Located in the eastern portion of the Santa Monica Mountains, the 10-acre San Vicente Mountain Park offers access to an expansive network of trails for hiking and mountain biking, several picnic areas, and breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.
Interestingly enough, San Vicente Mountain Park was once used as a missile launch site during the Cold War (from 1956-1968). That explains the Nike-Ajax anti-aircraft structure and radar tower; both are no longer operational but the radar tower is an excellent spot from which you can enjoy a spectacular sunset.
Getting Here
Getting to the park is fairly simple. If you’re taking the freeway, take the 405 North and exit on Skirball Center Dr. Turn left onto Skirball Center Dr and then make another left on Mulholland Dr. As you’re heading east along Mulholland Dr, you’ll notice a dirt road on your left side…turn onto that road and head up the unpaved trail. The physical address is 17500 Mulholland Dr, but the nearest cross street to the park entrance is Canyonback Rd.
You can either park your car immediately on the right or continue a little further till you reach the parking lot. Once you park your car, there is a short 10-minute walk up to the park along a wide dirt road.
Note: The unpaved road is extremely bumpy and there are tons of rocks. If you have low profile tires, there is a chance that you may damage them.
Enjoy a fantastic view of the San Fernando Valley from the Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook in Studio City. This scenic viewpoint is located on the north side of Mulholland Dr along the Mulholland Scenic Parkway. The overlook has its own parking lot, physical fitness course, and provides access to several hiking trails through Fryman Canyon – including the five-mile Betty Dearing Mountain Trail.
Located in Beverly Hills and part of the Santa Monica Mountains, Franklin Canyon Park provides a fantastic opportunity for hiking, picnicking, and breathtaking views of the city. This 600+ acre gem offers over 5 miles hiking along 3 major trails with various difficulty levels:
Discovery Trail
Easy (20 minutes / 0.3 miles): The easiest of the three, the Discovery Trail is a short loop that will take you about 20 minutes or less to complete. You can access the Discovery Trail from the southern entrance to the park.
Berman Trail
Easy/Intermediate (40 minutes / 1 mile): The Berman trail is about a mile in length and is moderately difficult. This trail connects to the northern entrance at Mulholland and provides for a scenic hike across the Santa Monica Mountains.
Hastain Trai
Intermediate (90 minutes / 2.3 mile): Although it’s the most popular trail at Franklin Canyon Park, the Hastain Trail is also the most strenuous. Gradually increasing as you make your way up trail, you’ll eventually reach a scenic overlook of the city; from here you can enjoy panoramic views of West Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.
Getting Here
There are two access points that feed into Franklin Canyon Park – one from the south and one from the south
From The South (Los Angeles-Beverly Hills): Travel north along Beverly Dr (towards Coldwater Canyon). Make sure you pay attention to the signs because you’ll have to turn left in order to continue along N Beverly Dr (otherwise, you’ll head up Coldwater Canyon). As soon as you reach Fire Station No. 2, keep your eyes open for Franklin Canyon Dr – it’ll be the third street on your right. Make a right turn onto Franklin Canyon Dr and then take the road until you reach the park entrance at Lake Dr.
From The North (San Fernando): To northern entrance can be accessed via Franklin Canyon Dr from the Mulholland Dr & Coldwater Canyon Intersection – you’ll see a sign that reads, “Road Closed 800 Feet. Sunset to Sunrise”. From here, simply follow the paved road until you reach the Sooky Goldman Nature Center. Alternatively, you can continue about 1.5 miles along Franklin Canyon Dr until you reach the southern entrance at Lake Dr.
Parking
Parking is available at Franklin Canyon Ranch (southern entrance), along Lake Dr, or at the Sooky Goldman Nature Center (northern entrance).
Located in Malibu, El Matador State Beach is a small and secluded strand of beach which offers visitors a fantastic escape from the bustling of city life. This local gem is one of three “pocket beaches” that make up the larger Robert H. Meyer Memorial SB – situated along Pacific Coast Highway between Point Dume and Leo Carrillo. It’s not the easiest beach to find, but you’ll appreciate making the extra effort once you finally get there. Lined with gentle white sand and picturesque views, the El Matador shoreline is home to an exquisite series of rock formations and shallow caves for you to explore.
Unless you arrive on a busy summer weekend, chances are you’ll have a good piece of the beach all to yourself. Take this opportunity to bring along someone special for a romantic picnic or to enjoy a spectacular sunset – or both. Alternatively, the solitude of El Matador offers the perfect getaway after a long and stressful week.
The beach also offers fantastic views of the Pacific coastline and it’s great for swimming and/or sunbathing. If it's not a busy summer day, there will be no lifeguard on duty so try to be careful out there.
Getting Here
Getting to El Matador State Beach can be a tad difficult and it does require a little hiking along a steep dirt trail. Therefore, it’s probably not the best places for children and it’s pretty much inaccessible for the handicapped.
If you can’t find any spots along PCH, there is a paid parking lot at the top of the bluff with a path leading to the beach. Parking is $4 and you can obtain your pass from the meter box.
Located only a few blocks from Hollywood Blvd and extending North to Mulholland Dr, Runyon Canyon Park is a one of the city’s best kept secrets. The 130 acre urban wilderness offers ample opportunities for hiking, with a variety of trails available to suit both the novice hiker and those looking for something a little more challenging. Runyon Canyon is also known for its breathtaking views of the city which can be seen from about a half dozen viewpoints throughout the park. Depending on which direction you’re facing, you’ll be able to get a pretty good view of the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood sign, downtown Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sunset Strip.
Getting Here
There are only three access points that feed into Runyon Canyon Park – two from the South and one from the North. If you’re coming in through the South, you can enter from either Vista St or Fuller Ave; both entrances are only 2 blocks North of Hollywood Blvd. If you prefer to access from the North, there’s an entrance from Mulholland Dr.
The Trails – From The North
Easy (30 minutes / 0.5 miles): Entering from Mulholland Dr, take the trail leading to Indian Rock, the highest point in Runyon Canyon with spectacular 360 degree views of the city. This trail is about a half-mile in length each way.
Intermediate (90 minutes / 2.45 miles): Entering form Mulholland Dr, take the Western High Way route at the split and head up to High Point (0.7 miles); it’s the second highest point viewpoint in the canyon and provides an excellent view of the South and West. Afterwards, you’ll continue down Western High Way (0.5 miles) and then come back up the Central Fire Road to Mulholland Dr (1.25 miles).
The Trails – From The South
Easy/Intermediate (45 minutes / 1.6 miles): Entering from either Fuller Ave or Vista St, head up the Central Fire Road and around the East Ridge until you reach the Cloud’s Rest Viewpoint (0.85 miles). Spend a little time enjoying the scenery and then head down the slope and steps to yet another viewpoint, Inspiration Point (0.3 miles). Afterwards, you’ll simply take the Lower Fire Road back down to Fuller Ave (0.45 miles).
Intermediate (90 minutes / 2.15 miles): Entering from the Vista St, take the Western High Way route up to High Point (0.5 miles) for some excellent views of the city. Afterwards, you’ll continue your hike until you reach the Central Fire Trail (0.55 miles) and then make your way back down to where you started (1.1 miles). Before coming down the Central Fire Trail, you’ll have an opportunity to make your way up to Indian Rock (0.4 miles). This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the city and is the highest point in the park.
As a native of Los Angeles, I take a lot of things for granted – namely, the beauty and tranquility of the Pacific Ocean. Whether or not you grew up in the Los Angeles, there’s no denying that there are few things which can compare. The sound of the waves breaking against the rocks, the sunlight glistening on the water, the ocean breeze, and that irreproducible salt water scent. It really touches all of your senses and helps you tune out even the most stressful of days.
On a clear day, head out for a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and take in all that it has to offer. Start in Santa Monica and just drive northbound until you feel like turning back. It’s also a great idea for a date or something to enjoy with a significant other. If it’s nearing the end of the day – park your car, walk down to the shore, and enjoy a spectacular sunset.
If you really want to experience the coastline and soothe the senses, you can rent a convertible for about $80; in fact, why not make a day out of it. Leave in the morning and take PCH north until you reach Santa Barbara (it’s about a 2 hour drive) and spend the day there. If you enjoy listening to music while you drive, take some CDs with you because the radio reception drops in and out.
Click here to find additional scenic routes in and around Los Angeles.
Since 1969, the El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach has hosted over 2 million visitors coming to enjoy its scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings. The Nature Center is home to a variety of animal life, including coyotes, hawks and squirrels. As you step in to the Nature Center, you’ll be immediately drawn to it’s lush greenery – composed of Oak, Redwood, and Alder Tress.
The 102 acre nature center can be traversed by way of a paved trail, which is 1/4 mile in length, and/or a 2 mile dirt trail which winds around a pair of lakes. As you walk through the Nature Center, you will find dozens of peaceful spots where you can relax and simply take in all the beauty it has to offer. If it’s been an especially chaotic week, or you just need a quiet place think, swing by the El Dorado Nature Center for a few hours.
The Nature Center is also a fantastic location for a date, especially the first one. It’s a great place to talk and get to know each other without all the distractions you may find in the city.
One of the best places to go bike riding in Los Angeles is along the South Bay Bicycle Trail. The paved bike trail is 22 miles in length and spans from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance County Beach. You will run into a few sections where you will have to take the city streets, but they are pretty short in length. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own bike; you’ll have the opportunity to one from a plethora of shops along the way.
If you’re looking for other places to go bike riding in your area, check out the following page: Local Bike Riding Spots
If you’re looking to enjoy a spectacular view of the Pacific Coastline and don’t mind a little hiking, head out to Point Dume State Beach in Malibu.
The hike to the coastal bluff atop Point Dume is really scenic and you can probably catch a good glimpse of the local wildlife. If you go up there between December and March, you may actually be able to spot some Pacific Gray Whales as they make their way to Baja California. On a warm day, you'll also have an opportunity to take a little dip in the tide pool which can be accessed from the eastside of the bluff.
You can make your way to the top of Point Dume by way of an ascending trail which begins at the end of Westward Beach Rd.
Since 1969, the El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach has hosted over 2 million visitors coming to enjoy its scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings. The Nature Center is home to a variety of animal life, including coyotes, hawks and squirrels. As you step in to the Nature Center, you’ll be immediately drawn to it’s lush greenery – composed of Oak, Redwood, and Alder Tress.
One of the best places to go bike riding in Los Angeles is along the South Bay Bicycle Trail. The paved bike trail is 22 miles in length and spans from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance County Beach. You will run into a few sections where you will have to take the city streets, but they are pretty short in length. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own bike; you’ll have the opportunity to one from a plethora of shops along the way.
If you’re looking to enjoy a spectacular view of the Pacific Coastline and don’t mind a little hiking, head out to Point Dume State Beach in Malibu.