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National Recreation Area

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Sunbeams reaching from glowing sun over the ocean.

Point Mugu Sunset

Photo: NPS

About

The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails. The park abounds with historical and cultural sites, from old movie ranches to Native American centers. What will you and your family discover?

Activities

BikingMountain BikingCampingCar or Front Country CampingClimbingRock ClimbingCompass and GPSGeocachingHikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingJunior Ranger ProgramShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Directions

There are multiple trailheads around the park, so there is not one main entrance. You can begin your visit at the visitor center, located off Mulholland Highway in Calabasas. The Santa Monica Mountains are traversed by the 405 Freeway on the east side; crowned by the 101 Freeway on the north and west side; and Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), on the southern ocean border.

Get directions →

Weather

Summers are hot and dry while winters are cool and wet.

News

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