7 Scenic Hikes Near Malibu, California With Ocean Views
If you’re looking to enjoy nature and stunning ocean views, Malibu offers some fantastic hiking options. With trails winding through mountains and along the coast, you can easily find a scenic escape that suits your pace and mood.
These hikes near Malibu give you access to breathtaking coastal scenery without having to travel far from the city. Whether you want a relaxing walk or a bit of a challenge, there’s something on the trails waiting for you.
Table of Contents
Charmlee Wilderness Park Trail
If you’re looking for easy-to-moderate hikes with ocean views, Charmlee Wilderness Park is a solid pick. The trails loop around grassy meadows and rocky bluffs, giving you great spots to pause and check out the Malibu coastline.
You can follow the Ocean Overlook Loop for some of the best vista points without dealing with heavy crowds. There are also shaded areas and picnic spots if you want to take a break or bring the family along.
Parking is affordable, and you’ll find trail maps at the entrance to help you navigate the network of paths. It’s a nice spot to enjoy nature without straying too far from the city.
Charmlee Wilderness Park has all the details if you want to plan ahead.
📍 GET THE ULTIMATE CALIFORNIA MAP 🗺️
Get our curated list of the best adventures and things to do north of LA loaded onto your maps with just two clicks!
✅ Waterfalls ✅ Hikes ✅ Viewpoints
✅ National Parks ✅ 1400+ Pins
Solstice Canyon Trail
If you’re looking for a chill hike with a bit of everything, Solstice Canyon Trail is a solid pick. You get ocean views, shaded woodlands, and even some cool historic ruins to check out as you go.
The trail is about 3 miles long and mostly easy to moderate, so it’s great if you want a relaxed day outdoors. You’ll also find a waterfall tucked in the canyon, which is a nice spot to rest and take photos.
Dogs on leashes are welcome, and the trail tends to get busy, so arriving early helps you avoid the crowds. For more details, check the Solstice Canyon Trail in Malibu.
Point Dume Cove Trail
If you’re looking for a chill hike with great ocean views, Point Dume Cove Trail is a solid choice. It’s an easy 1.4-mile out-and-back path, perfect for taking your time and snapping photos.
The trail winds through coastal plants and leads to a cliffside overlook where you can catch breathtaking views of the Pacific. You might even spot some sea lions along the way.
Parking is at the beach lot, but it fills up fast, so try to get there early or on a weekday. This spot also draws rock climbers, so keep an eye out for them while you’re exploring.
Check out more details about this trail at Point Dume Cove Trail.
Escondido Falls Trail
If you’re looking for a chill hike with a great payoff, Escondido Falls Trail is a solid pick. It’s about 3.5 miles round trip, mostly easy with some gentle elevation.
You’ll get to see a beautiful waterfall with three tiers, plus some ocean views along the way.
Parking is close to the trailhead off Pacific Coast Highway, but be ready to pay a $12 fee. The path stays pretty shady, making it a good choice even on warmer days.
Check out more details about this trail at californiawanderland.com/escondido-falls-trail/.
Santa Ynez Canyon Trail
If you’re looking for a chill hike with some shade, Santa Ynez Canyon Trail is a great pick. You’ll walk along a creek, surrounded by live oaks and sycamores, which keep things cool and peaceful.
The trail gently climbs and leads you toward the Santa Ynez Waterfall, a nice spot to take a break. You can also connect to other trails, like the Santa Ynez Waterfall Trail or head toward Trippet Ranch. It’s an easy-to-moderate trail perfect for a relaxed outdoor escape.
More details about this trail can be found on the Santa Ynez Canyon Trail page.
🏨 Need a place to crash nearby?
From rustic cabins to boutique inns—check prices and availability in just a click.
Backbone Trail (Malibu Section)
If you’re up for a solid hike, the Malibu stretch of the Backbone Trail offers stunning ocean and mountain views. The trail runs about 14 miles through the Santa Monica Mountains, giving you a mix of challenging terrain and rewarding scenery.
You’ll pass through oak canopies, wildflowers, and maybe even spot some local birds. It’s perfect if you want a longer hike without leaving Malibu. Check out this Backbone Trail Hiking Guide for maps and tips.
Sandstone Peak Summit Trail
If you want a solid hike with amazing ocean views, Sandstone Peak Summit Trail is a top pick. It’s the highest spot in the Santa Monica Mountains, standing at just over 3,100 feet.
The trail is about a 6-mile loop with some steady climbs, so come prepared. Once you reach the top, you get panoramic views of Malibu, the Pacific Ocean, and even the Channel Islands on clear days.
You’ll start near Circle X Ranch and follow the Backbone Trail. The mix of sandstone canyons and chaparral keeps things interesting along the way. Check out the hike details here.
