guide

Overview

Ah, big, beautiful, beachfront Santa Monica. West of downtown Los Angeles and 18 miles south of Malibu, this coastal city is home to the iconic pier. It also boasts the equally legendary Muscle Beach. RV campers can explore the coastline of Santa Monica Bay at Dockweiler State Beach RV Park.

For prime tent camping, head north on Pacific Coast Highway to Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu. The large canyon campground has 140 spots for tents and RVs. The beaches are brimming with tidepools and caves begging to be explored. Hit the moderate 5.9-mile Yellow Hill Fire Trail for wildflower and Channel Island viewing.

If you’re headed to Malibu Creek State Park, make sure the campground has reopened. As of May 2019, only the park’s backcountry and day-use areas are open. The Woolsey fire of November 2018 took a tragic toll on parts of this region.

No visit to California’s coast is complete without time spent in the Santa Monica Mountains. Hike, bike, or ride your horse along 500+ miles of public trails crisscrossing the land. Some of the steepest climbs reward with 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean.

Need a challenge? Tackle the 65-mile (one way) Backbone Trail, LA’s premier long-distance trek. You can’t camp on the trail, but it makes a great day hike. The best ocean views are found on the Ray Miller Trail at Point Mugu State Park. Head to Inspiration Point at Will Rogers State Historic Park for easy access and some Hollywood history.