Manhattan Beach, California
The Manhattan Beach Coastal Trail is a must-visit for outdoor adventures. This top-rated trail offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, with a smooth path perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. Along the trail, you'll see the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier, a popular spot for fishing and sightseeing. The trail is moderately challenging, making it suitable for all fitness levels. If you're into birdwatching, the trail is home to various species, adding a unique touch to your hike. For water activities, the nearby Manhattan Beach is ideal for surfing and swimming. For a relaxing day, the Polliwog Park offers beautiful ponds and picnic areas. Explore the best trails and outdoor activities in and near Manhattan Beach for a memorable time.
Top Spots in and near Manhattan Beach
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Los Angeles County, California
Idlehour Trail
4.014.89 mi / 4665 ft gainIdlehour Trail located near Mount Wilson, California, is an out-and-back trail that is strenuous and can take 8-10 hours if done all at once. There are opportunities to camp off the trail, making this a backpacking trail in the Angeles National Forest as well. To access the Idlehour Campground ...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
San Gabriel Peak
4.02.79 mi / 1040 ft gainAt 6,000 feet, San Gabriel Peak gives you one of the best views of the Los Angeles basin on the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. As you pass through Muller Tunnel, the trail will be littered with rocks and boulders. A little over 100 feet in, the road will fork in thre...Read more -
Arcadia, California
Hermit Falls Trail
4.82.49 mi / 1014 ft gainNote: Hermit Falls is Temporarily Closed From Roberts Camp, many hikers will head to Sturtevant Falls, which is an amazing 60-foot waterfall. But, if you choose to head in the opposite direction on First Water Trail, you’ll be rewarded with a fresh water swimming hole at this 35-foot tumbling wa...Read more -
Arcadia, California
Sturtevant Falls
4.61.61 mi / 423 ft gainThis trail is currently closed. Visit the Forest Service website for updates. As you head down to Roberts Camp, a historic set of historic cabins, you’ll head out on a steep, paved road for approximately 0.6 miles. Once you reach the camp, head over the bridge and keep an eye out for the sign f...Read more -
Arcadia, California
Mt. Wilson Loop from Chantry Flat
5.012.74 mi / 4852 ft gainMt. Wilson is one of the more difficult mountains in the San Gabriel to hike, making this adventure Intermediate. While 5,700 feet doesn't seem that tall, the mountain has a prominence of almost 5,300 feet, meaning that hike is steeper and longer than some of the other popular mountains that star...Read more -
Avalon, California
Visit Two Harbors, Catalina Island
5.0Just 30 miles from the commotion and congestion of Los Angeles, is a small island village that time seems to have left behind. You won't find the usual traffic, development, and big crowds here. You won't find movie theaters, concert venues, hotels, nightclubs, or sporting events either. At Cata...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Mt. Disappointment via Billy Riley Trail
3.5 mi / 1132 ft gainFrom the 210 Freeway in La Cañada, take California Highway 2 north 14 miles up into the San Gabriel Mountains. Make sure you have your National Forest Pass (sold at REI or Ranger Station) or your Interagency Pass because they have started checking parked vehicles. At the Red Box Picnic area, make...Read more -
Avalon, California
Camp at Catalina's Two Harbors
4.8An island camping escape is a mere 50 minute boat ride away from the southern California coast. If you're feeling generous with your funds, you can also opt for a helicopter ride, leaving out of Long Beach and 15 minutes later landing in Catalina Island.Two Harbors campground is unique with the a...Read more -
Two Harbors, California
Day Hike across Catalina: Two Harbors to Avalon
21 miThis hike was one of the most difficult and definitely one of the most memorable hikes I’ve ever done. The view of the island and the surrounding water is surreal and I am yet to be anywhere like this hike. The dry California vegetation of the mountains matched with the bright blue endless backgr...Read more -
Monrovia, California
Monrovia Falls
3.71.46 mi / 459 ft gainMonrovia Falls is closed indefinitely due to the Bobcat Fire and mudslides. Read more on the CityofMonrovia.org website. The Monrovia Falls are at the end of the main trail located in Monrovia Canyon Park. The park is easy to locate and has ample parking. Keep in mind you do have to pay a fee of...Read more -
Malibu, California
Leo Carillo State Beach
4.5Leo Carrillo State Park has 1.5 miles of two sandy beach areas, tide pools, and numerous coves and sea caves. This year-round paradise offers privacy and ocean access for anglers, divers, surfers, wildlife watchers, beachcombers, and campers. If you're headed here for day-use, there are also tide...Read more -
Westlake Village, California
Climb at Echo Cliffs
1.3 miThe hike to the crag is about 1.3 miles one way and takes roughly 45 minutes. The approach starts at the Backbone / Mishe Mokwa trail head off Yerba Buena Rd. After walking a couple minutes you'll see a sign pointing left for the backbone trail or straight for Mishe Mokwa. Continue straight and ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Sandstone Peak
4.83.03 mi / 971 ft gainIf you live in Los Angeles, Sandstone Peak is a must! The hike to the summit can be done on a 2 mile hike up and back on Sandstone Peak Trail, or a 6.5 mile hike up and back on Backbone Trail. The shorter trail is more popular, yet both are equally rewarding. You won't believe the views from the...Read more -
Malibu, California
Balanced Rock via Sandstone Trailhead
5.04.36 mi / 1125 ft gain...From the PCH, make a left turn on Yerba Buena road (turn right if you're coming South) for about 6 miles until you get to the dirt parking area. If the lot is full, there's extra parking on the side of the road. FYI, Balanced Rock can also be accessed by starting at the Mishe Mokwa trailhead,...Read more -
12869 Yerba Buena Road, California
Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak
5.07.06 mi / 1755 ft gainTake Yerba Buena road to the trailhead. It is less zigzagged and shorter distance from PCH. Parking is easy provided that you start early in the morning. If the lot is full, you can always park on the side of the road. Bathroom is available at Sandstone Peak Trailhead parking lot, just 0.8 miles ...Read more -
Azusa, California
Fish Canyon Falls
2.04.08 mi / 801 ft gainThis trail is currently closed! Learn more on the U.S. Forest Service website. Follow Encanto Parkway towards the hills until you come to a junction with a sign labeled "trail" that points towards a parking lot to your right. Parking is free, though on weekends it may be difficult to find a spot...Read more
