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General Hike Overview

If you are looking for scenic overlooks of Santa Monica, Malibu, and even downtown Los Angeles, then this is your hike! This Los Angeles 5-mile roundtrip hike starts on the outskirts of the Santa Monica city limits and goes behind the hills surrounding the Getty Villa (although you’re too high above the hills to see any of the art collection). From a challenging uphill to scenic coastal views of the Pacific Ocean and Topanga Canyon from the peak, this hike offers a fun terrain with a beautiful coast backdrop.

Although Topanga Canyon hikes have become very popular, we still enjoyed this Los Angeles hike for its panoramic views. If you are looking to try a hike in LA, are new to hiking, or you don’t want to drive all the way into Malibu, this is a fun one to enjoy.

Trail Map:


View Paseo Miramar Hiking Trail in a larger map

Directions to Paseo Miramar Trailhead (Topanga Canyon Hike):

  • From Hollywood/Beverly Hills: 
    • 1-405 S
    • 1-10 W exit toward Santa Monica
    • Merge onto I-10
    • Continue onto CA-1 N/E Pacific Coast Hwy
    • Sharp right onto W Sunset Blvd
    • Sharp left onto Paseo Miramar
    • Turn right onto Resolano Dr. 
    • Take the 1st right onto Paseo Miramar
 
  • From Orange County:
    • I-5 N toward Los Angeles
    • ext toward the Interstart 10 W/ Santa Monica Freeway/Santa Monica
    • Merge onto CA-60 W
    • Merge onto 1-10
    • Continue onto CA-1 N/E Pacific Coast Hwy
    • Sharp right onto W. Sunset Blvd
    • Shar left onto Paseo Miramar
    • Turn right onto Resolano Dr
    • Take the 1st right onto Paseo Miramar
 What to Bring



When to Go: 

  • Morning: It can be a little challenging to find parking along the streets near the trailhead, so we recommend going early in the AM, especially in the summer when the temps are higher.
  • Spring/Fall/Winter: Although the hike can be enjoyed year-round, the summer months can be very hot and crowded. 

 

How the Trail Looks:  
Hikers enjoying the scenic overlook.
Views of Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean from the overlook.

Dog-Friendly

  • No, only service dogs allowed.
    Intensity Levels
    • Barry-the-Bear: “I’m new to LA hiking trails. The uphill section of this trail was very challenging, but I survived! It was fun to eat a sandwich at the overlook and enjoy the views!”
    • Larry-the-Lion: “A blast! We made a full day of this hike! After spending 2 hours on the trail, we went to lunch in Malibu and then toured the Getty Villa. We highly recommend this hike!”
    • Chris-the-Cheetah: “Lots of fun, but challenging to find parking. I neglected the advice of the Go Hike It team and tried to find parking in the middle of day. I ended up parking a few miles from the trail head, which turned the hike into a 8 mile round-trip experience.” 

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