The west side of Los Angeles features breathtaking ocean views, sandy dunes, and flower patches that are easily accessible for those who love to trek on foot. There are over 50 hiking trails in the greater Los Angeles area that many local residents take advantage of especially during the Summer.
Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, you can see the many coastal access points that lead to various beautiful trails, or you can go through Malibu’s mountain terrain and see the ocean from a higher distance.
Marvin Braude Trail
The Marvin Braude Trail is located near Will Rogers State Beach in the Pacific Palisades area. The trail has scenic views and is easy for beginner hikers, but the route stretches for 19 miles-long. The hiking trail is great for road biking which means the trail has even pavement and is welcomed for all skill levels to enjoy.
Point Dume Cove Trail
The Point Dume Cove Trail is one of the most stunning and shorter trails to take advantage of in the scenic beach city of Malibu. The trail has a diverse ecosystem of wild flowers and this hike is manageable for novice hikers. During the summer, the trail is used for various outdoor activities.
Paradise Cove Trail
Paradise Cove is a 4.5 mile popular trail located right outside of Malibu. This trail will lead you to the beautiful Pacific ocean and there are many birds to observe in this wildlife area. This location is also a great place to view the natural tidepools in the cove area at the end of your hike.
El Matador, La Piedra, and El Pescador State Beaches
This is a 2.4-mile hike that is located in the heart of Malibu at one of the cities most famous beaches, El Matador. The beach hike is great for its scenic views that are even more mesmerizing during the early morning or at sunset. The trail is predominantly used for hiking and bird watching.
Del Rey Lagoon Loop Trail
The Del Rey Lagoon trail is a heavily-trafficked hiking and bike trail located outside of Playa del Rey. The trail is great for bringing your dog along because it allows pets on leashes. The shorter trail features an oceanfront view paired with wildflower patches.
Corral Canyon Trail
The Coral Canyon trail is more for your experienced hikers because it can have rough terrain. The hike features a river and dogs can accompany you on your hiking journey. The trail is usually more empty in the late afternoon as it can be busy on the weekend.
Shipwreck Trail
The Shipwreck trail is a longer 4.5-mile trail that is located near Palo Verdes. The trail is beautiful and accessible all year and the rocky hike takes you to a shipwreck site. The best way to experience this trail is with hiking shoes so that when you arrive at the turning point you can enjoy the rocky shoreline.
Sostomo and Deer Valley Trail
The Sostomo and Deer Valley trail is the perfect hike if you want to put in a good workout. The 6.3 mile-long trail is popular for its waterfall destination and high elevation. Be on the lookout for ticks and rattlesnakes because the heat can attract these animals which can potentially be obstacles on your hike.
Bluff Cove Trail
The Bluff Cover trail to Lunada Bay is a 1.7-mile hike that is more of a hidden gem near Palos Verdes. The trail is hard to access with high tide, so it is best to travel to the trail in the late morning or early afternoon. This shorter walk is off a steep cliff so be careful when the trail is heavily-trafficked on certain weekends.
Palos Verdes Coastline Trail
The Palos Verdes Coastline trail is a long 7-mile hike that offers scenic views of the ocean while you climb up elevation. There are tall bluffs on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. If you are feeling daring, the cliffs at Lunada Bay are a great way to get more elevation gain during a sunset or sunrise excursion.
