
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
High Traffic Alert
This park experiences heavy crowds, especially on weekends.
Check out the similar parks below for a better experience
Popular destination, arrive early for parking
Best: Weekdays before 10am
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area protects the largest urban national park in the country, featuring Mediterranean-climate ecosystems, over 500 miles of trails, and connections between mountains and sea. It's a haven for outdoor recreation in the Los Angeles area.
Try These Instead
These parks offer similar experiences with fewer crowds

Manzanar National Historic Site
WWII Japanese American incarceration camp with interpretive center.
Why go: Similar hiking, scenic views, wildlife watching experience
Around 185 miles away


