Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Usual hours

• Mon–Sun 0:00–0:00

From 56 published days, 2026-10-25 to 2026-12-19; community-mapped.

About

This park's official page lists: Pet-friendly (leashed).

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.

At the park

• Beaches scenic feature
• Wildlife & bird watching scenic feature

Before you go

Limits

In State Parks, pets are not permitted on backcountry trails

Getting there

There are multiple trailheads around the park, so there is not one main entrance. You can begin your visit at the visitor center, located off Mulholland Highway in Calabasas. The Santa Monica Mountains are traversed by the 405 Freeway on the east side; crowned by the 101 Freeway on the north and west side; and Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), on the southern ocean border.

Weather & when to go

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

Visitor center

Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyon

Visitor center

Circle X Ranch

Visitor center

King Gillette Ranch

Visitor center

King Gillette Ranch

Visitor center

Paramount Ranch

Visitor center

Rancho Sierra Vista/ Satwiwa

Visitor center

Santa Monica Mountains Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center

Visitor center

Santa Monica Mountains Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center

Visitor center

Santa Monica Mountains Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center

Visitor center

Santa Monica Mountains Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center — The Visitor Center and bookstore are open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the exception of some federal holidays. Parking: Two-hour parking will be available adjacent to the visitor center. Additional paid parking is also located nearby. — Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101) to Las Virgenes Road (Co. Hwy N1) exit. Go 3 miles south on Las Virgenes Road to Mulholland Highway intersection (traffic light). Turn left on Mulholland Highway. Park entrance is 0.1 mile on right.

Visitor center

Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center

Visitor center

Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center

Facilities on the park map

5 bench, 7 picnic area, 9 restroom, 14 visitor information.

Where to stay

• Circle X Ranch Campground - CLOSED Circle X Ranch Group Campground is the only campground the National Park Service operates in the Santa Monica Mountains. Visit recreation.gov to make reservations for this 10 person minimum group camp. · 1 campsite · Accessibility: ADA campsites available in the recreation area at the California State Parks (CASP) campground but not at Circle X. The site is not accessible for mobility…