Manhattan Beach, California
The Manhattan Beach Coastal Trail is a must-visit for outdoor adventures. This top-rated trail offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, with a smooth path perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. Along the trail, you'll see the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier, a popular spot for fishing and sightseeing. The trail is moderately challenging, making it suitable for all fitness levels. If you're into birdwatching, the trail is home to various species, adding a unique touch to your hike. For water activities, the nearby Manhattan Beach is ideal for surfing and swimming. For a relaxing day, the Polliwog Park offers beautiful ponds and picnic areas. Explore the best trails and outdoor activities in and near Manhattan Beach for a memorable time.
Top Spots in and near Manhattan Beach
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Agoura Hills, California
Ladyface Peak
4.52.05 mi / 971 ft gainLadyface is a volcanic ridge that juts up over Agoura Hills. It is a short but steep hike up the ridgeline, and it offers amazing views to either side. Sections of the trail are steep and sandy so it can be challenging to maintain your footing. Trekking poles are optional and can help with the de...Read more -
Malibu, California
Surf Zuma Beach
4.8Zuma is a 3 mile stretch of beach in Malibu with a fun beach break and a great place to chill. Zuma is known for being cleaner than other beaches in LA and there are restrooms, food, and parking all up and down the beach. Paid parking on the beach ($8-12) and free parking across the street. Certa...Read more -
Malibu, California
Backbone Trail via Kanan Dume
5.04.47 mi / 1089 ft gainFair warning, it can get very hot in Malibu, especially in the summer or fall. We started at the Kanan Dume Road lot. It fills up quick, both directions offer beautiful hiking, but most people tend to go west, it seems. While that's beautiful, you end on a decent uphill, so if hiking is new or c...Read more -
Malibu, California
Newton & Zuma Canyon Falls
4.32 mi / -600 ft gainThree waterfalls in one short hike?!...I'll take it! That's what you'll get if you make the visit to these falls in the Santa Monica mountains in Malibu. The trailhead starts on Kanan Dume road, which is also where the Backbone trail meets. Park in the designated (free) parking area and take the ...Read more -
Altadena, California
San Gabriel via Sam Merrill and Mount Lowe Trails
17.55 mi / 5614 ft gainSan Gabriel via Sam Merrill and Mount Lowe Trails is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Altadena, California.Read more -
Altadena, California
Eaton Canyon to Idlehour Trail Camp
4.510.99 mi / 3291 ft gainIdlehour is nestled deep in the Angeles National Forest, so it feels like you're in the heart of some untapped wilderness instead of six miles away from a bustling metropolis. The trail camp is accessible by foot through a variety of locations, but the most popular route is through Eaton Canyon, ...Read more -
Pasadena, California
Eaton Canyon Falls via Eaton Canyon Trailhead
4.23.54 mi / 528 ft gainThe hidden forty-foot-tall Eaton Canyon Falls fills an amphitheater at the top of Eaton Canyon Trail, tumbling into a wide pool that you can rest alongside or wade in. Normally the water is waist deep, but during this recent trip, we found the water only to stop at our ankles as it tends to fluct...Read more -
Altadena, California
Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point Loop
4.110.16 mi / 3369 ft gainThe trail switchbacks up the mountain before reaching the first historic marker, in 3 miles. These are the remains of the Mount Lowe Railroad, which brought customers to Echo Mountain Resort, also in ruins, nearby. Explore the historic sites, then head up Castle Canyon Trail. A steep climb will ...Read more -
La Cañada Flintridge, California
Teepee Trail
5.02.55 mi / 1145 ft gainHidden in the small community of La Canada, California, the trailhead is pretty hidden! From the 210, take the exit for Highway 2/Angeles Crest Highway. Head north (towards the mountains) for about a mile. As the highway begins to curve, you will come across a small side-street, Harter Lane. Turn...Read more -
Altadena, California
Millard Falls
3.01.27 mi / 289 ft gainTo get to the trail, park at the Millard Campground Trailhead parking lot, where you'll find plenty of parking. Follow the trail that leads away from the lot and past the Millard Campground. If necessary, you'll find bathrooms at the campground. Follow signs for Millard Falls as the trail veers r...Read more -
Altadena, California
Thalehaha Falls
1.71 mi / 679 ft gainThe trails starts in a foothill neighborhood of Altadena CA at the corner of Pleasantridge Dr. and Rubio Vista Rd. This is one of the better entries into the Angeles National Forest because it is one of the lesser known. Find a place to park on the street and head out on the trail into Rubio Cany...Read more -
Ladera Ranch, California
Huntington Beach Pier
4.6The Huntington Beach Pier is a great spot for a multitude of activities. If you're looking to bodysurf, surf, swim, jog, or just chill, this is the spot for you. There's plenty of a restaurants nearby, making it the perfect weekday/weekend getaway. I frequent this location to shoot sunsets by t...Read more -
San Fernando, California
Pacoima Park Natural Wash Park
0.54 mi / 13 ft gainPacoima Park Natural Wash Park makes for a wonderful & pleasant walk. The entrance to the park is located at the corner of Newton St and 8th St and runs up to Foothill Blvd in San Fernando California. The park is ADA accessible and allows for dogs on leash. There are also picnic tables and dr...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Hike up Chatsworth Park North
1 miFrom the parking lot, make your way through the park until you reach the bottom of a hill filled with huge rocks and boulders. It is very hard to miss.From here, you can pick any trail you wish. They will all lead up to the top. There's a lot of rock scrambling involved, as well as boulder hoppin...Read more -
Malibu, California
El Matador Beach
4.6There's something magical about this strip of beach and it never fails to deliver at sunset. Lined with strange and jagged rock formations/caves, there are endless opportunities for finding unique compositions and new perspectives. Although it's become quite the popular spot for photographers and...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Reseda Point
4.00.2 mi / 30 ft gainFrom the 118 FWY, exit Reseda and head north until you pass by Calle Vista Circle. Once passed, make a U-turn and park on the side of the street. Here you will find the trailhead for the Palisades Trail Hike. To get to the scenic lookout, simply walk up the short trail leading up the hill, and h...Read more
