No plans for Memorial Day weekend? Think about exploring the trails in Southern California. Some of my favorites are these lesser-known routes. Find details at the 50 best hikes in L.A.
Nicholas Flat, Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu. The terrain and the views make this one of the best coastal hikes around. The “flat” part of the hike leads to grassy meadows and a pond where you can stop and picnic. Hopefully you’ll see birds and ducks in the unexpected pool. Park at Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu and head inland from there. 6.9 miles round trip, 1,664 feet of gain.
These 50-plus hikes capture all that LA and Southern California has to offer. Use our filters to find the best type of hike by difficulty levels, length and type of view.
These six hikes aren’t too far away and are great for a half- or full-day outing. Grab a to-go lunch (here’s our list of the right sandwiches for 22 SoCal hikes), or make your own fancy fixings. Use a trail guide or app so you don’t get lost. Enjoy!
The curve of the coastline is spread out for viewing at Inspiration Point at Will Rogers Historic State Park.