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Santa Paula, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Santa Paula, California offer a variety of top outdoor adventures. The Santa Paula Canyon Trail is a must-visit, known for its scenic beauty. It's a moderate difficulty hike with a stunning waterfall and natural rock slide at the end. This trail also features the Punch Bowls, unique rock formations that are a highlight of the hike. For a more relaxed activity, the Santa Paula Creek offers excellent fishing spots. The creek is home to a variety of fish species and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Nearby, the Los Padres National Forest offers numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking. Its diverse landscape includes towering mountains, deep canyons, and vast wilderness areas, making it a top choice for outdoor activities. For a unique attraction, the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula gives a glimpse into the history of flight with its outdoor displays. It's a must-visit for any history buff. These are just a few examples of the best

Top Spots in and near Santa Paula

  • Malibu, California

    La Jolla Valley Walk-In Camps

    5.0
    10.58 mi / 2146 ft gain
    Hello Friends! I just took a really chill overnight backpacking trip to the La Jolla Valley Backcountry campsite and I’m going to give you some details so you can have as nice of an outing as I did! The trailhead is conveniently just off of the Pacific Coast Highway, across the street from the T...
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  • Malibu, California

    La Jolla Canyon Falls

    1.75 mi / 449 ft gain
    ...I think out of all the State Parks in the Santa Monica Mountains, Point Mugu State Park is without a doubt the best one. Maybe it has something to do with its proximity to the beach, or the endless trails and epic views, but the energy and diversity here is just so much more wild. With the par...
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  • Malibu, California

    Camp at Thornhill Broome State Beach

    5.0
    Take PCH through Malibu towards Oxnard and the campground will be on your left. There is no day use here and you can drive right to your campsite.During the summer, make reservations or arrive really early to nab a site. Spaces can fill up quickly.There is access to a hiking trail across PCH.
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  • Malibu, California

    Camp at Point Mugu State Park's Thornhill Broome Campground

    5.0
    Beach camping in California seems elusive these days, but we were able to pitch our tent just feet from the surf! We stayed for two nights and felt like we had our own private stretch of beach. First, you'll want to make reservations at www.reserveamerica.com. It was fairly easy to reserve a spot...
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  • Malibu, California

    Scenic Trail

    4.0
    1.53 mi / 322 ft gain
    The trailhead is located in the day use area of Point Mugu State Park.  Park in the day use area parking lot. There is a parking fee of $12/day or $3/hr.   From the parking lot, walk through the campground until you reach the old service road.  After passing through the gate, turn left at the si...
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  • Oak Park, California

    China Flat Trail to Simi Peak

    5.0
    5.03 mi / 1398 ft gain
    From the trailhead, simply follow the trail headed up the mountain. The first 2 miles is the hardest part of the hike, because of the steep ascent.  Continue on until you hit a junction. Turn left, and you will eventually see an old rusty gate, and a sign which says "China Flat Trail". You will ...
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  • Malibu, California

    Camp at Point Mugu's Sycamore Canyon Campground

    The beach at Point Mugu State Park is just far away enough from the bustling town of Malibu and its popular beaches to feel like you are still secluded with nature. A great way to be close to the beach at Point Mugu State Park and access it easily whenever you want would be to camp at the Sycamor...
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  • 9000 Pacific Coast Highway, California

    Cookout at Sycamore Cove Beach

    If you ever wanted to see dolphins and seals playing and feeding in the surf while getting ready to barbecue, this is the spot for it. Whether you want some summer rays or some of our wicked wacky winter weather, Sycamore Cove will deliver. Usually isolated enough to keep large crowds away, this ...
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  • Maricopa, California

    Potrero John Trail

    5.0
    3.51 mi / 627 ft gain
    The Potrero John Trail is only 1.75 miles one-way, and is mostly used for hiking. It is right off Highway 33- driving north on the 33, the trailhead is on the right side of the street, right after the Potrero John Bridge (parking is fairly limited so the earlier you get there the better). There ...
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  • Ojai, California

    Matilija Falls

    5.0
    8.6 mi / 0 ft gain
    Note: This trail is temporarily closed. For more updates, please visit the Forest Service website for more updates.  ...If you've read most of my blogs, you'll probably notice I have a fascination for waterfalls! I've done this hike multiple times, but it wasn't until this day where I saw these ...
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  • Ojai, California

    Camp at Rose Valley

    5.0
    Close to Ventura and Ojai, California, this spot is an easy weekend getaway from the hectic coast of Ventura. Follow Highway 33 east toward Ojai. This road will lead into the Los Padres National Forest and become very curved and sleep as it gets closer to Rose Valley. The sign for the Park with b...
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  • Malibu, California

    Leo Carillo State Beach

    4.5
    Leo Carrillo State Park has 1.5 miles of two sandy beach areas, tide pools, and numerous coves and sea caves. This year-round paradise offers privacy and ocean access for anglers, divers, surfers, wildlife watchers, beachcombers, and campers. If you're headed here for day-use, there are also tide...
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  • Malibu, California

    Reservoir Trail to East Meadow Trail Loop

    2.3 mi / 334 ft gain
    Reservoir Trail to East Meadow Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Malibu, California
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  • Malibu, California

    Ocean Overlook Loop Trail

    4.0
    2.7 mi / 397 ft gain
    Ocean Overlook Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Malibu, California.
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  • Agoura Hills, California

    Ladyface Peak

    4.5
    2.05 mi / 971 ft gain
    Ladyface is a volcanic ridge that juts up over Agoura Hills. It is a short but steep hike up the ridgeline, and it offers amazing views to either side. Sections of the trail are steep and sandy so it can be challenging to maintain your footing. Trekking poles are optional and can help with the de...
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  • Malibu, California

    Newton & Zuma Canyon Falls

    4.3
    2 mi / -600 ft gain
    Three waterfalls in one short hike?!...I'll take it! That's what you'll get if you make the visit to these falls in the Santa Monica mountains in Malibu. The trailhead starts on Kanan Dume road, which is also where the Backbone trail meets. Park in the designated (free) parking area and take the ...
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