1. Solstice Canyon (Malibu, CA)
This trail has some slight inclines so make sure to wear hiking shoes. Malibu has become so crowded so to ensure parking, get there early and it's even better during the week.
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| Ocean views in the distance |
One of the highlights of this trail is the ruins of Roberts Ranch House, designed by architect Paul Williams in 1952. Despite being built with fire-resistant materials, it was destroyed by a wildfire in 1982.
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| The trail leads you to an abandoned home |
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| Loved seeing the creek |
Solstice Creek supports a healthy ecosystem, including native fish species like the steelhead trout.
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| History of the home |
Sign Transcribed:
"Walk Through a Blueprint
Since age 16, Missouri native Fred Roberts wanted to own a ranch. His California grocery chain, Roberts Public Market, supplied a means to that dream. In 1931, Fred and his wife Florence began to purchase Solstice Canyon parcels from various landowners. Enchanted by the canyon's beauty, they hired renowned African-American architect Paul R. Williams to build a home in 1952. Williams used stone, water, and plants to add drama. His interior and exterior design unified the landscape with the comforts of home.
The history of this favorite homestead site included many fires, so Fred insisted that fire protection be incorporated into the design. The visually striking pools supplied water for an elaborate pump system to protect the home from fires. However, the pumps and pipes were not maintained after Fred's death and the home was lost in the 1982 Dayton Canyon Fire. The surviving features provide a unique opportunity to walk through a blueprint of a Paul R. Williams design."
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| The trail leads you to a small waterfall |
My favorite part of the hike was the waterfall, which supposedly flows year-round. I visited in March and it was a nice-sized flow.
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| Loved this photo from our hike with the sun rays |
2. Terranea Bluff Top Trail (Palos Verdes, CA)
This trail takes you along an ocean path where you may spot whales, seals, sea lions, and even dolphins. My brother walked this trail in regular sneakers. On this trail, I saw multiple Chihuahuas and it made me miss my Chihuahua, Corona. (Until we meet again little Stinker).
Just a short distance from the trail is the Point Vicente Lighthouse, a historic structure built in 1926. The lighthouse is an iconic landmark of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and is still in operation today. We used it as a landmark and made sure to park nearby.
The Palos Verdes Peninsula enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, making the trail accessible and enjoyable year-round. Even in the summer, the ocean breezes keep the temperatures pleasant.
The trail leads to Pelican Cove, a secluded beach area that is ideal for tide pooling. During low tide, you can explore the tide pools and discover various marine creatures like sea anemones, starfish, and crabs.
3. Montaña De Oro State Park (Los Osos, CA)
My friend Melissa took me to this state park and I immediately loved the bluff trail as it was flat and offered amazing ocean views. I especially loved the picnic table situated on the trail overlooking the ocean.
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| Photo Credit: Melissa from havepupperwilltravel.com |
The Bluff Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park, offering easy access and amazing views of the coastline, with crashing waves, sea stacks, and tide pools visible along the way.
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Montaña de Oro has a rich history that includes evidence of Chumash habitation. The Chumash people lived in the area for thousands of years, and archaeological sites within the park show remnants of their villages.
The park features a stunning variety of landscapes, including rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and chaparral-covered hills. This diversity makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
I was so happy to see the arch in person (left) and sad to learn it crumbled during a storm in 2022. Apparently, historians reported that the arch stood for 500 years. It's gone now.
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Watch my video for some relaxing ocean sounds:
4. Fiscalini Ranch Preserve (Cambria, CA)
My friend Melissa introduced me to this easy walk along a boardwalk in Cambria at the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. I selfishly want to gatekeep this location because the views are amazing and it's not crowded, but everyone should experience it at least once. The trail is flat and accessible, making it popular for walkers of all ages and abilities.
The preserve covers over 400 acres and includes a wide variety of ecosystems, including coastal bluffs, grasslands, forests, and wetlands. This diversity makes it a rich habitat for wildlife and plants.
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My two brothers enjoying the scenery Along the trails, you’ll find unique wooden benches carved by local artist James Hubbell. These benches are not only functional but also serve as pieces of art that complement the natural surroundings.
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| Sunset at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve |
The Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, a local nonprofit organization, offers educational programs, guided walks, and events to help visitors learn more about the area’s natural history and conservation efforts.
5. Morro Bay State Park Boardwalk (Morro Bay, CA)
This walk is a great way to easily get 10,000 steps in. We saw parents with their kids and dogs on this boardwalk. Parking is plentiful and you might even spot some seals and sea otters. Beware, we learned this place is known to have sharks!
Morro Bay is famous for Morro Rock, a 576-foot tall volcanic plug that rises from the ocean. It is one of nine volcanic peaks known as the "Nine Sisters" that stretch between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. Morro Rock is a California Historical Landmark and a sacred site to the Chumash and Salinan Native American tribes.
Morro Bay has a long history as a fishing village, and commercial fishing remains an important part of the local economy. The harbor is filled with fishing boats, and visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at many local restaurants. Read my full recap on Morro Bay.
The Douglas Family Preserve is named in honor of actor Kirk Douglas and his family, who contributed to the effort to purchase the land and preserve it as public open space in 1996. The community rallied to protect the area from development, and the Douglas family played a key role in its conservation.
The preserve offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, with several lookout points along the bluffs where visitors can take in panoramic vistas of the coastline, including views of the Channel Islands on clear days.
6. Douglas Family Preserve (Santa Barbara, CA)
The Douglas Family Preserve is named in honor of actor Kirk Douglas and his family, who contributed to the effort to purchase the land and preserve it as public open space in 1996. The community rallied to protect the area from development, and the Douglas family played a key role in its conservation.
The Douglas Family Preserve is a popular spot for dog owners, as it is one of the few off-leash areas in Santa Barbara. Dogs are free to roam and explore the trails, making it a favorite destination for local pet owners.
Overall, these locations are easy and family-friendly "walks" with amazing ocean views.
Know of other easy coastal hikes in California? Let me know in the comments!
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Trip Resources
If you’re planning a road trip, here are some helpful sites that I use. Note, below are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission for every booking, with no extra cost to you. Thanks so much, in advance!
Booking.com - Anytime we need a rental car, we use this site to find deals.
Expedia.com - I like to use this site to explore upcoming cruises that I'd like to take. I also refer to it to compare hotel prices, flights, and car rentals.
GetYourGuide.com - Book things to do, attractions, tours and discover new food.
VRBO.com - When we’re not staying in an AIRBNB, we’re in a VRBO rental. We use this option when we want to enjoy a full house with individual bedrooms, a kitchen, backyard and other amenities.
TripAdvisor.com - Anytime I want reputable reviews, tips, and overall advice about a vacation area, I leverage this site.
Viator.com - Looking for cool tours in your vacation area? This site has a number of options.
Hey, I'm Christy Scronce, a Filipina-American Los Angeles native and travel enthusiast. I love visiting new places and trying new food. Welcome to my adventure blog where I capture both State & National Park visits, family excursions, and road trips, while sharing my travel photos and recaps. My goal is to visit as many National Parks using my “America the Beautiful” annual pass. 
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