Santa Monica, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Santa Monica, California offer a variety of top outdoor adventures. The Temescal Canyon Loop is a must-visit with its 2.6-mile trail that offers stunning ocean views and a scenic waterfall. For a more challenging hike, the Los Liones Trail is a 7.3-mile trail that takes you through lush greenery and offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The Santa Monica Beach bike path is a 22-mile long flat trail perfect for cycling, running, and walking. If you're into bird watching, the Ballona Wetlands is a great spot. For rock climbing, head to Point Dume in nearby Malibu. Remember to respect the outdoors and leave no trace behind. Enjoy your outdoor adventures in Santa Monica!
Top Spots in and near Santa Monica
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Los Angeles, California
Descanso Steps
4.00.1 mi / 20 ft gainThe steps are a series of stairways you will find throughout Silver Lake and neighboring areas. They facilitated people from the neighborhood in getting to the “red” streetcars, that used to run throughout the city. Cool relics of a mostly-forgotten past. These particular steps take you down from...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Hoover Walk
4.0In 2009, the people that lived in the neighborhood, close to the stairs, wanted to find a way to fight the graffiti that was being put on the structures and stairs themselves. Artist Ricardo Mendoza was commissioned to paint a giant mural that would cover most of the concrete walls that surround ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Micheltorena Stairs
3.00.19 mi / 75 ft gainI preferred the steps, before anything was painted on them. Whoever thought it would be a great idea to do that was wrong. No upkeep and these stairs have been heavily vandalized. The steps are a series of stairways you will find throughout Silver Lake and neighboring areas. They facilitated peo...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Piano Mural Staircase aka “Murray Staircase”
5.00.08 mi / 69 ft gainThe “Piano Stairs” is a stair mural in Silver Lake neighborhood section of LA. Not to be confused with the “Music Box” staircase that is close by. These 90 steps were painted to look like the piano keyboard by the artist Carrey. Great for a cardio workout and not as creepy as some of the stairs h...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Landa St Stairs (Esther's Steps)
5.00.18 mi / 138 ft gainOne of the hidden gems of the neighborhood, a beloved local named Esther Aagaard Tapebland walked these steps everyday, for 50 years in Silver Lake. Fountain Ave becomes Landa St. Park on Griffith Park Ave and hike your way up the steep driveway. Amazing views of Hollywood, the Hollywood Sign, th...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Glendale Peak via Henry's Trail
4.02.07 mi / 915 ft gainGlendale Peak is often passed over by people hiking to Mt. Hollywood, and while it is not as high as its neighbor summit, it boasts arguably better views that you will enjoy all to yourself. While not really a full hiking trail and more of a small detour, Henry's Trail is worth the small uphill c...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Vista Hermosa Natural Park
4.20.58 mi / 36 ft gainVista Hermosa Natural Park is part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Located in the western gateway to Downtown Los Angeles, it’s very easy to drive by this hidden gem if you’re not looking for it. This park is the perfect mix of ur...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Echo Park Lake
3.00.98 mi / 0 ft gainEcho Park Lake in Los Angeles has a loop that is about 1 mile around. It’s a pretty busy park, that has ducks and geese everywhere. Beautiful lotus blossoms and iris flowers in the lake. Generally flat and one tiny incline that can easily be avoided. You can also rent swan paddleboats that light ...Read more -
Agoura Hills, California
Camp at Malibu Creek State Park
5.0Malibu Creek State Park boasts over 8,000 acres of oak woodlands, grassy hills, dramatic peaks and serene meadows. It's an outdoor lover's paradise and only a short drive north from most of Los Angeles. Before it was a park, the land was owned by 20th Century Fox Studios and used in productions...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Silver Lake Reservoir Trail
3.02.18 mi / 79 ft gainSilver Lake Reservoir Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. This urban escape is used by people running, walking, and birding. The trail is stroller-friendly, so you may see parents along the trail with their younger fam...Read more -
Agoura Hills, California
Malibu Creek Rock Pool
3.92.04 mi / 105 ft gainThe trail starts out from the main parking lot past the ranger station at Malibu Creek State Park. Begin hiking west on Crags Road, a well maintained trail that meanders along the creek. As you walk, you'll pass under large oak trees and enjoy expansive views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Aft...Read more -
Agoura Hills, California
Rock Climbing in Malibu Creek
A great day trip! Referred to by many as the "Yosemite of Southern California," Malibu Creek offers a huge selection of bolted sport routes on generously pocketed volcanic rock. This is the perfect place to bring a first time climber or even your most seasoned climbing buddies. Routes range from ...Read more -
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
Mattachine Steps
5.00.09 mi / 52 ft gainThe Mattachine Steps, also known as the Cove Avenue stairway, is dedicated to the Mattachine Society (The name was taken from a medieval French secret society that set out to right wrongs.) in 2012 in memory of Harry Hay, who cofounded the gay rights group. Right along this stairway is a small ho...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop
4.02.52 mi / 666 ft gainThe Griffith Park Old Zoo Loop is a 2.52-mile moderately trafficked loop trail located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. Due to its length and minimal elevation gain of ~670 feet, the hike is open to all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, hiking, and trail running, The Griffith P...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Beacon Hill via Coolidge Trail
5.02.84 mi / 587 ft gainThe starting point for your run is at the Griffith Park Southern Railroad. From the parking lot walk east crossing Crystal Springs Drive and find the Coolidge Hiking Trail. Begin running up Coolidge Trail toward Upper Beacon Trail making sure to stay straight at the first intersection (0.2 miles)...Read more
