Outdoor Adventure at the Santa Monica Mountains

Seems like every time we’ve gone to Santa Monica in the past, we’ve kept it cool and coastal. A couple trips to the pier, a historic beach house, an oceanfront jazz festival – laidback fun to say the least. Too bad, because a little inland adventure is one of the best things to discover near Santa Monica. Let’s take a daytrip to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

With all the beachfront flavor of Santa Monica, it’s understandable that you wouldn’t notice one of the largest urban national parks in the country as your backyard. But it’s time to open your eyes to an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, GPS games, camping, tide pool exploration, endless sightseeing, climbing, historical hikes – the list keeps going.

Distance athletes have a challenge before them in the Backbone Trail, a still-growing 68-mile trail stretching the length of the parklands from east to west. A mixture of single tracks and fireroads, the Backbone Trail supports bikers and hikers end-to-end and ample portions to horseback riders as well. When finally complete, the Backbone will be about 70 miles in length.

Setting off on your own is fun, but there’s no shame in handing your good time over to the experts. The NPS hosts OUTDOORS, a year-round events program featuring everything from guided tours to animal watching to cultural festivals. No matter your timing, there’s sure to be something unique. View the current brochure.

At more than 150,000 acres, there’s way more than we could get to in this little post, but one stop I have to mention is Paramount Ranch. Since Paramount Pictures purchased a sizeable chunk of then Rancho Las Virgenes back in 1927, Paramount Ranch has been the site of hundreds of film and TV productions. While the hugely popular Westerns of the 1930s and 40s make up the bulk of the catalog, more recent productions include Van Helsing with Hugh Jackman, Flintstone’s Viva Rock Vegas, and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.

Much of the movie ranch has been torn down, but the NPS preserves a portion for park guests to visit free of charge. As you explore the old ranch buildings, it’s fun to think that these same dusty cabins were once walked by American icons like John Wayne, Cary Grant, Roy Rogers and Bob Hope. Learn more.

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is open daily, year-round. However, certain park services, including the visitor centers, will be closed on federal holidays and a few others. Despite the SoCal location, the park is designated as having a Mediterranean climate and can get quite cool. Check the weather and dress appropriately. Learn more.

You’ve probably learned by now that I am not a camper. The Recreation Area is only 25 or so miles out from Santa Monica, and that’s where I choose to stay. For hotels in Santa Monica, we’re consistent fans of the Holiday Inn Santa Monica Hotel – at the Pier. Cozy accommodations, affordable, unbeatable location near Santa Monica Pier. We dig it.

Have fun!

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