30401 Agoura Rd, Suite 100, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Phone: 248-597-9192 or 248-597-1036
Fax: 248-597-8357
Open All Year
Overview. Covering 155,000 acres near Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area comprises rolling terrain, canyons, beaches, streams, and waterfalls. This region is the home of Native American Indians, including the Chumash and Gabrielino/Tongva. Often called "L.A.'s backyard," the territory was in danger of being swallowed by the adjacent metropolitan area. A federal, state, and local effort to preserve the natural resources of the Santa Monica Mountain range resulted in its designation as a National Recreation Area in 1978. That same year an uncontrollable fire set the woods and brush along the top of the mountain range ablaze. The recreation area has since recovered and refoliated, and offers both Los Angelenos and out-of-state visitors a variety of opportunities for exploration and play.What to see and do. Call the Recreation Area before your visit for details concerning reservations, fees, and permit information. A useful program and activity guide titled Outdoors is available through the National Park Service and can be ordered by telephone. The National Park Service Visitors Center is also an option if you're looking for information. The center is open weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM and weekends from 9 AM to 5 PM, closed during all major holidays. If you're planning to spend the day in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, you can go hiking, biking, horseback riding, or picnicking. Trails range from the scenic to the densely forested. The beaches that form the southern edge of the recreation area have lifeguards on duty in the summer months. Nature walks allow visitors to appreciate the Santa Monica Mountains' Mediterranean-type ecosystem up close. Some of the area is a wildlife refuge for such animals as cougars, bobcats, and eagles. Bird and whale watching are also popular recreation area activities. Inquire about optimal seasons for these activities. Campers can reserve sites at Leo Carrillo State Beach or Point Mugu State Park, both within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area boundary. State beaches, including Dan Blocker State Beach, Las Tunas State Beach, and Topanga State Beach dot the Pacific edge of the Santa Monica Recreation Area. Visitors are advised to call ahead for details, as there are hundreds of campsites and RV sites in the recreation area. The J. Paul Getty Museum of Fine Art lies within the Recreation Area. A replica of a Roman villa, the Getty Museum houses the oil baron's fine collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. Other sites of note include: Will Rogers State Historic Park, Sooky Goldman Nature Center, and Charmlee Nature Center. Mulholland Drive, a winding road that cuts along the ridge of the Santa Monica Mountain range, is a scenic option for those visitors interested in driving through the area. The Pacific Coast Highway cuts across the southern edge of the recreation area and allows for beautiful ocean views. Adventurous visitors might also want to hop over to the Channel Islands National Park, islands off the coast north of the Santa Monica National Recreation Area. Again, contact the National Park Service for information on transportation to and from the islands.
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Beach |
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Bicycle Trails |
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Bird Watching |
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Climbing |
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Food Service |
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Gift Shop |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Historic Sites |
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Horse Trails |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Swimming |
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Visitor Center |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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