Hollywood
Updated on Apr 27 2024 5:23am
From the stunning vistas of Malibu Creek State Park to the sandy beaches of Leo Carrillo State Park, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Hikers can take advantage of the miles of trails available, while beachgoers can swim, surf, and explore the tide pools. Visitors are encouraged to join in the effort to preserve and protect these magnificent parks while enjoying the many recreational opportunities they provide. Whether hiking, biking, kayaking, or camping, Malibu State Parks are a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the natural beauty of Southern California.
Leo Carrillo State Park is a beautiful park located in Malibu, California. It is a stunning area of parkland situated along the Malibu coast and is a component of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The park covers a total of 2,513 acres of land, with 1.5 miles of stunning beach available for visitors to explore. Along with the beach, the parkland extends into the Santa Monica Mountains, where visitors can take advantage of several hiking trails, including the backcountry hiking trails, and explore the inland area of the park.
The park's beach area is a popular destination for many visitors who love to swim, surf, windsurf, and surf fish. In addition, beachcombers can enjoy exploring the tide pools, sea caves, and reefs that are located within the park. Visitors can also enjoy camping in the park's campground and take in the natural beauty of the Malibu coast.
Malibu Creek State Park is a true recreational gem, boasting over 8,000 acres of stunning natural beauty, including rolling tallgrass plains, oak savannahs, and dramatic peaks. The park's terrain has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including MAS*H, which still draws visitors from around the world to the outdoor set of the program. The park's trails provide something for everyone, from easy routes through the valleys to challenging trails that climb the walls of those valleys. Mountain bikers will enjoy the plentiful steep terrain, especially on Bulldog Road and Mesa Peak Motorway, while kayakers can take to the state park's lake, Century Lake.
Hiking through the park's 15 miles of streamside trail will take visitors through oak and sycamore woodlands and chaparral-covered slopes, where they can witness the stunning beauty of the canyon vistas and rolling hills of tallgrass. For those seeking a challenge, the park's Bulldog Road provides a long, steep climb with a 1,700-foot elevation gain over 3.4 miles, while the Mesa Peak Motorway offers a dramatic 2.5-mile climb along the wall of Malibu Canyon. For a more relaxed experience, visitors can paddle Century Lake or camp at the park's campground, which provides 62 tent campsites, flush toilets, solar-heated showers, and four RV campsites.
The park's stunning terrain has changed very little since the Chumash settled in the area 5,000 to 10,000 years ago, and it is now home to abundant wildlife that thrives in the habitat the park strives to keep safe. Visitors are encouraged to join in the effort to preserve and protect the magnificent park while enjoying its many recreational opportunities. Whether hiking, biking, kayaking, or camping, Malibu Creek State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the natural beauty of Southern California.
Point Mugu State Park is a natural paradise nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains. It spans 14,000 acres of secluded land and offers a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The park's main attraction is its five miles of ocean shoreline, which features sandy beaches, rocky bluffs, and sand dunes. Visitors can indulge in various activities such as swimming, body surfing, and surf fishing. The park also boasts two major river canyons, grassy valleys dotted with sycamores and oaks, and the occasional native walnut tree.
With over 70 miles of hiking trails, Point Mugu State Park is a hiker's dream destination. The park offers trails suitable for hikers of all experience levels, and some of the most popular trails include the Grotto Trail, Mugu Peak Trail, and Scenic and Overlook Trails Loop. Visitors can also enjoy camping at the park's two campgrounds, Thornhill Broome and Sycamore Canyon, or witness migrating whales during late winter and spring.
The park is home to the Boney Mountain State Wilderness Area, which features jagged pinnacles visible from many areas of the park. The western edge of the park adjoins Mugu Lagoon, a protected area within Naval Air Station Point Mugu. Point Mugu State Park is easily accessible through its main entrance and campground located on Pacific Coast Hwy, 4 miles west of the Ventura County line.