01
Best all-around pick
Temescal Canyon Loop
Pacific Palisades, Just North Of Santa Monica • Classic Coastal Canyon Loop • Local Favorite With A Bit Of Everything
A popular loop that packs in canyon shade, a seasonal waterfall, and big Pacific views without driving far up the coast.
Starting from Temescal Gateway Park, this loop climbs steadily from a shady, creek-fed canyon up to an exposed ridge with sweeping ocean and city views. The route feels adventurous without being technical, making it a go-to for weekend mornings and after-work leg stretchers. Expect crowds on nice days, but the payoff at the top justifies the buzz.
02
Big-view coastal ridge
Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook
Pacific Palisades Canyon • Steady Climb Through Chaparral To A Broad Overlook • Best Ocean Panorama
A sustained climb from a lush canyon to one of the most expansive ocean viewpoints above Santa Monica Bay.
The Los Liones trailhead feels tucked away in a residential canyon, but quickly leads into steep singletrack lined with dense chaparral and occasional shade. Persistent uphill pays off at Parker Mesa Overlook, a broad, bluff-like perch with nearly uninterrupted views from Palos Verdes to Malibu. Bring water, sun protection, and time to linger at the top—sunset here is hard to beat on a clear day.
03
Historic in-town escape
Will Rogers State Historic Park – Inspiration Point Loop
Northeast Of Santa Monica In The Palisades • Gentle Hillside Loop With Ranch History • Best For Casual Walkers And Visitors
A mellow loop that blends open grasslands, rolling hills, and a bit of Hollywood history with views back toward Santa Monica.
From the historic ranch house and polo field, the trail climbs gradually on wide paths to Inspiration Point, making it accessible for newer hikers and mixed-ability groups. The scenery is classic foothill Santa Monica Mountains—oak-dotted slopes, open meadows, and glimpses of the ocean and downtown on clear days. It’s an easy place to combine a short hike with a picnic, a bit of history, and time on the lawn.
04
Shady creekside escape
Solstice Canyon
Lower Malibu Canyon • Canyon Out-And-Back With Ruins And A Seasonal Waterfall • Best Hot-Day Option
A mostly shaded canyon walk featuring a year-round stream, historic ruins, and a short climb to coastal views.
Solstice Canyon stays cooler than many nearby hikes, with a gentle grade along the creek and plenty of riparian vegetation. The remains of an old stone house and a small waterfall add interest beyond the scenery, especially for kids or first-time visitors. Stronger hikers can extend onto steeper side trails for broader views before dropping back into the canyon’s shade.
05
Rugged ridge adventure
Eagle Rock via Trippet Ranch
Topanga State Park Above Pacific Coast Highway • Longer Ridge Hike Into The Santa Monica Mountains • Best For Strong Hikers
A more committing hike that rewards the effort with rolling ridgelines, big-sky views, and a striking sandstone outcrop.
Starting from the Trippet Ranch area of Topanga State Park, this route winds through oak woodlands before breaking out onto open ridges with broad vistas over canyons and the Pacific. The final approach to Eagle Rock passes through classic chaparral to a sculpted sandstone formation you can scramble around for different vantage points. It’s a solid choice when you want a half-day outing that feels a step wilder than the closer-in canyon loops.