Wildlife watching locations in Santa Monica, California

The Santa Monica Whaler is a beloved bar, restaurant, and food establishment located at 101 Broadway in Santa Monica, California. Known for its delicious seafood dishes, lively atmosphere, and friendly staff, this institution has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike for many years. Whether you're looking for a casual spot to grab a drink with friends or a relaxing meal by the beach, the Santa Monica Whaler has something for everyone. Come enjoy the California sunshine and ocean views while indulging in fresh seafood and classic American fare at this iconic Santa Monica establishment.

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, located in Calabasas, California, offers easy access to stunning natural landscapes. With over 500 miles of trails to explore, visitors can enjoy the famous beaches of Malibu and discover historical and cultural sites throughout the park, including old movie ranches and Native American centers. Park scientists have studied nearly 100 mountain lions since 2002, providing valuable insight into their survival and conservation efforts. Stay informed about ongoing projects, such as the restoration of native plants and efforts to protect the largest native species in the western United States. Don't miss the opportunity to hike the Backbone Trail, a 67-mile route that spans the entire Santa Monica Mountains. Plan your visit today and see what wonders await you and your family in this beautiful park.

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.

Clover Park is a beautiful and serene park located at 2600 Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, California. This popular tourist attraction offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with lush green spaces, walking paths, and recreational facilities. Visitors can enjoy picnics, play sports, or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty of the park. Clover Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking for a tranquil outdoor retreat in the heart of Santa Monica.

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.

Rocky Oaks Park is a hidden gem nestled among the hustle and bustle of modern life in Malibu, California. This tranquil park features a seasonal pond and a variety of plant communities that provide a habitat for local wildlife. Take a leisurely hike along the loop trails and enjoy picturesque views of the pond, once used as a watering hole for cattle but now a vital water source for native animals such as rabbits, coyotes, and deer. Plants like tule, cattail, and willow flourish in and around the pond, while water birds like buffleheads and mallards gracefully glide across the water. The park serves as a rest stop and commuting area for animals traveling between habitats in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Harbor Breeze Cruises is a top destination for whale watching in Long Beach and Los Angeles, located in California, United States. Their custom-built high-speed vessels cover waters from Santa Monica to Newport Beach, maximizing marine life sightings. Experienced captains provide informative narration during excursions, ensuring a safe and educational experience for all passengers. Tours depart year-round, offering the chance to see majestic Humpback and Blue Whales in their natural habitat. The company's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made them a trusted provider of whale watching tours in Southern California. With knowledgeable staff and state-of-the-art vessels, Harbor Breeze Cruises offers an unforgettable ocean adventure for all ages. Grab your camera and sunscreen, and embark on a thrilling whale watching journey with Harbor Breeze Cruises.

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.

Red Rock Canyon Park, managed by the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority, is a stunning natural oasis located in Topanga, California. This park offers visitors a chance to explore the rugged beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains, with stunning red rock formations, scenic hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape into nature or an adventurous day of rock climbing, Red Rock Canyon Park has something for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this hidden gem in the heart of Southern California.

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.

Welcome to Sunset Point, a breathtaking park located at 3987 Encinal Canyon Road in the heart of Malibu, California. Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains, Sunset Point offers an unparalleled natural retreat for visitors seeking tranquility and stunning vistas. As its name suggests, Sunset Point is renowned for its spectacular sunset views, where the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this serene park is an ideal destination.

Welcome to Backbone Trail Access at Encinal Canyon, your gateway to adventure in the stunning Santa Monica Mountains! Located on Encinal Canyon Road in Malibu, California, this park offers a unique opportunity to explore the 67-mile-long Backbone Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful escape from city life, our trail promises an unforgettable experience. Join us each week for a video series hosted by longtime volunteer Ralph Waycott, as we take you through the trail's eight segments and introduce you to LA’s premier hiking experience. Don't hesitate to share your questions, trail experiences, tips, or thoughts with us by emailing samo_interpretation@nps.gov.

Welcome to Wood Canyon Vista Trailhead, a stunning gateway to the renowned Backbone Trail in Malibu, California. Nestled in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains, this scenic park offers nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers a perfect escape into the great outdoors. With its breathtaking vistas, diverse wildlife, and lush landscapes, the trailhead serves as an ideal starting point for unforgettable hikes along the Backbone Trail. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, Wood Canyon Vista Trailhead provides access to a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels. Experience the tranquility of nature as you traverse winding paths that reveal panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Welcome to the Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area, a serene and culturally rich park located in the heart of Thousand Oaks, California. Nestled within the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains, this unique natural area offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of the Native American Chumash and Tongva peoples who once inhabited this land. Explore miles of scenic trails that wind through rolling hills, lush meadows, and oak woodlands, providing perfect opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and nature photography. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife and native plants, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Welcome to Circle X Ranch, a hidden gem located at 12896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu, California. Nestled in the picturesque canyons above Malibu and beneath the majestic Boney Mountain, Circle X Ranch is a former Boy Scout camp offering a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. Discover the beauty of this rare coastal Mediterranean ecosystem by hiking one of the many trails that wind through the ranch. Immerse yourself in the unique chaparral plant community, where you can spot the distinctive red shank chamise with its reddish-brown bark and delicate white flowers blooming in July and August. Keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant blue-bellied lizards and lively scrub jays during the day, and experience the enchanting presence of gray foxes and bats as twilight descends.

Explore the Backbone Trail Access at Yerba Buena Welcome to the Backbone Trail Access at Yerba Buena, your gateway to adventure in the stunning Santa Monica Mountains. Located on Yerba Buena Road in Malibu, California, this park offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of America's premier long-distance trails. Spanning 67 miles, the Backbone Trail invites hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians to immerse themselves in the beauty of Southern California's best-protected coastal Mediterranean habitat.