Monrovia, California

Monrovia, California is home to some of the top trails and outdoor activities. The Monrovia Canyon Park is a must-visit for those looking for a scenic hike. The trail is moderately difficult, passing by a flowing creek, leading up to a beautiful waterfall. The Sawpit Dam trail is another favorite among hikers, with its unique rock formations and views of the San Gabriel Mountains. For a more relaxed outdoor adventure, the Monrovia Historical Museum offers a peaceful garden and a peek into the city's history. Nearby, the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia offers a stunning collection of plant species. These are just a few of the best outdoor attractions in and near Monrovia.

Top Spots in and near Monrovia

  • Lytle Creek, California

    Bonita Falls Trail

    1.53 mi / 486 ft gain
    Bonita Falls is a great Little hike to a 100 foot waterfall not far out of the city. It's a 1.8 mile out-and-back hike that takes just under and hour to complete. The trail is very family, kid, and dog-friendly, but your pup must be on a leash. The hike to the waterfall begins along the creek u...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Murphy's Ranch

    4.8
    3.21 mi / 679 ft gain
    This three-mile out-and-back hike begins at the beginning of a very nice neighborhood in Santa Monica. You will be trekking on a dirt road for about 1.5 miles until you reach some stairs that will be visible on your left-hand side. You will need to descend down those (what seem to be never-ending...
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  • Seal Beach, California

    Sunset Beach

    4.6
    Sunset Beach is located just 9 miles south of Long Beach and 6 miles North of Huntington Beach, CA on the famous Pacific Coast Highway 1. I accessed Sunset Beach from the South on I-405. I took exit 22 for Seal Beach. After the exit I turned a left/west on Seal Beach Blvd and drove for 2.6 miles ...
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  • Santa Clarita, California

    Hike the PCT and Foot Trail Loop through Vasquez Rocks

    5.0
    5.5 mi / 287 ft gain
    The Pacific Crest Trail and foot trail hike is a 5-mile loop with a quick PCT branch-off that leads under the 14 freeway through a long, well-maintained (but very dark) tunnel.  Pull into the well-marked parking lot and stop in the visitor center to take a look at the topographical park model and...
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  • Manhattan Beach, California

    Take a Sunset Surf at Manhattan Beach

    4.4
    Manhattan Beach Pier is a popular spot in the South Bay of Los Angeles for surfers of all levels. With its exposed beach break with consistent surf and more than 300 days of sun per year, you can pretty much always count on good weather in Manhattan Beach so you can surf no matter the season. Ide...
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  • Agua Dulce, California

    Vasquez Rocks

    5.0
    2.42 mi / 367 ft gain
    This is a Natural Park Area located in Santa Clarita, within the Sierra Pelona Mountains. It features amazing diagonal rock formations, created because of the force between two tectonic plates pushing against each other. This place is a photographer's paradise, and every spot in this 900+ acre l...
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  • Santa Monica, California

    Santa Monica Pier, Boardwalk, and Beach Trail

    4.0
    3.33 mi / 20 ft gain
    The Santa Monica Pier, Boardwalk, and Beach Trail in Santa Monica, California, offers a unique blend of coastal and urban hiking. The trail is a flat, paved 3.33-mile loop that is suitable for all skill levels. It starts at the Santa Monica Pier, a historic landmark known for its Ferris wheel and...
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  • Santa Monica, California

    Santa Monica Pier

    4.0
    Unlimited photography options with the ferris wheel, beach, ocean, and sunsets Abundant people watching opportunities  Plenty of ways to get a workout in including swimming, volleyball courts, running, or riding a bike There is a bike and walking path that runs along the coast.  One of my favo...
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  • Huntington Beach, California

    Stand Up Paddle (SUP) in Huntington Harbor

    4.5
    Huntington Harbor is the perfect location for an easy and relaxing stand up paddle board session. Here you will get to enjoy the view of the houses by the harbor, some boats sailing by, and some low bridges you'll have to paddle through while ducking on your board (fun!).There are several stores ...
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  • 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, California

    Backbone Trail via Will Rogers State Park

    5.0
    3.02 mi / 656 ft gain
    You'll make your way up Will Rogers State Park Road, located just minutes from Santa Monica, Brentwood, Westwood, Malibu, Palisades, and much of west Los Angeles. Once on the road, head all the way to the top and you'll dead end into the parking lot. Always worth supporting State Parks with the p...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Inspiration Point Loop Trail

    4.0
    2.36 mi / 486 ft gain
    The Inspiration Point 2.3 mile loop hike in Will Rogers State Park is a family-friendly hike or after-work run near Los Angeles, California. It’s a great dirt trail for all skill levels and features scenic views and beautifully budding wildflowers. You’ll get to escape the city and take in the br...
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  • Santa Monica, California

    Santa Monica Wooden Stairs

    4.0
    0.09 mi / 79 ft gain
    The wooden Santa Monica Stairs are a great way to get in some intense leg burning cardio. There are around 120 steps that are steeper then the Santa Monica Concrete Stairs, which can provide a deep burn on the intended muscles! This place has been a hot spot in the Santa Monica fitness scene for...
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  • Huntington Beach, California

    Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail

    4.5
    2.97 mi / 30 ft gain
    The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail is great for birding and wildlife viewing. If you want a longer hike, you can extend the mileage by heading down the riverbed trail. The trail is open year-round. Dogs are not allowed in Bolsa Chica.  Bolsa Chica State Beach is easily accessible from Oran...
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  • Hermosa Beach, California

    Surf at El Porto

    4.0
    The South Bay of LA has plenty of good surf. Sand bars are back and its fun...watch out for the sharks.
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  • Santa Monica, California

    Santa Monica Concrete Stairs

    3.0
    0.08 mi / 23 ft gain
    The concrete Santa Monica Stairs are a great way to get in some intense leg burning cardio. There are around 170 steps that are wider and easier than the Santa Monica wooden staircase. This place has been a hot spot in the Santa Monica fitness scene for some time so it is also a good place for m...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Reseda Pond Path

    1.0
    0.3 mi / 0 ft gain
    Reseda Pond Path is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Reseda, California
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