Places To Go

You may have noticed that Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area doesn’t look like most national parks. Think of this place as a patchwork of many small parks, with lots of partners committed to protecting these mountains and beaches for the public to enjoy. Regardless of park boundaries, there are opportunities for recreation, exploration, relaxation, and inspiration for everyone. Not sure where to go first? Stop by one of our visitor centers or check out the Things to Do section of our website to find an activity that meets your interest.

Need more information where trails are, how to get there, and if you can take your dog, bike, or horse? Visit Trails.LACounty.gov for detailed information on trails throughout Los Angeles County.

Hike to Balanced Rock along the Mishe Mokwa Trail, located near Circle X.

National Park Service

• Arroyo Sequit
• Cheeseboro and Palo Camado Canyons
• Circle X Ranch
• Franklin Canyon Park
• King Gillette Ranch
• Paramount Ranch
• Peter Strauss Ranch
• Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa
• Rocky Oaks
• Solstice Canyon
• Visitor Center (Interagency)
• Zuma and Trancas Canyons

Drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to Mugu Rock, part of Point Mugu State Park.

California State Parks

• Malibu Creek State Park
• Leo Carrillo State Park
• Point Dume State Reserve
• Point Mugu State Park
• R. H. Meyer Memorial State Beaches
• Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
• Malibu Lagoon State Beach
• Topanga State Park
• Will Rogers State Historic Park

Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority

• Corral Canyon Park
• Franklin Canyon Park
• LA River Center & Gardens
• Malibu Bluffs Open Space
• Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park
• San Vicente Mountain Park
• Temescal Gateway Park
• Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve

City of Los Angeles

• Griffith Park
• Runyon Canyon Park
• Zuma Beach County Park