Hollywood
Updated on Jul 10 2024 12:55pm
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, often heralded as "The Yosemite of Southern California," spans over 8,000 acres of diverse landscapes including tallgrass plains, oak savannahs, and dramatic peaks. Situated just 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a myriad of activities such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. The park's 14-mile Malibu Creek is the main watercourse of the Santa Monica Mountains, culminating at Malibu Lagoon, and is bordered by 15 miles of scenic trails through oak and sycamore woodlands. Known for its cinematic history, Malibu Creek State Park was once owned by 20th Century Fox Studios and has served as a backdrop for iconic films and TV shows including "Planet of the Apes" and "MAS*H." Since opening to the public in 1976, it has continued to captivate visitors with its breathtaking vistas of volcanic rock gorges, scenic pools, and expansive views of Las Virgenes Valley and Malibu Canyon.
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.