Santa Monica, California
Looking for the best chillin in Santa Monica? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Santa Monica. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Chillin Spots in and near Santa Monica
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Los Angeles, California
Mount Hollywood via the Fern Canyon Trail
5.05.02 mi / 1581 ft gainAt 1,625 feet Mt Hollywood is the second highest point in Griffith Park and provides picturesque views of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park Observatory, Downtown Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains. The hike to the Mt Hollywood Summit begins on the northeast side of Griffith Park near the ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Ord & Yale Street Park
4.0Recently opened in 2021, right behind the LA Library in Chinatown, you’ll find this secret gem, tucked away in the corner. Covered picnic tables, with checkerboard game boards in place, and all gender bathrooms with changing tables for the little ones. Two play areas as well as a small climbing w...Read more -
Agoura Hills, California
Malibu Lake Overlook
5.04.12 mi / 741 ft gainTo get to the trail, use the address 27800 Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. This will take you to a dirt pull off right off the Mulholland Highway. At the southern part of the pull off, you'll see a dirt path leading up and away from the road. This is the Cistern Trail Trailhead. You'l...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Watts Towers
3.0Watts Towers are a quick 15-20 minute ride from Downtown Los Angeles on the Metro. Since I love weird, interesting things, plus the towers are in my backyard, I had to take a trip to check them out! When getting off the train, I half expected to see the towers spiraling off in the distance. After...Read more -
Ventura County, California
Hike the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve Trail
8.6 mi / 1851 ft gainThe most popular point of entry is through the Victory Trailhead, which has ample parking. You can park on the street or you can pay $3 to park at the trailhead parking lot. You can also enter at the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Trailhead at the northern end of Las Virgenes Canyon Road in Calabasas....Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Secret Swing in Elysian Park
4.20.16 mi / 72 ft gainFor the most direct directions to the swing, plug in "Swing on top of Elysian Park" into google maps, which will take you directly to the trailhead. If you want to do it the more old fashion way, the swing is on top of a hill at the intersection of Angels Point Drive and Park Row Drive in Elysian...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Cave of Munits
4.51.53 mi / 299 ft gainAre you looking for a hike that offers trail running, scenic views, hiking, and CAVE exploring? This short, but exciting trail leads you on a short 0.8 mile hike to the Cave of Munits. When starting at the main trailhead, El Scorpion Park, take the wide paved dirt road all the way till you get to...Read more -
Malibu, California
Jim Morrison Cave
3.21.2 mi / 600 ft gainNote: Jim Morrison Cave is closed indefinitely. The bright colors of the Jim Morrison Cave are something to not be missed, and is appreciated by people of all ages. The cave also provides a beautiful outlook of the Malibu canyon, Malibu State Park and the Pacific Ocean. There is a ton of rock ho...Read more -
Palos Verdes Estates, California
Bluff Cove
4.40.56 mi / 144 ft gainParking for Bluff Cove is located along the sides of the street of Paseo Del Mar, and the trailhead is located right next to the street. Bluff Cove is one of those unique locations in that there are a variety of activities you can do here. It is a great location for surfing, paddle boarding, bod...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Verdugo's North Ridge Trail
12.7 mi / 2684 ft gainThe Verdugo Mountain Range is a small, rugged range spanning across the northeast end of the San Fernando Valley from Sun Valley to Glendale. With close to 50 miles of graded and well-maintained trails, the Verdugos are surprisingly underutilized and make a great place for someone looking to esca...Read more -
Glendale, California
Brand Library Loop
5.06.56 mi / 2648 ft gainYour adventure will start at the Brand Library parking lot. Walk behind the library towards the gated day use area and you will find the start of the trail on your right, Las Flores MTWY. The first half-mile rises over 500 feet to a plateau, equipped with benches, a park map and views of Griffit...Read more -
Burbank, California
Vital Link Trail
4.03.72 mi / 1775 ft gainFrom I-5, take the Burbank Blvd exit. Drive north on Burbank Blvd. and take a right on N 3rd. Left on E Harvard. Right on Wildwood Canyon after 1.5 miles. There are a few ways you can begin your hike: from the parking lot, the entrance will be to the left past the gate. Here you were have a stee...Read more -
Burbank, California
Old Youth Camp Loop
2.59 mi / 732 ft gainThe Old Youth Camp Loop is a 2.6-mile loop with over 700 feet of elevation gain that can be ran, hiked, or even mountain biked if you prefer. While not completely empty the area receives very little visitors and is a great place to enjoy a little more solitude than near by hiking locations. The l...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
City View and Walnut Forest Trails Loop
4.02.59 mi / 568 ft gainThe City View and Walnut Forest Trails in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park are just outside of downtown Los Angeles, and are perfect for all abilities. The trails are most commonly used by dog walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers and families. The top of the hike features a unique pond. Dogs are a...Read more -
Glendale, California
Nibley Park
5.0Nibley Park is a small and secluded park with lots of trees and green area. There are a number of picnic tables and a restroom, that is ADA compliant. The playground is small but two separate play areas that are marked for their specific ages for young kids to have fun. There is also a half court...Read more -
Malibu, California
Point Dume
4.80.95 mi / 141 ft gainFrom the parking lot, make your way towards Point Dume. You will find the entrance to the trail at the end of the lot. The trail is a bit sandy, but fairly easy. Be careful of the cactus plants along the trail! Make your way up towards the cliff and you'll notice ropes hanging on the edge. Don't...Read more