Dec 1, 2022


Located in the western part of Los Angeles, the city of Santa Monica, CA is the gateway to some of the most beautiful state parks and recreation areas in the region, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether you like swimming in the ocean, surfing, hiking, or simply having a picnic with friends, here are three places where you can spend a day away from the city.

Take the SUV and Check Out These 3 Outdoor Activities Near Santa Monica, CA

1. Go Hiking at Tuna Canyon Park

With several nature trails leading to some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Channel Islands, Tuna Canyon Park is a fantastic destination for a hiking adventure with your friends. Encompassing over 1,250 acres in the western Santa Monica Mountains, this place boasts thick woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub, making it one of the most diverse nature reserves in the region.
Tuna Canyon Park is located just 15 miles northwest of the Santa Monica city center and can be easily reached in about half an hour by car via routes CA-1 and CA-27. Once you arrive here, head to the main trailhead and follow it as it gets to the two main viewpoints of the park, located near Big Rock Lateral and Heart Tank Motorway. This route has a total length of about five miles and relatively easy terrain.

2. Hit the Waves and Surf at Malibu Lagoon State Beach

A famous beach for surfing and open ocean swimming, Malibu Lagoon State Beach is another popular spot among outdoor lovers from Santa Monica and the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Also known among locals as Surfrider Beach, this place is covering an area of a little over 100 acres and was established as a California state park in the early 1950s.
Lying within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Malibu Lagoon State Beach is located less than 15 miles west of the Santa Monica city center, making it possible to reach it in just 20 minutes by car via route CA-1. Divided into three primary surfing areas, this place is trendy during the months of August and September.

3. Enjoy Some Breathtaking Views of Los Angeles at Will Rogers State Historic Park

Located just five miles west of downtown Santa Monica, Will Rogers State Historic Park is another top-rated spot for outdoor recreation, offering more than 185 acres of territory and featuring a series of historic buildings. This expansive green area is a place where you can have a picnic with your friends or family and take in some of the most beautiful views of the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Are you searching for a stylish and modern SUV to go on new adventures and memorable road trips all over California? Visit us at Santa Monica SUVs, contact our knowledgeable agents, and take home a new vehicle with a flexible financing plan.

Image by Kanenori from Pixabay