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
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Los Angeles, California
Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden
Explore the beauty of nature at the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden in Los Angeles. Nestled within the UCLA campus, this enchanting garden showcases a diverse collection of plants from around the world. Wander through lush landscapes, serene ponds, and peaceful trails, perfect for nature lo...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Binocular Building
Frank Gehry's "Giant Binoculars" is a striking sculpture located in Venice, California. Designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry in collaboration with artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, this oversized artwork stands as a whimsical and surreal landmark. The sculpture itself res...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Verdugo Mountain Traverse
5.012.13 mi / 0 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 -
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 -
Ventura, California
Prisoner's Cove to Scorpion Anchorage
5.013.19 mi / 2474 ft gainTo get to Santa Cruz Island you will need to book a ferry with Island Packers. On their website, you can only book roundtrip tickets in and out of the same location so for this trip you will need to call and book a ferry into Prisoner's Harbor and out of Scorpion Anchorage. You can call them at (...Read more -
Ventura, California
Chinese Harbor via Prisoners Harbor
14.11 mi / 2703 ft gainThe hike to Chinese Harbor is a 14-mile out-and-back hike from Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island or a much more manageable 8-mile out-and-back hike from Del Norte backcountry campground. If you are spending the day on the island courtesy of Island Packers, a trek to Chinese Harbor might be di...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Venice Canals
4.32.77 mi / 30 ft gainThe canals are a fun and quiet place to relax away from the hectic Venice boardwalk. Take a stroll through the canals or even get in a run! The reflections in the water are the main attraction and are great for photography. Spring, after some rain, is the best time to go as the water levels are g...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Kayak the Marina Del Rey Harbor
5.0The Marina Del Rey harbor covers 1.5 square miles making it the world’s largest small-craft harbor. Located southwest of Los Angeles, it is the homeport to nearly 6,500 local boats, ranging from small fishing boats, large private yachts, and even a multitude of unique houseboats. The harbor is ea...Read more -
Agua Dulce, California
Vasquez Rocks
5.02.42 mi / 367 ft gainThis is a Natural Park Area located in Santa Clarita, within the Sierra Pelona Mountains. It features amazing diagonal rock formations, created because of the force between two tectonic plates pushing against each other. This place is a photographer's paradise, and every spot in this 900+ acre l...Read more -
Santa Clarita, California
Hike the PCT and Foot Trail Loop through Vasquez Rocks
5.05.5 mi / 287 ft gainThe Pacific Crest Trail and foot trail hike is a 5-mile loop with a quick PCT branch-off that leads under the 14 freeway through a long, well-maintained (but very dark) tunnel. Pull into the well-marked parking lot and stop in the visitor center to take a look at the topographical park model and...Read more -
Santa Barbara, California
Hike to Knapp's Castle
4.20.8 miOne of the many hidden gems near Santa Barbara, Knapp's Castle is an abandoned home built in 1916 by George Knapp. Finding the trailhead can be difficult because it's not clearly marked and the road it's starts from is long, winding and narrow. Coming from the 154, turn right on East Camino Cielo...Read more -
Marina del Rey, California
Ballona Lagoon
5.01.8 mi / 95 ft gainSuch a relaxing and beautiful stroll in the Marina Del Rey/Venice area! Park in Marina Del Rey #13 lot (4601 Vía Marina, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292). Don't forget to pay the meter! The rate as of 2021 is $0.50/15mins, or $6 for 24hrs on weekdays, and $8 for 24hrs on weekends. Once parked, walk ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Cahuenga Peak via Burbank Peak Trail
2.23 mi / 719 ft gainCahuenga Peak via Burbank Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Los Angeles, California.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Cahuenga Peak Loop Trail
3.88 mi / 1237 ft gainThe Cahuenga Peak Loop is perfect for trail runners and hikers. The trailhead is in Hollywood Hills - park off to the side on a street. This trail features beautiful wildflowers in the spring. Dogs are allowed on the trail if kept on leash. The trail can be dusty and dirty, so watch your step. Ke...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
Runyon Canyon Loop
3.32.67 mi / 728 ft gainLocated in the Hollywood Hills, Runyon is an iconic workout run/ hike that can give you great views all the way to the ocean. There are a few different loop trails/ hikes you can take ranging from ~1.5mi to 3.25mi all with a decent amount of elevation gain. Also, remember this is Hollywood, so yo...Read more
