There are a few homes around on the roadways but once you go down the trails for a mile you see CA as its always been. Good mountain ridge area, sage, birds, coyotes, even a mountain lion or two hunting dear. I've seen vultures, and wild teenagers on the same trail. Travel in groups.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Thousand Oaks
- Home
-
Thousand Oaks
-
Hotels
- Flights NEW
- Restaurants
- Places to visit
- Best of 2013
- Your Friends
-
More
- Write a Review
-
Sign in with Facebook
- Sign in
- Register Now!
- FREE Mobile App
-
Home
- >
- >
- >
- >
- > Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
401 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
805-370-2301
Website
Update attraction details
11 visitor photos
Ranked #2 of 6 attractions in Thousand Oaks
Type: National Parks
Activities: Camping, Hiking, Horse riding, Birdwatching
Owner description:
The world’s largest urban national park, extending more than 45 miles from the Hollywood Bow to Ventura, features a rich variety of plants and...
more »
Owner description:
The world’s largest urban national park, extending more than 45 miles from the Hollywood Bow to Ventura, features a rich variety of plants and wildlife.
« less
Oxnard
Contributor
Was this review helpful?
Problem with this review?
Valencia, California
Contributor
In the spring, when wildflowers are around, the air is subtly fragrant, the brush is blooming and its a very pleasing environment for a city dweller like me.
Was this review helpful?
Problem with this review?
See 2 more reviews by G D for Thousand Oaks
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Senior Reviewer
I love hiking in this area and the views can be spectacular. The views disappear when summer comes on and the haze/smog starts to build up. Things also turn the same shade of brown in the summer. In the winter and spring everything is lush and green.
Was this review helpful?
Problem with this review?
See 2 more reviews by Mark B for Thousand Oaks
USA
Senior Contributor
It is hard to believe that this beautiful National Recreation Area is so close to the hustle and bustle of LA! It is the largest urban National Park area but not the largest National Park which is Alaska's Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park & Preserve. The new visitor center was very nice and contained lots of helpful info and great educational...
More
Was this review helpful?
Problem with this review?
Camarillo, California
Top Contributor
Imagine nature off the 101 freeway! I am always exploring new parts of the park. The hike up Sandstone Peak is inspiring and the coastal canyons off Highway 1 are always worth a half day hike.
Was this review helpful?
Problem with this review?
See 6 more reviews by Cavydad for Thousand Oaks
Cavydad has 1 more review of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
-
Reviewed 7 October 2012
oxnard
Top Contributor
You will get robbed if you leave anything in the car. If they see you walking without your purse your car will be broken into. Trails a rough and not a lot to see.
Was this review helpful?
1
Problem with this review?
See 2 more reviews by steve and lisa K for Thousand Oaks
Los Angeles, California
Top Contributor
What can I say but get out of your car take a walk or hike. Get some fresh air. Nice to be in nature.
Was this review helpful?
Problem with this review?
Ohio
Top Contributor
The Santa Monica National Recreational Area is a large area comprised of land under the park administration, state parks and private residences.
Only having an afternoon, we started at the King Gillette visitor center. The facilities had park information, exhibits, bathrooms, and a small gift shop. The Paramount Ranch is close by and had less buildings than expected (the magic...
More
Was this review helpful?
Problem with this review?
Washington, DC
Contributor
I love movie history and the Santa Monica Mountains have been home to many movie locations over the years. I love bringing friends and relatives to Paramount Ranch to see the Western Town film lot where old westerns used to be filmed. Hiking is great with fun trails up in the mountains and down by the beach. The new visitor...
More
Was this review helpful?
Problem with this review?
Thousand Oaks, California
Top Contributor
I've been hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains for years and never tire of this beautiful wildland right in our backyard. Best to hike with friends as the trails are not always well marked. Visitors should be aware of rattlesnake season, how to identify poison oak, and the need to carry plenty of water.
Was this review helpful?
Problem with this review?
See 3 more reviews by miandho for Thousand Oaks
Travellers who viewed Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area also viewed
-
Been to Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area? Share your experiences!
-
Owners: What's your side of the story?
If you own or manage Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.
Manage your listingHotels travellers are raving about...
-
Thousand Oaks, CA
-
Thousand Oaks, CA
-
Thousand Oaks, CA
Browse nearby
Free Guide to Thousand Oaks
Popular Thousand Oaks attractions
Hotels around Thousand Oaks
Explore the world
Sightseeing
Travel Destinations
Hotels
- Visit TripAdvisor's international sites:
-
-
About Us |
Write a review
| Owners & DMO/CVB | Help Centre
| Business Listings
© 2013 TripAdvisor LLC All rights reserved. TripAdvisor Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Some photos provided by VFM Leonardo.
* TripAdvisor LLC is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... (more)
We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
TripAdvisor LLC is not responsible for content on external web sites. Taxes, fees not included for deals content.