Santa Monica Mountains
Birds in the Santa Monica Mountains
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area brings together the natural beauty of Southern California with the history of Hollywood royalty. The massive coastal park offers cliff-lined beaches, indigenous desert wildlife and rich forests. There are guided tours, hiking trails, cycling areas and more to please all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Film buffs can explore the nearby Paramount Ranch, a wild-west styled town that William Randolph Hearst built with old movie props after he purchased the ranch from Paramount Studios.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
401 West Hillcrest Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
(805) 370-2301
www.nps.gov/samo
Venice Beach
A skating guitarist street performer in Venice Beach.
Venice is one of the most classic beaches of Los Angeles. Its palm-lined shore has been used in hundreds of movies and television shows. When not closed off for filming, beautiful, bronzed bodies cover the sand, while bizarre and brilliant street performers entertain locals and tourists alike. Whether you choose to walk, bike, blade around the boardwalk or just relax on the shore, you're certain to have a good time in the sun at Venice.
If you need to rent some skates or a bike, just stop by Venice Bike and Skates, which is right off the beach, and pick up whatever equipment you need.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
201 Ocean Front Walk
Venice, CA 90291
www.venicebeach.com
Venice Bike & Skates
21 Washington Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 301-4011
Angeles National Forest
The sign of the Angeles National Forest
There is something in the Angeles National Forest to keep you entertained and happy. From the desert valleys to the cedar forests, the Angeles Forest has great variety within its extensive boundaries. Popular activities in the park include fishing, canoeing, hiking, mountain climbing, horse riding, cycling, off-roading and camping. In the winter, some of the higher hills provide suitable powder levels for cross-country skiing and sledding.
Angeles National Forest
Supervisor's Office
701 N. Santa Anita Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91006
(626) 574-5200
www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles
