Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, located in southern California, is a breathtaking natural land spanning over 150,000 acres. It is situated within the Santa Monica Mountains, which run parallel to the Pacific Ocean and stretch from the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles to Point Mugu in Ventura County.

The history of this area dates back thousands of years, as it has been home to Native American tribes for over 10,000 years. The Tongva, Chumash, and Fernandeño Tataviam peoples were among the first inhabitants. As European settlers arrived in the 18th century, Mexican land grants were established, and ranching became the primary activity until the 20th century.

In the 20th century, efforts were made to preserve this natural gem. In 1978, the National Park Service established the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which became the largest urban national park in the United States. Today, it stands as a haven for wildlife and provides immense recreational opportunities to visitors.

This recreational area offers a wide array of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking is a popular choice, with hundreds of miles of trails catering to all levels of experience. The Backbone Trail, spanning 67 miles, provides stunning panoramic views and is ideal for longer hikes. Rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are also available for those seeking more adventure.

For nature lovers, the area boasts a rich variety of flora and fauna. Over 450 species of plants, including coastal sage scrub, oak woodlands, and chaparral, can be found throughout the park. It is also home to around 60 species of mammals, including bobcats, mountain lions, and coyotes, as well as numerous bird species.

Additionally, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers various cultural and historical sites for exploration. The historic Paramount Ranch, which was once a popular movie set, welcomes visitors, while the Adamson House showcases Spanish-style architecture and beautiful tilework. The Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center provides educational programs and exhibits that honor the region's indigenous peoples.

Nearby, visitors can explore other attractions, including the Getty Villa, which houses a vast collection of ancient Greek and Roman art, and the beautiful beaches of Malibu. The Pacific Coast Highway offers stunning coastal views and leads to popular coastal communities such as Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, with its breathtaking landscapes, cultural significance, and abundant recreational activities, is truly a jewel of California. Whether it's hiking, wildlife spotting, or immersing oneself in the area's history, this recreational area has something to offer for everyone.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is situated in the sunny state of California, providing a stunning natural escape within the bustling urban landscape of Los Angeles County. Nestled in the western region of the state, this vast 157,000-acre park encompasses the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains, which stretch for approximately 40 miles along the coast. The park's proximity to the Pacific Ocean offers visitors awe-inspiring vistas, as the mountains gradually descend towards the shining beaches below. With its rugged ridges, deep canyons, and chaparral-covered slopes, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a geographical gem that allows visitors to immerse themselves in a serene and diverse natural setting, within reach of a major urban hub.

Address & Contact

26876 Mulholland Highway
Calabasas, CA 91302
Driving Directions
Phone: 8053702301
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is in April or May. During this period, the average maximum temperature ranges from 78°F to 82°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is relatively low, ranging from 0.2 to 0.7 inches, minimizing the chances of rainfall. These months also attract a moderate number of visitors, ensuring that the area is not overly crowded.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area are: Junior Ranger Program Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Camping Car or Front Country Camping Climbing Rock Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Mountain Biking Compass and GPS Geocaching

Topics

Learn about these topics at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area: Animals Birds Geology Archeology Westward Expansion Cats (wild) Fire Fossils and Paleontology Schools and Education Climate Change Mountains Ranches Homesteading Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center

Located at the southern end of the community of Newbury Park, this site reflects the heritage of both Native Americans and local ranching. The Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center is open on weekends from 9am to 4pm. Native American workshops and programs occur throughout the year.

Campsites within or near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Circle X Ranch Campground - CLOSED

Circle X Ranch Group Campground is the only campground the National Park Service operates in the Santa Monica Mountains. Visit recreation.gov to make reservations for this 10 person minimum group camp.
Fees (US$): 9.00 (Reservation Fee), 35.00 (10-25 People/ Night), 75.00 (26-50 People/ Night), 125.00 (51-75 People/ Night)
Total Campsites: 1
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water

Hotels within or near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Woodland Hills

Located in Woodland Hills, Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Woodland Hills is a 4-minute drive from Westfield Topanga and 9 minutes from Topanga State Park. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 21101 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, California 91364
Web: Link

Warner Center Marriott Woodland Hills

With a stay at Warner Center Marriott Woodland Hills in Woodland Hills (Warner Center), you'll be a 2-minute drive from Westfield Topanga and 5 minutes from Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and express check-in. Planning an event in Woodland Hills? This hotel has facilities measuring 25,000 square feet (2323 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 21850 Oxnard St, Woodland Hills, California 91367
Web: Link

Hilton Garden Inn Calabasas

A stay at Hilton Garden Inn Calabasas places you in the heart of Calabasas, a 2-minute drive from Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park and 5 minutes from Westfield Promenade Shopping Mall. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 24150 Park Sorrento, Calabasas, California 91302
Web: Link

Best Western Woodland Hills Inn

Located in Woodland Hills, Best Western Woodland Hills Inn is a 3-minute drive from Westfield Topanga and 9 minutes from Topanga State Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 21830 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, California 91364
Web: Link

Extended Stay America Suites Los Angeles Woodland Hills

Located in Woodland Hills, Extended Stay America Suites Los Angeles Woodland Hills is within a 5-minute drive of Topanga State Park and Westfield Topanga. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 20205 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, California 91364
Web: Link

Vantage Point Inn Woodland Hills

Located in Woodland Hills, Vantage Point Inn Woodland Hills is a 3-minute drive from Westfield Topanga and 9 minutes from Topanga State Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 21706 Ventura Boulevard, Woodland Hills, California 91364
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Woodland Hills, an IHG Hotel

Located in Woodland Hills, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Woodland Hills, an IHG Hotel is a 3-minute drive from Westfield Promenade Shopping Mall and 6 minutes from Westfield Topanga. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Woodland Hills? This hotel has facilities measuring 624 square feet (58 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 22617 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, California 91364
Web: Link

Oakwood Eaves at Woodland Hills

Located in Woodland Hills, Oakwood Eaves at Woodland Hills is a 1-minute drive from Westfield Topanga and 7 minutes from Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park. Featured amenities include a business center, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 22122 Victory Blvd, Woodland Hills, California 91367
Web: Link

Woodland Hills Calabasas Guest Houses

Located in Woodland Hills, Woodland Hills Calabasas Guest Houses is a 2-minute drive from Leonis Adobe Museum and 14 minutes from Topanga State Park. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 22942 Crespi St, Woodland Hills, California 91364
Web: Link

Villa Woodland

With a stay at this villa in Los Angeles, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Topanga State Park and Montana Avenue. Featured amenities include a computer station, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and multilingual staff. Free valet parking is available onsite.
Address: 2528 Westridge Road, Los Angeles, California 90049
Web: Link