Which national parks are within a day's drive of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?

Within about a day's drive you can reach Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (2 h 16 min), César E. Chávez National Monument (2 h 45 min), Cabrillo National Monument (3 h 17 min), Joshua Tree National Park (4 h 13 min), Manzanar National Historic Site (4 h 38 min), Pinnacles National Park (5 h 31 min).

Sunbeams reaching from glowing sun over the ocean.

NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places.

Photo: NPS / NPS

state

things to do

parks within a day

OVERVIEW

About Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails. The park abounds with historical and cultural sites, from old movie ranches to Native American centers. What will you and your family discover?

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Two people and a dog walk down a dirt trail that cuts into a grassy hill with large trees

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area◆◆this park

National Historic Trail · Arizona

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area◆◆this park

National Monument · California

César E. Chávez National Monument

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area◆◆this park

National Monument · California

Cabrillo National Monument

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area◆◆this park

National Park · California

Joshua Tree National Park

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area◆◆this park

National Historic Site · California

Manzanar National Historic Site

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area◆◆this park

National Park · California

Pinnacles National Park

Driving times from Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Park Sites

Mon: All Day
Tue: All Day
Wed: All Day
Thu: All Day
Fri: All Day
Sat: All Day
Sun: All Day

THINGS TO DO

Activities

BikingBookstore and Park StoreCampingCar or Front Country CampingClimbingCompass and GPSFront-Country HikingGeocachingHikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingJunior Ranger ProgramMountain BikingRock ClimbingShopping

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

Summers are hot and dry while winters are cool and wet.

Directions →Official NPS page →

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?: Popular activities include Biking, Bookstore and Park Store, Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, Climbing, Compass and GPS.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?: Within about a day's drive you can reach Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (2 h 16 min), César E. Chávez National Monument (2 h 45 min), Cabrillo National Monument (3 h 17 min), Joshua Tree National Park (4 h 13 min), Manzanar National Historic Site (4 h 38 min), Pinnacles National Park (5 h 31 min).