Hiking

The steep, green Santa Monica Mountains stretch from Malibu all the way to downtown Los Angeles with surprisingly quick access to the wilderness. Hike the extensive trail network — some 500 miles — of this coastal range, marked with numerous historical and cultural sites (Native American cultural centers, famous movie ranches), which rewards hikers with glittering city vistas and sweeping views across the Pacific Ocean. For adventurers, the epic Backbone Trail is one of the most diverse treks.