Summer may seem to be what California is all about, but as the summer heat diminishes and fall arrives, it just might be the perfect time for a little hiking. Fair skies, moderate temps, and fewer crowds make the outdoors even more inviting. So how about a few short hikes with a view in Southern California to really enjoy the season?
- Point Dume Cove Trail - Malibu, CA
Iitian Chen/All Trails Malibu is known for its beaches and coastline. The view from Point Dume validate’s Malibu’s claim to fame. It is a short and easy hike that brings you to the edge of the bluffs over a stunning cove. From this vista point, enjoy grand views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, striking cliffs and beaches, and Catalina Island off the coast. From here, you can follow a trail that provides access down to a beautiful secluded beach or to the very popular Zuma beach. Spend a little time at the top and you could even spot whales and dolphins swimming by. Cliffside Drive & Birdview Avenue, Cliffside Dr & Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
- Runyon Canyon Park - Hollywood, CA
Kim R/Google Local Somewhat steep but at three-quarters of a mile, this hike is a brief effort that leads to Inspiration Point with unbelievable views over Hollywood and Los Angeles County. A natural log bench gives you a perfect spot to sit and drink in the city views before heading back down. Runyon Canyon Park is a dog-friendly park, so bring your furry best friend along for the hike. The trails in the park are wide and many are paved. If you decide you need more of a workout, there are longer trails on the mountain that bring even more views. Runyon Canyon Park, 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA
- Sara Wan Trail - Malibu, CA
Mary Ibarra/Google Local Malibu is, of course, known for its coastline, but some of the best easy hikes have both stunning ocean views as well as beautiful inland mountain views. The Sara Wan Trail is one of those hikes, a 2.5-mile loop that takes you through foliage-covered rolling mountains and ends by opening up to the curved cliff-lined coastline and, on a clear fall day, the Channel Islands in the distance. 25623 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
- Mount Clef Ridge Trail, Wildwood Regional Park - Thousand Oaks, CA
Rodney Batt/AllTrails This is a relatively short and easy hike with a moderate incline to the ridge of a volcanic mountain in Thousand Oaks. The view from the top of Mount Clef Ridge makes a little effort more than worth it as you look out over the agricultural Santa Rosa Valley below and the mountain ridges beyond. 928 W Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, USA
- Seascape Trail and Golden Cove Trail - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Cecilia Hamilton/AllTrails Begin on the Seascape Trail starts at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Pointe Vicente Park and runs along the amazing bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The cliffs drop to rocky beaches and deep turquoise waters on your left as you make your way up the coast and onto the Golden Cove Trail. Get ready for an epic vista point, Calle Entradero. Picnic tables make this a perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch while you drink in the panoramic coastal views which include the Point Vicente Lighthouse. 30940 Hawthorne Blvd, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, USA
- Mesa Trail to Paradise Falls, Wildwood Regional Park - Thousand Oaks, CA
Lauren Rose/AllTrails This easily accessible trail is great for families. Not only does the well-maintained and easy hiking trail lead to the gorgeous Paradise Falls, but there is a really cool teepee on the trail as you make your way to the falls. The teepee makes a great photo opportunity, as well as a resting spot if you decide a short hike was not enough for the day.
Jomama_Fosho/TripAdvisor As a bonus, you can hike past the falls or go back to the teepee, then hike in the other direction to see an old Indian Cave. 928 W Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, USA
- Inspiration Point Trail, Will Rogers State Historic Park - Pacific Palisades, CA
Brianna W/AllTrails The trail is a local favorite for horseback riding, mountain biking, and of course, hiking. Just outside of Los Angeles, this mountain escape offers an array of views over the surrounding area, with the highlight being Inspiration Point, where you will take in sweeping views of the Los Angeles basin and its spectacular. Inspiration Point is a wonderful spot to enjoy an epic Southern California sunset. Will Rogers State Historic Park, 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA
What are your favorite short hikes with a view in Southern California? Share with us in the comments. If you are looking for more of a challenge, check out five adventurous hiking trails in Southern California.
Iitian Chen/All Trails
Malibu is known for its beaches and coastline. The view from Point Dume validate’s Malibu’s claim to fame. It is a short and easy hike that brings you to the edge of the bluffs over a stunning cove. From this vista point, enjoy grand views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, striking cliffs and beaches, and Catalina Island off the coast. From here, you can follow a trail that provides access down to a beautiful secluded beach or to the very popular Zuma beach. Spend a little time at the top and you could even spot whales and dolphins swimming by.
Cliffside Drive & Birdview Avenue, Cliffside Dr & Birdview Ave, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
Kim R/Google Local
Somewhat steep but at three-quarters of a mile, this hike is a brief effort that leads to Inspiration Point with unbelievable views over Hollywood and Los Angeles County. A natural log bench gives you a perfect spot to sit and drink in the city views before heading back down. Runyon Canyon Park is a dog-friendly park, so bring your furry best friend along for the hike. The trails in the park are wide and many are paved. If you decide you need more of a workout, there are longer trails on the mountain that bring even more views.
Runyon Canyon Park, 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA
Mary Ibarra/Google Local
Malibu is, of course, known for its coastline, but some of the best easy hikes have both stunning ocean views as well as beautiful inland mountain views. The Sara Wan Trail is one of those hikes, a 2.5-mile loop that takes you through foliage-covered rolling mountains and ends by opening up to the curved cliff-lined coastline and, on a clear fall day, the Channel Islands in the distance.
25623 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, USA
Rodney Batt/AllTrails
This is a relatively short and easy hike with a moderate incline to the ridge of a volcanic mountain in Thousand Oaks. The view from the top of Mount Clef Ridge makes a little effort more than worth it as you look out over the agricultural Santa Rosa Valley below and the mountain ridges beyond.
928 W Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360, USA
Cecilia Hamilton/AllTrails
Begin on the Seascape Trail starts at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Pointe Vicente Park and runs along the amazing bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The cliffs drop to rocky beaches and deep turquoise waters on your left as you make your way up the coast and onto the Golden Cove Trail. Get ready for an epic vista point, Calle Entradero. Picnic tables make this a perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch while you drink in the panoramic coastal views which include the Point Vicente Lighthouse.
30940 Hawthorne Blvd, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, USA
Lauren Rose/AllTrails
This easily accessible trail is great for families. Not only does the well-maintained and easy hiking trail lead to the gorgeous Paradise Falls, but there is a really cool teepee on the trail as you make your way to the falls. The teepee makes a great photo opportunity, as well as a resting spot if you decide a short hike was not enough for the day.
Jomama_Fosho/TripAdvisor
As a bonus, you can hike past the falls or go back to the teepee, then hike in the other direction to see an old Indian Cave.
Brianna W/AllTrails
The trail is a local favorite for horseback riding, mountain biking, and of course, hiking. Just outside of Los Angeles, this mountain escape offers an array of views over the surrounding area, with the highlight being Inspiration Point, where you will take in sweeping views of the Los Angeles basin and its spectacular. Inspiration Point is a wonderful spot to enjoy an epic Southern California sunset.
Will Rogers State Historic Park, 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, USA
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