Best wildlife reserves in Santa Monica, California

Welcome to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, a breathtaking natural park located in Calabasas, California, just a short drive from the bustling city of Los Angeles. Our park offers a serene escape into nature with diverse hiking opportunities suitable for all levels of adventurers. Explore Solstice Canyon, where you can choose from easy, moderate, or challenging hikes through stunning coastal sage scrub and vibrant riparian plant communities. Enjoy a leisurely picnic or a peaceful stroll along the Solstice Canyon Trail, or test your endurance on the Rising Sun Trail. One of our most popular attractions is the perennial waterfall, a perfect destination for hikers. Along your journey, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as acorn woodpeckers, alligator lizards, fence lizards, and the majestic red-tailed hawk soaring above.

Welcome to the Santa Clara River Preserve, a stunning natural haven located at 1368 Mission Rock Road, Santa Paula, California. This expansive park spans nearly two miles of the majestic Santa Clara River, encompassing almost 1,000 acres of diverse upland habitat and riverbed. As one of the few public access points to the Santa Clara River, the preserve offers a unique opportunity to connect with this vital waterway. Managed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Santa Clara River Preserve is a perfect destination for outdoor education, community gatherings, wildlife viewing, and hiking. Visitors can explore the natural beauty and learn about the ecological significance of the Santa Clara River, a critical source of drinking water and a key resource for local agriculture. The preserve also plays an essential role in providing some of the last riverside and freshwater habitats in the Los Angeles-Ventura region.

Leo Carrillo State Park, located at 35000 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, is a popular tourist attraction and park that offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Dogs are welcome in day-use areas, the campground, and North Beach, but are not allowed on backcountry trails or South Beach. Visitors can make same-day reservations for campsites and lodging, with bookings available based on availability and the Park's maximum stay rules. The park features 1.5 miles of beach for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing, and beachcombing, as well as tidepools, coastal caves, and reefs to explore. Giant sycamores provide shade in the main campgrounds, and back-country hiking is also available. Junior Rangers and campfire programs are offered in the summer, while school field trips are available during the school year.

Airport Park is a serene oasis nestled in the bustling city of Santa Monica, California. Located at 3201 Airport Avenue, this park is a popular tourist attraction for visitors and locals alike. With lush greenery, walking paths, and picnic areas, Airport Park offers a peaceful escape from the urban landscape. Whether you're looking to relax, exercise, or simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings, this park is the perfect spot to unwind and recharge. So come visit Airport Park and experience the tranquility and beauty it has to offer.

Hotchkiss Park is a beautiful and serene park located on 3rd Street in Santa Monica, California. This popular tourist attraction offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is the perfect spot for a relaxing day out in nature. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, walking along the scenic trails, or simply taking in the fresh sea breeze. With its lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere, Hotchkiss Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Savannah is a trendy clothing store located at 706 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, California. With a wide selection of stylish and fashionable clothing items for men and women, Savannah is the go-to destination for those looking to update their wardrobe. From casual everyday wear to elegant evening attire, Savannah offers a variety of options to suit every style and occasion. Visit us today and discover the latest trends in fashion at Savannah.

Welcome to Mt. Boney Peak, a stunning natural park located in the heart of Malibu, California. Nestled within the Santa Monica Mountains, this breathtaking destination offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its rugged terrain, panoramic views, and diverse wildlife, Mt. Boney Peak is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Explore the park's extensive network of trails, perfect for hiking, trail running, and bird watching. Whether you're an experienced hiker looking for a challenging climb or a family seeking a leisurely stroll, Mt. Boney Peak has something for everyone. The park's signature trail leads to the summit of Boney Peak, rewarding visitors with spectacular vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountain ranges.

The UCLA La Kretz Field Station, located at 31915 Mulholland Highway in Malibu, California, is a hub for field research activities, accommodations for researchers, and space for meetings and classes. Managed by the UCLA La Kretz Center in collaboration with the National Park Service, the Field Station is situated in the Santa Monica Mountains, providing an ideal location for collaborative conservation projects in Southern California. With lab facilities, accommodations for overnight visitors, and a conference room, the Field Station serves as a natural bridge between laboratory-based research on campus and ecological work in the field. Visitors can engage in conservation science research, educational activities, and collaborative projects at the Field Station. Additionally, the La Kretz Center oversees the Stunt Ranch Santa Monica Mountains Reserve, offering opportunities for research and education in the Cold Creek watershed. To make a reservation at the Field Station, applicants can visit the University of California Natural Reserve System online Reserve Management System.