About 20 miles of trails in the Santa Monica Mountains hug the coast, offering more sea views per mile than you might expect. You’ll find ridgelines that frame the Pacific, hidden canyons with seasonal streams, and historic ruins tucked beneath eucalyptus. Whether you want a brisk summit run, a gentle family loop, or a photo-worthy overlook, there’s a route that fits — and a few local secrets that make each hike worth a return trip.
Top Trails for Ocean Views and Coastal Vistas
Looking for ocean views without straying far from Santa Monica? You’ll find trails that free you from the city’s grid and put the Pacific on full display. Los Liones sits a mile from the shore — a moderate 4.4-mile out-and-back with 1,190 feet of gain; birdwatchers and solitude-seekers both reap rewards from its ridgelines. Point Dume’s short 1.12-mile walk drops you onto a rocky headland beside a beach, ideal when you want instant coastal clarity. For a family-friendly option, Solstice Canyon Loop stretches three miles past a small waterfall and the ruins of an old ranch house, blending history with panoramic sea views. If you crave tougher ascents, Mugu Peak offers a brisk 2.7-mile direct climb or a 5-mile loop for a longer, demanding outing with sweeping vistas. Mishe Mokwa stretches nearly seven miles and climbs about 1,500 feet, delivering mountain-to-ocean panoramas and a summit sense of release.
Moderate Day Hikes With Iconic Landmarks
When you want a half-day adventure that pairs memorable landmarks with manageable effort, these moderate hikes deliver — from the M*A*S*H set and the Tropical Terrace ruins to Split Rock and the Pacific peeking over ridgelines. You’ll choose hikes that free you from routine: Los Liones’ 4.4 miles and 1,190-foot gain opens sweeping ocean views; Mishe Mokwa’s nearly 7 miles and 1,500-foot climb leads to Split Rock and Sandstone Peak, the range’s high point; the M*A*S*H TV Set Hike is a 4.7-mile stroll to a cultural landmark amid Malibu Creek; Temescal’s 3.23 miles packs nearly 1,000 feet of yearning and a year-round stream. Each route balances effort with reward so you can move deliberately, breathe wide, and reclaim time outdoors. Pack water, wear sturdy shoes, and start early to savor light on ridgelines and the liberating sense of place.
Half-day hikes that pair iconic landmarks with manageable climbs — breathe wide, savor views, and reclaim time outdoors.
- Stand on Sandstone Peak and feel vastness.
- Trace ruins at Solstice Canyon and imagine histories.
- Watch the Pacific unfold beneath you and breathe free.
Family-Friendly and Easy Nature Walks
After a morning on ridgelines or landmark trails, switch to gentler routes that let the whole family unwind without sacrificing scenery. You’ll find short, soulful walks that open up ocean vistas, hidden waterfalls, and quiet canyons. Solstice Canyon Loop’s 3 miles and easy-moderate grade reward you with a small waterfall and intriguing ruins—perfect for curious kids and relaxed pacing. At Will Rogers State Park, choose from eight trails across 186 acres; two easy options give you varied terrain and sweeping sea views without overextending younger legs. The Grotto Trail, about 2.5 miles, feels like an adventure when the rainy season wakes its cave and waterfall—bring a sense of wonder and some rain jackets. Corral Canyon Loop (2.3 miles) showcases untouched Southern California scenery and calming canyon-to-ocean panoramas. For a quick escape, Point Dume’s 1.12-mile trail climbs 248 feet to sandy beaches and rocky headlands. These walks liberate you from rush, letting family time and nature take the lead.
Challenging Routes for Trail Runners and Climbers
If you want to push your pace and test your legs, Santa Monica’s tougher routes deliver steep climbs, technical footing, and rewarding views that make every ascent worth it. You’ll tackle varied terrain: Mishe Mokwa’s 5.6 miles and 1,371 feet of gain makes for a sustained, view-filled challenge; Los Liones’ 4.4 miles with 1,190 feet offers shaded starts and quick exposure; Temescal’s 3.23 miles and 958 feet gives a hard, stream-side climb that feels primal. For longer efforts, the Sostomo/Deer Valley Loop branches from Solstice Canyon into a 6.3-mile romp with coastal panoramas and wild parrots, while Mugu Peak’s 5-mile loop or 2.7-mile direct route tests your legs with steep pitches and sweeping observation points. These routes ask you to move deliberately, breathe deeply, and claim the ridge.
- You’ll feel exhilarated standing above ocean light.
- You’ll find freedom in each demanding ascent.
- You’ll leave the trail lighter, more alive.
Historic Sites, Film Locations, and Park Gems
Though the trails around Santa Monica are famed for sea views and sweat, they also double as open-air museums where film sets, historic ruins, and hidden park gems wait just off the beaten path. You can wander Paramount Ranch’s easy loops and feel cinematic history beneath your boots — M*A*S*H and Westworld shot here, and the ranch’s wooden facades make for playful exploration. In Solstice Canyon Loop you’ll encounter the oldest stone building in Malibu, a quaint waterfall, and sweeping ocean views that soothe and inspire; it’s family-friendly but feels liberating. Malibu Creek State Park’s M*A*S*H TV Set Hike delivers nostalgia and wide, scenic trails that connect you to storytelling and landscape at once. Head up the Grotto Trail below Sandstone Peak to find a small cave and seasonal waterfall, or follow the Malibu Lake Trail through 30+ miles of paths to reach Malibu Lake and more M*A*S*H sites. Each spot invites you to reclaim space, history, and wonder on your own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dogs Allowed on These Trails and Are Leashes Required?
Yes — dogs are allowed on many trails, but you’ll need to keep them leashed in most areas. You’ll enjoy freer trails with off-leash zones at certain parks, so plan, respect rules, and protect wildlife.
What’s the Best Time of Year for Wildflower Viewing Nearby?
Spring’s hills explode with color — late March through May is prime for wildflowers; you’ll chase carpets of poppies and lupine, timing hikes after winter rains, embracing freedom on trails that celebrate rebirth and vivid, fleeting beauty.
Are There Parking Fees or Permits for Trailhead Lots?
Yes — many trailheads charge parking fees or require permits; you’ll often pay at kiosks, use parking apps, or display a day-use pass. Plan ahead, buy permits online when possible, and carry change for remote lots.
Which Hikes Are Accessible for Strollers or Wheelchairs?
I’d recommend paved, flat routes like Will Rogers State Historic Park and Marvin Braude Bike Trail; I once watched a parent glide a stroller like a boat through calm water, proving accessible trails free you to explore.
Are There Water Refill Stations or Restrooms Along the Trails?
Yes — some trails have restrooms and occasional water refill stations, but they’re sparse; you’ll plan ahead, bring water, and relish freedom knowing accessible trailheads and popular parks usually offer potable taps and restroom facilities for your comfort.
Conclusion
You’ll leave these trails with salt on your lips and a clearer head—like the time you climbed Los Liones at dawn and a single pelican sliced the horizon, reminding you that perspective shifts with every step. With 4.4 miles of switchbacks opening to ocean panoramas, these hikes aren’t just routes; they’re lessons: slow down, look up, and let landmarks—from Solstice Canyon’s waterfall to the M*A*S*H set—reshape how you see home.