Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area ยท California
NPS
Protected area in Southern California, US
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) is a national recreation area containing many individual parks and open space preserves, located primarily in Southern California's Santa Monica Mountains. Located in greater Los Angeles, two thirds of SMMNRA's parklands are in northwest Los Angeles County and the remaining third, including a Simi Hills extension, is in southeastern Ventura County. It is administered by the National Park Service in coordination with state, county, municipal, and university agencies.
About Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails. The park abounds with historical and cultural sites, from old movie ranches to Native American centers. What will you and your family discover?
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Park Sites
The park sites are open year-round. Our parking lots are open from 8 am to sunset.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
Popular activities at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area include: Biking, Mountain Biking, Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, Climbing, Rock Climbing, Compass and GPS, Geocaching.
What is the weather like at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
Summers are hot and dry while winters are cool and wet.
How do I get to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
There are multiple trailheads around the park, so there is not one main entrance. You can begin your visit at the visitor center, located off Mulholland Highway in Calabasas. The Santa Monica Mountains are traversed by the 405 Freeway on the east side; crowned by the 101 Freeway on the north and west side; and Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), on the southern ocean border.
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
Weather
Summers are hot and dry while winters are cool and wet.
Directions
There are multiple trailheads around the park, so there is not one main entrance. You can begin your visit at the visitor center, located off Mulholland Highway in Calabasas. The Santa Monica Mountains are traversed by the 405 Freeway on the east side; crowned by the 101 Freeway on the north and west side; and Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), on the southern ocean border.
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in California
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