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Santa Monica, California

Looking for the best photography 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 Photography Spots in and near Santa Monica

  • San Fernando, California

    Pacoima Park Natural Wash Park

    0.54 mi / 13 ft gain
    Pacoima 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...
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  • Rancho Palos Verdes, California

    Burma Road Trail & Ishibashi Trail Loop

    4.3
    5.09 mi / 1148 ft gain
    Getting There: The easiest way to get to Portuguese Bend Nature Reserve is by following Crenshaw Boulevard up Rancho Palos Verdes to the very end of the street. You can park on either side of the street near Del Cerro Park, which also happens to be a great place for picnics if you want to eat bef...
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  • Rancho Palos Verdes, California

    Pelican Cove

    0.38 mi / 95 ft gain
    Getting There Coming from San Pedro, make a U-turn at the Hawthorne Boulevard stoplight onto Palos Verdes Drive South. From here, you can access the parking lot for Pelican Cove, where you'll get a 120° view of the ocean. It might be tempting to take in the sunset from the car, but you should def...
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  • Rancho Palos Verdes, California

    Terranea Beach Sea Cave

    4.3
    1.63 mi / 210 ft gain
    Head to the Pelican Cove parking lot where there’s plenty of free parking right at the trailhead. From the parking lot, take the Terranea Beach Trail and you will see views of the Point Vicente Lighthouse down the coast to your right. Continue on the trail through the luxury Terranea Resort whic...
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  • Rancho Palos Verdes, California

    Abalone Cove Shoreline Park

    4.3
    Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is a Palos Verdes gem. This 64-acre reserve is a state ecological preserve. There is something for everyone here, whether you want to relax and lay out or be adventurous and swim across channels to get to sea caves. The large parking area is very easy to find and costs...
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  • Pasadena, California

    Lower Arroyo Seco Loop

    4.0
    2.88 mi / 230 ft gain
    Nestled next to the CA-134, this trail presents a relaxing atmosphere while only a 30 minute drive from Downtown Los Angeles and a 5 minute drive from Old Town Pasadena. From bird-watching to archery, this trail provides a peaceful atmosphere with no lapse in beauty. The trail which is around 1....
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  • Pasadena, California

    Central Arroyo Seco Community Recreation Loop

    5.0
    0.66 mi / 36 ft gain
    Beautiful views of the Rose Bowl and surrounding San Gabriel Mountains. A protected .75 mile loop, that offers an easy path, to stroll along. You’ll find convenient water filling stations, clean bathrooms, and a fitness area, along the path. Easy parking all around.
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  • Malibu, California

    El Matador Beach

    4.6
    There'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...
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  • La Cañada Flintridge, California

    Teepee Trail

    5.0
    2.55 mi / 1145 ft gain
    Hidden 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...
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  • Stevenson Ranch, California

    Hike the Towsley Canyon Loop

    4.7
    5.1 mi / 1340 ft gain
    The Towsley Canyon Loop can be done in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise loop. The clockwise path starts with a gradual ascent through Wiley Canyon and steep descent into the Towsley Gorge while a counter-clockwise route starts with a steep climb out of Towsley Canyon and a gradual descent ...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Trail Canyon Falls

    4.0
    4.56 mi / 1017 ft gain
    To get to the trail, take Big Tujunga Canyon Road until you see signs for Trail Canyon Road. The entry point is easy to miss, but keep an eye out for a stop sign and cars parked at the bottom of a dirt path. Drive up the dirt path for direct parking at the trailhead (4x4 is definitely recommended...
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  • Altadena, California

    Millard Falls

    3.0
    1.27 mi / 289 ft gain
    To 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...
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  • Signal Hill, California

    Hilltop Park

    4.7
    Hilltop Park is located in Signal Hill and offers an unmatched panoramic view of the Los Angeles Basin. If you go on a clear day, you may even be lucky enough to see Catalina Island and the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains. This park is the perfect spot for families, dogs, and even dates. T...
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  • Altadena, California

    Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point Loop

    4.1
    10.16 mi / 3369 ft gain
    The 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 ...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Big Tujunga Canyon Lookouts

    1.22 mi / 453 ft gain
    Park at the Condor Peak Trailhead, please note that this trail head is unmarked so keep your eyes peeled on the right side of the turnout for a small single track trail. The trail gradually climbs along the side of the canyon until reaching a 4 way intersection. To your left and to your right wil...
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  • Los Angeles, California

    Cabrillo Beach

    Cabrillo Beach located in San Pedro, California is a great spot to bring the whole family. There are tide pools at the beach as well as the Cabrillo Marin Aquarium where the kiddos can get tours and more information about the sea life they're seeing.  There is a parking lot at the Cabrillo Beach...
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