If you’re in the mood for a little drive, head up along Piuma Rd in Malibu for a breathtaking experience. The drive up to the lookout is exceptionally charming; you’ll enjoy picturesque views of the Pacific Coastline as you traverse the windy road. There are quite a few spots along Piuma Rd to take in a view, but there are two that I am particularly fond of. The first one, which will be discussed in this post, is a large dirt area overlooking the canyons. The other spot is a little more secluded and does require a little more effort to get to.
Once you reach the overlook, you can park your car on the dirt area. There are two large picnic tables available so feel free to bring along some food or even a board game. I strongly suggest that you take a warm sweater or coat with you because it does tend to get a little breezy up there.
Getting Here
You can get to the overlook from either Calabasas or Malibu. If you’re headed from Malibu, travel eastbound along Malibu Canyon Rd and make a right on Piuma Rd. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Calabasas, go westbound along Las Virgenes Rd and make a left on Piuma Rd.
Once you’re on Piuma Rd, you’ll drive for about 10 minutes until you reach a large dirt area which overlooks the canyons. Since there are no cross-streets on the way up, you’ll have to just keep your eyes open. The overlook will be on your left side as you come around the bend (click here for a map) and you’ll also be able to see it above you as you’re coming up Piuma Rd.
As a native of Los Angeles, I take a lot of things for granted – namely, the beauty and tranquility of the Pacific Ocean. Whether or not you grew up in the Los Angeles, there’s no denying that there are few things which can compare. The sound of the waves breaking against the rocks, the sunlight glistening on the water, the ocean breeze, and that irreproducible salt water scent. It really touches all of your senses and helps you tune out even the most stressful of days.
On a clear day, head out for a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and take in all that it has to offer. Start in Santa Monica and just drive northbound until you feel like turning back. It’s also a great idea for a date or something to enjoy with a significant other. If it’s nearing the end of the day – park your car, walk down to the shore, and enjoy a spectacular sunset.
If you really want to experience the coastline and soothe the senses, you can rent a convertible for about $80; in fact, why not make a day out of it. Leave in the morning and take PCH north until you reach Santa Barbara (it’s about a 2 hour drive) and spend the day there. If you enjoy listening to music while you drive, take some CDs with you because the radio reception drops in and out.
Click here to find additional scenic routes in and around Los Angeles.
If you’re in the South Bay and want to take in some fantastic views, head over to Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in Rancho Palos Verdes. An affluent suburb of Los Angeles, the bluffs of Rancho Palos Verdes make for an ideal location to enjoy scenic views – specifically, the Palos Verdes Coast and Catalina Island. If you really have your heart set on seeing Catalina Island, check the weather before leaving as it tends to get really foggy up there.
You can park your vehicle at the parking lot right off Palos Verdes Dr for $5. The park offers 2 different beaches for you to enjoy – Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove. Once you park, you’ll have to take a trail in order to get to Abalone Cove Beach; the trail can be accessed directly from the parking lot. In order to get to Sacred Cove Beach, walk south along Palos Verdes Dr (from the parking lot) and you’ll run into 2 trails that will lead you there.
You can enjoy a view of the coast from the grassy area atop the 180-foot bluff. If this is a romantic outing, why not pack some sandwiches and have a picnic. Afterwards, head down to the shore via a steep trail and take a walk along the beach; the trail is approximately ¼ mile in length.
If you’re in the mood for a little drive, head up along Piuma Rd in Malibu for a breathtaking experience. The drive up to the lookout is exceptionally charming; you’ll enjoy picturesque views of the Pacific Coastline as you traverse the windy road. There are quite a few spots along Piuma Rd to take in a view, but there are two that I am particularly fond of. The first one, which will be discussed in this post, is a large dirt area overlooking the canyons. The other spot is a little more secluded and does require a little more effort to get to.
If you’re in the South Bay and want to take in some fantastic views, head over to