Neighborhood: Malibu

Nestled in the heart of Malibu, in the Santa Monica Mountains, lies a treasure waiting to be explored. The hiking trails in Solstice Canyon are the true star of Hollywood. With breathtaking scenic views of waterfalls, indigenous flora and fauna, a stream that flows year round, and numerous majestic Oaks, Alder, and Sycamore trees, the Solstice Canyon Park is great any time of year.

The canyons are a beautiful way to observe nature in all of her glory. It isn't uncommon to see animals such as deer, bobcats, quail, and mountain lions. There are over 45 mammal species that call the Solstice Canyon home, and over 380 bird species. The streams and lagoons are home to fish that are indigenous to the mountains, and are plentiful year round.

First opened as a public park in 1988, by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, today they are under the management of the National Park Service. With five hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, Solstice Canyon is revered as one of California's national treasures.

Getting Here

Getting to Solstice Canyon is quite simple. Travel along Pacific Coast Highway until you reach Corral Canyon Road. Turning on Corral Canyon Road, you'll see a large white fence with a gate off to the left side. Once you enter the park you will pay for parking, so inquire about direct routes to the trail you are looking for.

Solstice Canyon has five trails designated for hikers. Three of these trails are deemed easy and are great for the novice hiker or for those who just want to enjoy a leisurely scenic hike.

Dry Canyon Trail

Easy (1.2 miles): This trail is a great hike for the novice hiker. You'll enjoy viewing the 150-foot waterfall at the end of your journey. Be sure to bring plenty of water for your journey, and don't drink the water in streams, as they are not deemed suitable for drinking. When hiking, remember that you must always yield the right of way to horseback riders.

TRW Loop Trail

Easy (1.5 miles): The TRW Trail is a nice gentle hike. While on your journey you will pass through many oak trees. Keep an eye out for woodpeckers, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Red Tailed Hawk. There are also a number of snakes that are indigenous to the region, so it is best to avoid snakes, as the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake is venomous. Fortunately, it is the only venomous snake that lives in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Solstice Canyon Trail

Easy (2.1 miles): When hiking through the Solstice Canyon Trail be sure to keep a watchful eye out for the famed, Keller House. This is an excellent way to view some of Malibu's past history. If hiking with dogs, the dog must remain on a leash at all times, and they are only allowed on trails as well as access roads.

Rising Sun Trail

Moderate (3 miles): It is believed that this trail derives its name from a winery that was founded by Matthew Keller during the later 1800's. You'll enjoy the scenic views of the ocean while hiking along this trail.

Sostomo Trail/ Deer Valley Loop

Moderate/Strenuous (7 miles) This trail is the most strenuous and should be tackled by the seasoned hiker. This trail is beautiful and provides a breathtaking scenic view of the Pacific Ocean.

The last overlook I covered along Piuma Rd in Malibu (Piuma Lookout: Part 1) was pretty easy to access and couldn’t be missed. The lookout had a couple picnic tables and a breathtaking panoramic view of the canyons. Now if you’re looking for something a little more secluded and want to get a glimpse of the Pacific Coastline, head a little further down Piuma Rd till you see a short trail that leads off the road (first picture below).

You can park your car along Piuma Rd (make sure you’re not actually on the road) and make your way up the hill. It’s a little steep and there are rocks so you’ll want to wear some comfortable shoes that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty. Although it may look difficult, it’s really not that bad getting up there…just be careful and watch your step.

Once you reach the top of the hill there will be a small dirt area where you can enjoy the view (second picture below). If you want to hang out there for a while, bring along a blanket and lay it out on the ground. Although you’re not trespassing and there are no signs prohibiting it, I can’t be certain that you’re allowed up there – so just keep that in mind before you go.

Notice: PlanJam is not responsible for any injuries and/or fines that may be incurred. If you decide to go up there…you do so at your own risk.

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.

Located in Malibu, El Matador State Beach is a small and secluded strand of beach which offers visitors a fantastic escape from the bustling of city life. This local gem is one of three “pocket beaches” that make up the larger Robert H. Meyer Memorial SB – situated along Pacific Coast Highway between Point Dume and Leo Carrillo. It’s not the easiest beach to find, but you’ll appreciate making the extra effort once you finally get there. Lined with gentle white sand and picturesque views, the El Matador shoreline is home to an exquisite series of rock formations and shallow caves for you to explore.

Unless you arrive on a busy summer weekend, chances are you’ll have a good piece of the beach all to yourself. Take this opportunity to bring along someone special for a romantic picnic or to enjoy a spectacular sunset – or both. Alternatively, the solitude of El Matador offers the perfect getaway after a long and stressful week.

The beach also offers fantastic views of the Pacific coastline and it’s great for swimming and/or sunbathing. If it's not a busy summer day, there will be no lifeguard on duty so try to be careful out there.

Getting Here

Getting to El Matador State Beach can be a tad difficult and it does require a little hiking along a steep dirt trail. Therefore, it’s probably not the best places for children and it’s pretty much inaccessible for the handicapped.

If you can’t find any spots along PCH, there is a paid parking lot at the top of the bluff with a path leading to the beach. Parking is $4 and you can obtain your pass from the meter box.

*Photograph courtesy of California Coastal Records Project

’ll admit it, UFO hunting isn’t for everyone. In fact, most people will find the activity absolutely ridiculous. But for those that do believe that there is intelligent life out there (myself included), nothing beats spending an exciting evening at a UFO hotspot. Even if you don’t actually see a UFO, the experience of simply being out there makes it all worthwhile.

Here are some notable UFO Hotspots:

Topanga Canyon

Grab your camping gear and head up to Topanga State Park in Malibu. One of the more popular UFO Hotspots in Southern California, there has been a considerable number of UFO sightings reported in the park at various hours of the night.

Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park features 36 miles of trails, a plethora of recreational opportunities, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

Other Southern California Hotspots

There have been plenty of sightings along the Pacific Coast in Long Beach, Palos Verdes, Santa Monica, and Catalina. Most people have reported seeing the UFO’s diving in and out of the water.

Before You Go

Before going out on your UFO adventure, I would suggest checking the weather to ensure clear skies – otherwise, you’ll have a pretty tough time seeing the stars, let alone a UFO. Also, I highly recommend that you bring along some binoculars (the higher the magnification power the better). You can purchase a decent pair of binoculars for about $50-$100.

With one of the best locations in the city, Gladstone’s of Malibu is situated only feet away from the water. In fact, if there’s anything worth coming to Gladstone’s for…it’s the ambiance. Whether you’re sitting indoors or out on the patio, you’ll be able to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and Coastline. After you eat, or while you’re waiting for a table, walk down to the sand and take a stroll along the beach. It gets a little cool in the evening so make sure to bring along an extra jacket.

The Food

I have frequented this Gladstone’s location on a number of occasions, and while the food is good, I don’t think it’s worth the price. On my last visit, I decided to go with their catch of the day; it runs about $25 and is accompanied by two sides. Although the fish was fresh, it was a little too bland for my palate and the taste reminded me of hospital food; that’s a pretty extreme comparison, but it was the first thing that came to mind. The corn-on-the-cob was served cold and undercooked, while the side of steamed vegetables resembled the frozen Birdseye variety available at your local supermarket.

Reservations

This Gladstone’s location can get really busy during the weekends, so unless you’re prepared to wait a few hours, I strongly recommend that you make reservation ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the area and want to enjoy a sunset by the beach, Gladstone’s is the perfect spot. Add a few drinks and an appetizer, and you’ve got the perfect Sunday afternoon. As far as the food goes, you’ll probably be better off a few miles north along PCH.

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.

The Getty Villa in Malibu reopened recently after undergoing a huge renovation which began in 1997 (the collection was relocated to the Getty Center in Brentwood). Nine years and $275 million dollars later, the Getty Villa is better than even – housing an impressive collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities. If you’ve visited the Getty Villa in the past, or at least before the renovation began, you’ll notice that quite a few changes have been made. Although most of the Getty Villa was rebuilt, the original Roman-inspired architecture and gardens have been preserved.

Admission

Admission to the Getty Villa is free but there is an $8 fee for parking. The fee is good for one car or motorcycle. An advance timed ticket is required for entry and you can obtain it in one of two ways:

By Phone: You can make reservations over the phone by calling (310) 440-7300

Online: Tickets can be reserved online through the Getty Villa website: Reservations

Getting Here

The Getty Villa is located along Pacific Coast Highway in the Pacific Palisades. In order to access the Villa, you must enter from the northbound right-hand lane of PCH.

If you’re looking to enjoy a spectacular view of the Pacific Coastline and don’t mind a little hiking, head out to Point Dume State Beach in Malibu.

The hike to the coastal bluff atop Point Dume is really scenic and you can probably catch a good glimpse of the local wildlife. If you go up there between December and March, you may actually be able to spot some Pacific Gray Whales as they make their way to Baja California. On a warm day, you'll also have an opportunity to take a little dip in the tide pool which can be accessed from the eastside of the bluff.

You can make your way to the top of Point Dume by way of an ascending trail which begins at the end of Westward Beach Rd.

*Photograph courtesy of California Coastal Records Project