The 5 Best

1

Legacy Park

Learn more about the four natural coastal habitats found in our city with a visit to Legacy Park. This outdoor environmental park not only features walking trails and wildlife viewing areas, but is also home to educational resources about water quality and public health.

Malibu’s Best Parks

Point Mugu State Park

With plenty of sights to be seen from within the park, hiking and biking is also a favorite attraction behind the scenes of this five-mile oceanfront spot. In addition to camping and backpacking throughout the area, guests can ride horses or enjoy the many mountain biking trails located throughout the park. 2

3

Charmlee Wilderness Park

Shady picnic areas and supreme ocean views can be found across the 590 acres that comprise the Charmlee Wilderness Park. Located on Encinal Canyon Road, the park includes eight miles of hiking trails and an incredible amphitheater with a wide variety of public programs available.

5

Malibu Bluffs Park

This six-acre park is located across from Pepperdine University on the oceanside of Pacific Coast Highway. Baseball diamonds, a skate park, and a multi-use field provide space for children and adults to enjoy recreation and relaxation overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 4

Trancas Canyon Park

Located on the western end of town, Trancas Canyon Park is open daily from sunup to sundown. A dog park, children’s play area and picnic tables provide a family-friendly atmosphere among the lush landscaping.

Solstice Canyon

Dogs are always welcome on this easy hike which boasts nearly three miles of walking trails to the ruins of the Roberts Ranch House and a waterfall. Located off Corral Canyon Road, this hotspot’s parking lot fills up quickly so make sure to arrive early; parking is prohibited along the canyon roads. 1

Malibu’s Best Hikes

Scan this QR code with your phone camera or app to get directions to all the Best Malibu locations. Malibu Creek Rock Pool

This three-mile hike located inside Malibu Creek State Park puts you right in the epicenter of nature in the Santa Monica Mountains. Portions of the hike are shaded and lead you to serene pools and a massive volcanic rock wall. Be on the lookout for wildlife!

Winding Way

Begin your 4-mile journey on the Winding Way trail at Pacific Coast Highway and hike your way to the gorgeous Escondido Falls. The 150-foot waterfall is a sight to be seen, and, is the tallest in the Santa Monica Mountains. 3

Malibu Bluffs Park

While the trails are easy and begin near the Michael Landon Center, trail runners find Bluffs Park to be the best in looping through back roads set among stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. This kid-friendly spot features multiple trails for a light hike or jog that leads back to a big parking lot, baseball fields and a playground. 4

Temescal Gateway Park

Temescal Gateway Park in Pacific Palisades has several trail options throughout its 141 acres of oak and sycamore canyons, a waterfall, and ridgetop views, through the adjacent Topanga State Park, Will Rogers State Historic Park, and the 20,000-acre “Big Wild.” The access for the Temescal Canyon Trail, Temescal Ridge Trail, and the Temescal Rivas Canyon Trail to Will Rogers all begin in the park at the intersection of Sunset Blvd. and Temescal Canyon Road. 5

El Matador State Beach

Between the rocky terrain leading down to sandy shores, El Matador State Beach is known for its spectacular views. On any given day, couples, families and Instagram models traverse down the dirt pathway to a pristine beach for a chance at a few magical moments by the sea captured by their favorite photographers.

1

2

Point Dume Natural Preserve

Hiking trails wrap around the top of the point with an incredible scene of the Pacific Ocean just below. Wildflowers soak up the sun and provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to cliffside views of crystal blue waters with seasonal sightings of whale migrations.

Leo Carrillo State Beach

Sea caves and tide pools make this collection of beaches a treasure chest of photo opportunities for anyone standing behind the lens. Unique rock formations and reefs can be found throughout this 1.5-mile stretch of coastline, with massive Sycamore trees lining the nearby campgrounds.

3

4

Malibu Pier

Overlooking the world famous Surfrider Beach, the Malibu Pier is an iconic landmark in our little community. With a history that dates back to 1905, the Pier was initially built to support the Rindge family’s import and export businesses, and, decades later, was used as a stop for sport-fishing boats. Today, there’s nothing quite like watching the sunset over the water as surfers catch their last waves into shore.

Paramount Ranch

Located just a few miles outside of the city, Paramount Ranch is home to the film-famous Western Ranch—a hotspot for photographers looking to find a unique setting amid the Santa Monica Mountains. The National Park Services revamped the multi-use location in the ’80s, with pristine trails leading to old film settings and favorite picnic areas. 5

Bonus: Most Serene Spot

Serra Retreat — Malibu’s Best-Known Secret

Serra Retreat is situated atop a hill at the point where the roar of the sea meets the might of the mountains. The 26-acre home to the Franciscan friars is a spot where you can release negativity and find serenity. Reflection and meditation are not only encouraged—but requested. The retreat aims to help visitors look to the future by representing Father Junipero Serra’s most famous statement: “always go forward, never turn back.” Although located within a gated community, it can be visited Monday through Friday by simply letting the guard know you’re headed to the gardens. It is open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sit and read a book, meditate or simply take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape on benches lining the paths. The scenery includes views of both the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The garden at the front of the property, where a large cross sits, faces the water. One of the main attractions is the stone circle garden, a symmetrical haven that resembles a labyrinth. Guests can meditate in the circle or sit under the shade of the bell structure. The property is brimming with vibrant flowers and a rich array of trees that provide shade within this place of contemplation. Art and tile work adorn structures throughout the grounds. It’s truly Malibu’s best-known secret spot.

TOUR OUR NATIONAL PARKS ON HORSEBACK

BOOK YOUR RIDE TODAY 818-510-2245 MALIBURIDERS.COM