Adventuring Somewhere : Best Hikes when visiting LA

Best Hikes When Visiting LA

This Best Hikes When Visiting LA guide provides an overview of the best hikes to do to help you explore. It includes hikes in Malibu, the Santa Monica Mountains, Hollywood, and Palos Verdes.

I’ve lived in LA for 3 years now and have loved how many great places there are to explore. There are plenty of hike options so it can be overwhelming. Below, you will find some of my favorites. During these hikes, you’ll see the drastic coastlines and cliffsides, the mountains, and ocean views! For most of these hikes, you’ll want to make sure you have sunscreen since there is not much shade and water to stay hydrated. Read below to see details about the best hikes when visiting LA. Make sure to view my AllTrails List of these hikes so you can get additional details about each hike including location, distance, and elevation gain.

The best hikes to do when visiting LA

Here are my favorite hikes to do in LA. These hikes range from north of LA, around the Malibu area, through the Santa Monica Mountains and Hollywood Hills to the south of LA, in Palos Verdes. For more details on these hikes from All Trails, click here.

El Matador State Beach

A quick trail down to El Matador State Beach that you can also take to walk to La Piedra and El Pescador State Beach, which are both just north of El Matador. If you do go here, don’t park along the street or you are very likely to get a ticket. Make sure to park in a designated parking spot in the parking lot.

Malibu Bluff Trail

A quick and easy through the bluffs along the Malibu coastline. You can go down on the beach for part of it too. Afterward, I recommend grabbing lunch at Malibu Seafood right off the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) and then grabbing drinks at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe.

Los Liones Trail

In the Malibu mountains and takes you up to a good viewpoint of the Pacific Ocean and LA.

Inspiration Point

I haven’t done this one yet, but it looks really awesome. It is located in the Santa Monica mountains and appears to have amazing views of downtown LA and the Pacific Ocean.

Hollywood sign

On many people’s bucket list is seeing the infamous Hollywood Sign. There are multiple hikes that will give you a great view, some longer and some shorter (I’ve added one of each in my AllTrails List).

Palos Verdes Paseo Del Mar bluffs

One of the best spots for sunset hands down. This is less of a hike more of a good picnic spot. Bring a blanket to sit on, some cheese and crackers, and a bottle of wine to take in the view. I also recommend a jacket since the breeze is usually chilly up here.

Palos Verdes Terranea Discovery Trail

This is a flat hike along the top of the Palos Verdes cliffside. It’s a good spot to do a morning hike and grab lunch at Nelson’s in the resort.

Palos Verdes Bluffs Trail

This is in Portuguese Bend where there are many trail options once you start the main trail down a dirt trail with gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean during the entire hike. On a clear day, you can even see Catalina Island. You’re likely to see some horses along this trail since many of the Palos Verdes residents go horseback riding on these trails.