Ventura County, California
Ventura County, California, is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. One of the top scenic hikes is the Arroyo Verde Park Trail. This 6.7-mile loop offers a moderate challenge, perfect for a day of outdoor adventure. Hikers will encounter rolling hills, oak groves, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Another must-visit is the Santa Clara River Reserve, where you can enjoy bird-watching and fishing in the expansive river. For rock climbing enthusiasts, the Sespe Gorge is a must-visit. Its unique rock formations provide a challenging climb with rewarding views of the surrounding landscape. Nearby, the Channel Islands National Park offers kayaking and snorkeling opportunities, allowing visitors to explore the marine life and kelp forests. These outdoor attractions make Ventura County a top destination for those seeking adventure and scenic beauty.
Top Spots in and near Ventura County
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Malibu, California
Ratner Beach
4.5Unlike most beaches in Los Angeles, this tiny little stretch of beach is usually empty, and is a little gem! It is the perfect place to get an unobstructed view of the sunset, and the sticks in the ground make for a picturesque sunset picture! Just be warned, this beach is right on PCH, so expect...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Parker Mesa Overlook via Paseo Miramar
4.25.32 mi / 1099 ft gainThis 5.4-mile out-and back trail takes off from the end of the residential area of Paseo Miramar. Once you hike a little less than a quarter mile in, you'll connect with Los Liones Canyon Trail. Continue on Paseo Miramar Trail, which in another 2.5 miles, will connect you with the Parker Mesa Ove...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Los Liones Trail
5.04.41 mi / 1115 ft gainLos Liones Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Pacific Palisades, California.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Temescal Canyon Loop
3.93.76 mi / 810 ft gainThere are a couple of different ways that you can hike in Temescal Canyon. For this one, the loop begins from Temescal Canyon Trail at Sunset Boulevard and is approximately 3.76 miles. This loop is not dog friendly. Additional Options for Hiking Temescal Canyon: The basic loop – 2.6 milesTh...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Murphy's Ranch
4.83.21 mi / 679 ft gainThis three-mile out-and-back hike begins at the beginning of a very nice neighborhood in Santa Monica. You will be trekking on a dirt road for about 1.5 miles until you reach some stairs that will be visible on your left-hand side. You will need to descend down those (what seem to be never-ending...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Inspiration Point Loop Trail
2.36 mi / 486 ft gainThe Inspiration Point 2.3 mile loop hike in Will Rogers State Park is a family-friendly hike or after-work run near Los Angeles, California. It’s a great dirt trail for all skill levels and features scenic views and beautifully budding wildflowers. You’ll get to escape the city and take in the br...Read more -
1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, California
Backbone Trail via Will Rogers State Park
5.03.02 mi / 656 ft gainYou'll make your way up Will Rogers State Park Road, located just minutes from Santa Monica, Brentwood, Westwood, Malibu, Palisades, and much of west Los Angeles. Once on the road, head all the way to the top and you'll dead end into the parking lot. Always worth supporting State Parks with the p...Read more -
Ventura, California
East Anacapa Island Loop
2.31 mi / 269 ft gainLeaving from either Ventura or Oxnard via Island Packers, this full-day hike is in the middle of the Santa Barbara Channel on a small island, about one hour from Los Angeles by car and one additional hour by boat. Without a beach on which to anchor, your boat will pull into Landing Cove and idle ...Read more -
Santa Monica, California
Beach Volleyball at Will Rogers State Beach
5.0At PCH and West Channel there is a tunnel that goes underneath the highway leading you directly onto the beach. In the tunnel take a left up the stairs onto the bike path. Head south 250 feet and you will hit the first set of courts but be aware you will need lines for these courts! If you want c...Read more -
Santa Monica, California
Run the Santa Monica Wooden Stairs
4.0The wooden Santa Monica Stairs are a great way to get in some intense leg burning cardio. There are around 120 steps that are steeper then the Santa Monica Concrete Stairs, which can provide a deep burn on the intended muscles!This place has been a hot spot in the Santa Monica fitness scene for s...Read more -
Santa Monica, California
Run the Santa Monica Concrete Stairs
3.00.1 mi / 111 ft gainThe concrete Santa Monica Stairs are a great way to get in some intense leg burning cardio. There are around 170 steps that are wider and easier than the Santa Monica wooden staircase.This place has been a hot spot in the Santa Monica fitness scene for some time so it is also a good place for mee...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 -
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 -
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 -
Ventura, California
Dive East Fish Camp
The numerous kelp forests, sea caves, and coves of the Channel Island National Park, coupled with its unbelievable sealife makes for some of the best diving in the world. East Fish Camp off Anacapa Island is an excellent introduction to diving on the Channel Islands, with an average depth of 35'...Read more
