Culver City, California

Culver City, California, is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. A must-visit is the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, a challenging trail with a rewarding panoramic view of Los Angeles at the summit. Not far from the city center, the Ballona Creek Bike Path offers a smooth ride along the water, perfect for cycling or a leisurely walk. The Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is another top choice, with its diverse landscapes of grasslands, woodlands, and a man-made lake. For a more laid back outdoor adventure, consider a picnic at the Culver City Park. These scenic spots provide a variety of outdoor activities that make Culver City a great destination for those seeking physical activity and relaxation.

Top Spots in and near Culver City

  • Azusa, California

    Smith Mountain Trail

    6.69 mi / 3189 ft gain
    Smith Mountain Trail is an awesome day hike located near Glendora, California. This out-and-back trail offers great views of the Los Angeles National Forest and the potential for continuation to Bear Creek for even more variety of scenery. Smith Mountain is a moderately strenuous hike with an el...
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  • Malibu, California

    Camp at Thornhill Broome State Beach

    5.0
    Take PCH through Malibu towards Oxnard and the campground will be on your left. There is no day use here and you can drive right to your campsite.During the summer, make reservations or arrive really early to nab a site. Spaces can fill up quickly.There is access to a hiking trail across PCH.
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  • Malibu, California

    Camp at Point Mugu State Park's Thornhill Broome Campground

    5.0
    Beach camping in California seems elusive these days, but we were able to pitch our tent just feet from the surf! We stayed for two nights and felt like we had our own private stretch of beach. First, you'll want to make reservations at www.reserveamerica.com. It was fairly easy to reserve a spot...
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  • Malibu, California

    La Jolla Canyon Falls

    1.75 mi / 449 ft gain
    ...I think out of all the State Parks in the Santa Monica Mountains, Point Mugu State Park is without a doubt the best one. Maybe it has something to do with its proximity to the beach, or the endless trails and epic views, but the energy and diversity here is just so much more wild. With the par...
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  • Santa Clarita, California

    Hike to Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument

    3.2 mi / 153 ft gain
    The Saint Francis Dam Disaster National Monument, established in 2019, memorializes the site where the Saint Francis Dam, built by famed engineer William Mulholland, collapsed in 1929, tragically killing more than 400 people in the middle of the night as a 150+ foot wave of water crashed through ...
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  • Azusa, California

    Lewis Falls

    1 mi / 732 ft gain
    Located deep in the Angeles National Forest above Azusa, this short but at times challenging hike rewards you with a beautiful fifty-foot waterfall. The base of the waterfall is only a foot at its deepest, so I wouldn't rush to bring a bathing suit with you. Protected by the heavy forestry around...
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  • Malibu, California

    Hike Point Mugu Peak

    4.5
    2 mi / 1250 ft gain
    Point Mugu State Park offers some amazing rolling mountains, sweeping meadows of tall grass, and beautiful coastal views. I suggest going in the spring. I recently went, and the wildflowers were blooming everywhere. There are campgrounds available in different parts of the park that you can make ...
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  • Malibu, California

    Hike Mugu Peak Loop via Chumash Trail

    5.0
    6.5 mi / 1255 ft gain
    From the parking lot at the trailhead, follow the steep trail going up the mountain. This part is quite challenging, so I recommend stretching out your legs before starting the hike. Once you reach the top, you will see your first junction. Go right if you want to go straight for the peak, and th...
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  • La Verne, California

    Cattle Canyon Trail

    6.7 mi / 1066 ft gain
    Within the San Gabriel Mountains from Highway 39 and along East Fork Road is Cattle Canyon. To go through Cattle Canyon, you can access the trail head just south of the Bridge to Nowhere trail head along East Fork Road right after it intersects with Glendora Mountain Road. There is a small parkin...
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  • Anaheim, California

    Oak Canyon Bluebird and Wren Trail

    1.42 mi / 187 ft gain
    The Oak Canyon Bluebird and Wren Trail features beautiful wildflowers and is accessible year-round. The trail is well kept and offers lots of shady spots. The first portion of this hike will take you up a hill, and then to a fork. One direction will take you around a reservoir and another will ta...
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  • Avalon, California

    Camp at Parsons Landing

    5.0
    7 mi / 0 ft gain
    The distance can vary depending on where you start. It is a 2.5 mile hike from Emerald Bay or 7 mile hike from Two Harbors or you can kayak in. There are 8 primitive campsites (6 people/ site) which means there is no running water, no supplies...you must pack in everything. The campsites are spre...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Mt. Williamson via Islip Saddle

    4.16 mi / 1519 ft gain
    The trailhead is immediately off of Angeles Crest Highway CA-2 at Islip Saddle.  It's just a touch over 2 miles to reach the summit, through which you'll be hiking among the pine tree forest practically the entire way up (part of this trail doubles as the Pacific Crest Trail).  The summit is larg...
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  • La Verne, California

    Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Trail

    4.5
    9.65 mi / 1798 ft gain
    The trail on this 10-mile hike is predominately slow and steady, but can be a little rocky, so be prepared to scramble. When you’re fording the river, the water level can range from knee to chest high, especially in the wet months. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots is helpful, but water shoe...
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  • Newport Beach, California

    Newport Pier

    4.9
    Newport Pier is located just south of Huntington Beach at the center of the Balboa Peninsula. Balboa Pier, the more crowded pier of Newport Beach, is nearby to the south. Thanks to the awesome weather of Southern California, there’s no reason this beach can’t be enjoyed all year long, which means...
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  • Azusa, California

    Little Jimmy Trail Camp

    4.3
    3.36 mi / 607 ft gain
    Take Hwy 2 out of La Canada north along Angeles Crest Highway. Follow this for quite some time enjoying the fine views in all directions. After traveling through two consecutive tunnels continue to the Islip Saddle parking lot (on left). There will be a vault toilet & a picnic table. Display ...
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  • Newport Beach, California

    Newport Beach Back Bay Trail

    4.0
    10.62 mi / 499 ft gain
    The Newport Beach Back Bay Trail features beautiful wildflowers and is open for use year round. Very minimal elevation gain makes this hike food for all skill levels, but be mindful of the distance. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash.  Cooling sea breezes make this one of th...
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