Hikes on California’s Central Coast

The Central Coast possesses some of the most scenic hiking in California, especially for those who enjoy ocean views. Numerous small parks protect the area's green spaces and many are free to the public. Highlights of California's Central Coast [wp_ad_wide_page] Hiking California's Central Coast Los Padres National Forest is the major protective body on the Central Coast, preserving mountain ranges that span across Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. ... Read more.
Latest reports on the Central Coast (page 16)
Central Coast

Emma Wood State Beach Campground

Campgrounds | Ventura
Emma Wood State Beach Campground
Want to beach camp in Ventura, California? For RV campers, the place to go is Emma Wood State Beach. The park offers 90 beachfront campsites, ocean fishing, a reliable surf break, and a 1.5-mile hiking trail loop. Ready for a beach escape? The campground in this 115-acre park is popular, booking up solid throughout the summer. The sites run along a cobblestone beach with easy access to the Pacific. ...Read more.
Tagged with · California State Parks · Emma Wood State Beach · Ocean Views
By: Seth Smigelski Published: July 6, 2012 Last updated: April 19, 2026
Central Coast

Ocean’s Edge and River’s Edge Trails Loop
in Emma Wood State Beach

Trails | Ventura
Trail Rating:
Ocean’s Edge and River’s Edge Trails Loop in Emma Wood State Beach
Emma Wood State Beach borders both the Pacific Ocean and the Ventura River. There is an estuary where the two meet, where you can sprawl out on soft sand and watch the gathering marine birds. See the beach, the river, and the estuary on a level and easy 1.5-mile loop through Emma Wood State Beach and the adjacent Seaside Wilderness Park in Ventura. ...Read more.
Tagged with · California State Parks · Emma Wood State Beach · Ocean Views · Ventura River
Distance: 1.5 miles · Elevation change: 25 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: July 3, 2012 Last updated: April 9, 2026
Los Angeles

Angel Vista via Rosewood Trail
in the Santa Monica Mountains

Los Angeles | Trails | Ventura
Trail Rating:
Angel Vista via Rosewood Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains
The boldly named Angel Vista is one of the top viewpoints in the Santa Monica Mountains, a coastal range running between Los Angeles and Ventura. Angel Vista soars over Thousand Oaks, presenting panoramic views of the west end of the range, which includes the Boney Mountains, the rocky crown of Santa Monicas. A few trails lead to the vista point, including the 7. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Free Trails · Los Robles Open Space · Thousand Oaks · Dog-Friendly Trails · Mountain Biking Trails · Santa Monica Mountains
Distance: 4 miles · Elevation change: 850 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: June 2, 2012 Last updated: April 17, 2026
Los Angeles

Angel Vista via West Los Robles Trail
in the Santa Monica Mountains

Los Angeles | Trails | Ventura
Trail Rating:
Angel Vista via West Los Robles Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains
Los Robles Trail in Thousand Oaks crosses a chaparral-covered mountainside leading to Angel Vista, one of the premier overlooks on the north side of the Santa Monica Mountains. There are a few routes to the viewpoint, including this 7.6-mile round trip hike up the east end of West Los Robles Trail. The hike charts a steady course along a mountain slope, gaining 800 feet to reach the vista above the Conejo Valley. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Free Trails · Los Robles Open Space · Newbury Park · Thousand Oaks · Dog-Friendly Trails · Mountain Biking Trails · Santa Monica Mountains
Distance: 7.6 miles · Elevation change: 800 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: June 1, 2012 Last updated: April 17, 2026
Central Coast

Montecito Peak
in Los Padres National Forest

Santa Barbara | Trails
Trail Rating:
Montecito Peak in Los Padres National Forest
The Santa Ynez Mountains form a verdant backdrop behind Santa Barbara. One of the highest summits in the range is Montecito Peak, which offers sensational views over the coastal cities below and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The 3,214-foot peak can be reached via a demanding 7.1-mile round trip hike with 2,450 feet of elevation change. It is quite a trek, but the ever-expanding ocean views will keep you motivated along the way. ...Read more.
Tagged with · Creeks · Free Trails · Los Padres National Forest · Montecito · Ocean Views · Santa Ynez Mountains · Summits
Distance: 7.1 miles · Elevation change: 2450 feet
By: Seth Smigelski Published: May 8, 2012 Last updated: April 9, 2026
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