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

  • Los Angeles, California

    Mount Hollywood via the Fern Canyon Trail

    5.0
    5.02 mi / 1581 ft gain
    At 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 ...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Ord & Yale Street Park

    4.0
    Recently 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...
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  • Agoura Hills, California

    Malibu Lake Overlook

    5.0
    4.12 mi / 741 ft gain
    To 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...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Watts Towers

    3.0
    Watts 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...
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  • Ventura County, California

    Hike the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve Trail

    8.6 mi / 1851 ft gain
    The 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....
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Secret Swing in Elysian Park

    4.2
    0.16 mi / 72 ft gain
    For 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...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Cave of Munits

    4.5
    1.53 mi / 299 ft gain
    Are 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...
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  • Malibu, California

    Jim Morrison Cave

    3.2
    1.2 mi / 600 ft gain
    Note: 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...
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  • Palos Verdes Estates, California

    Bluff Cove

    4.4
    0.56 mi / 144 ft gain
    Parking 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...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Verdugo's North Ridge Trail

    12.7 mi / 2684 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Glendale, California

    Brand Library Loop

    5.0
    6.56 mi / 2648 ft gain
    Your 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...
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  • Burbank, California

    Vital Link Trail

    4.0
    3.72 mi / 1775 ft gain
    From 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...
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  • Burbank, California

    Old Youth Camp Loop

    2.59 mi / 732 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    City View and Walnut Forest Trails Loop

    4.0
    2.59 mi / 568 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Glendale, California

    Nibley Park

    5.0
    Nibley 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...
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  • Malibu, California

    Point Dume

    4.8
    0.95 mi / 141 ft gain
    From 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...
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