Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a combination of national park property, state parks, federal and local lands. Fees depend on whether you are in the National Park or a state park.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Travel Tips
Check out www.samofund.org to view an online calendar of events at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Plus sign up for their email newsletter to get up to date information on the park, activities, events, and things to do.
The park offers over 450 miles of hiking trails.
Motorized vehicles are not allowed on any of the trails. Horses and mountain bikes are allowed on designated trails.
Visit the Satwiwa Native American Indian Cultural Center to stand under a traditional Chumash 'ap and walk through a native plant garden.
How much does it cost to visit Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
There is no entrance fee for National Park Service sites in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Other fees such as reservation, camping, lodging, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.
How do I get to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
There are quite a few places to visit within the Santa Monica National Recreation Area. Check out these pages for specific places to visit:
- Arroyo Sequit
- Cheeseboro and Palo Camado Canyons
- Circle X Ranch
- King Gillette Ranch
- Paramount Ranch and Western Town
- Peter Strauss Ranch
- Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa
- Rocky Oaks
- Solstice Canyon
- Visitor Center (Interagency)
- Zuma and Trancas Canyons
California State Parks
- Malibu Creek State Park
- Leo Carrillo State Park
- Point Dume State Reserve
- Point Mugu State Park
- R. H. Meyer Memorial State Beaches
- Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
- Malibu Lagoon State Beach
- Topanga State Park
- Will Rogers State Historic Park
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
- Charmlee Wilderness Park
- Corral Canyon Park
- Franklin Canyon Park
- LA River Center & Gardens
- Malibu Bluffs Open Space
- Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park
- San Vicente Mountain Park
- Temescal Gateway Park
- Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve
Where are the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Visitor Centers?
Address - 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, CA, 91302
Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101) to Las Virgenes Road (Co. Hwy N1) exit. Go 3 miles south on Las Virgenes Road to Mulholland Highway intersection (traffic light). Turn left on Mulholland Highway. Park entrance is 0.1 mile on right.
Santa Monica Mountains Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center and the bookstore is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The Santa Monica Mountains Anthony C. Beilenson Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch is operated by four partner agencies:
National Park Service
California State Parks
Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
The Satwiwa Native American Culture Center is open on weekends from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Both are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, as well as some other federal holidays
Where can I find out about staying/camping in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
Visit this page on the Santa Monica Mountains NPS site to learn more about camping options.
Is there a Junior Ranger Program at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
Yes! Junior Ranger programs were recently redesigned and are available at the Visitor Center.
Can I bring my Dog/Pet with me to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
Yes, Pets must be leashed and with their owners at all time.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Facts
Congress established the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in 1978.
Many movies and tv shows have been filmed at Paramount Ranch including M*A*S*H, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and more.
13 raptor species live in the park including Golden Eagles.
Bobcats and Cougars are also found in the park!
National Park sites near Santa Monica NRA
Channel Islands National Park - 40 miles (to the visitor center)
Joshua Tree National Park - 168 miles
Mojave National Preserve - 206 miles
Cabrillo National Monument - 164 miles
Death Valley National Park - 219 miles
Check out all of the California National Parks and neighboring Arizona National Parks
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