Emma Wood State Beach, California
Emma Wood State Beach in California is a top destination for outdoor adventures. The best trails and outdoor activities include the Ventura River Estuary Trail, a must-visit for hikers. This 1.5-mile trail offers scenic views of the Ventura River, the Pacific Ocean, and diverse bird species. The trail is flat and easy, making it suitable for all fitness levels. For those interested in fishing, the beach provides opportunities to catch perch, bass, and corbina. The beach is also a popular spot for surfing and swimming. Nearby, the Channel Islands National Park offers boat tours, wildlife viewing, and camping. Don't forget to check out the historical WWII artillery emplacements for a dose of history. For a mix of nature, history, and outdoor fun, Emma Wood State Beach is a must-visit.
Top Spots in and near Emma Wood State Beach
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Ventura, California
Potato Harbor Trail
5.04.34 mi / 404 ft gainAs California’s largest island, Santa Cruz Island of the Channel Islands is the perfect little getaway from Los Angeles. Getting to the island is possible only by a one hour boat ride through Island Packers, click here to find out more about them. Be sure to pack light since you’ll be carrying ev...Read more -
Ventura, California
Smuggler's Cove
3.57.72 mi / 1342 ft gainSave one stretch of elevation close to the cove itself, this 8-mile, round-trip hike is a leisuring trek across one of the countries most beautiful, though less famous National Parks - the Channel Islands. Smuggler's Cove is located on the Santa Cruz Island, which also happens to be the largest i...Read more -
Malibu, California
Hike Point Mugu Peak
4.52 mi / 1250 ft gainPoint 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 ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Hike Mugu Peak Loop via Chumash Trail
5.06.5 mi / 1255 ft gainFrom 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...Read more -
Ojai, California
Piedra Blanca Formations
5.05.41 mi / 860 ft gainThese white sandstone formations, splitting out of the forest, are a worthwhile sight as you climb up to gain a great vantage point of the valley. Spend some time exploring the rocks - the nooks & crannies are full of surprises. You can turn this into an overnighter by staying at the campgrou...Read more -
Ojai, California
Willett Hot Springs via Sespe River Trail
20.08 mi / 2598 ft gainPark at the Lions Camp parking lot. Adventure Passes aren't technically "required" but it never hurts to have one. You can stop at the Forest Service in Ojai (1190 E. Ojai Ave) or stop at the Wheeler Gorge Station on your way up to buy one for $5 for a night. The trail begins at the far side of t...Read more -
Montecito, California
Cold Spring Trail Loop
5.02.67 mi / 883 ft gainCold Spring Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Santa Barbara, California.Read more -
Montecito, California
Tangerine Falls
4.51.15 mi / 886 ft gainThis waterfall can be fairly dry during the year, so keep your eyes out for a recent rainstorm to get things going. When you start the hike on East Folk Trail, at 0.25 miles, cross over the creek and join West Fork Trail. A little over another half mile, West Fork starts to head uphill, but you c...Read more -
Montecito, California
West Fork of Cold Spring Trail
3.45 mi / 1135 ft gainIf you love the mountains above Santa Barbara but hate the crowds, stick to the canyon trails on the east side. The trails running up Cold Spring canyon offer a variety of experiences without all the noise. To find the West Fork of Cold Spring Trail, take the Olive Mill Rd. exit from the 101 fre...Read more -
Malibu, California
La Jolla Valley Walk-In Camps
5.010.58 mi / 2146 ft gainHello Friends! I just took a really chill overnight backpacking trip to the La Jolla Valley Backcountry campsite and I’m going to give you some details so you can have as nice of an outing as I did! The trailhead is conveniently just off of the Pacific Coast Highway, across the street from the T...Read more -
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...Read more -
Malibu, California
Camp at Thornhill Broome State Beach
5.0Take 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.Read more -
Malibu, California
Camp at Point Mugu State Park's Thornhill Broome Campground
5.0Beach 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...Read more -
Ventura County, California
Sycamore Canyon Falls
3.3 mi / 545 ft gain...When arriving in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, take the drive and park at Sycamore Canyon parking lot. Parking is free and also offers restrooms and some history about the park. Follow the trailhead South until you come to the Satwiwa Culture Center on your left and a dome-like...Read more -
Newbury Park, California
Boney Peak
4.012.04 mi / 3025 ft gainThe hike begins at the parking lot for Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park, CA just outside LA. Pull into the parking lot and walk on the dirt road until you see the trail for Boney Peak. It is easy to find because the peak can be seen from the beginning of the trail. The trail is generally an in...Read more -
Maricopa, California
Camp and Boulder at Pine Mountain
Pine Mountain is closed intermittently for the winter season due to snowfall, usually from November through February. Outside of those months, take the Highway 33 north out of Ojai, heading north for about an hour and a half. You’ll see a large turnout as well as a sign reading “Pine Mt Road” on ...Read more
