National Recreation Area
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a National Recreation Area in California. The NPS currently lists 0 active alerts, 1 campground and 2 visitor centers, and no entrance fee.
California National Recreation Area No entrance fee
Updated · NPS Data API
“The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails. The park abounds with historical and cultural sites, from old movie ranches to Native American centers. What will you and your family discover?”
Active alerts
0
Closures
0
Campgrounds
1
Visitor centers
2
The NPS listed no active alerts for this park in the Oct 28, 2026 snapshot. Conditions can change; check current conditions on nps.gov before you go.
This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.
Traversing riparian, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral, this trail offers wonderful views of Carlisle Canyon and Balanced Rock. Split Rock’s oak grove offers a shaded spot for picnicking.
1-3 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
This area was set aside for the preservation and celebration of Native American cultures.
1-2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Travel through a beautiful, shaded riparian environment on the Solstice Canyon Trail alongside a year-round creek.
2-3 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
See all 3 things to do in Santa Monica Mountains →
Activities the NPS lists for Santa Monica Mountains.
BikingMountain BikingCampingCar or Front Country CampingClimbingRock ClimbingCompass and GPSGeocachingHikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingJunior Ranger ProgramShoppingBookstore and Park Store
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The park sites are open year-round. Our parking lots are open from 8 am to sunset.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | All Day |
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
Weather: Summers are hot and dry while winters are cool and wet.
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica Mountains Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center | Mon Closed · Tue Closed · Wed 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 8053702301 | Yes |
| Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center | Mon Closed · Tue Closed · Wed Closed · Thu Closed · Fri Closed · Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM · Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 8053702301 | Yes |
| Campground | Total sites | Reservable | First-come | RVs | Fee | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circle X Ranch Campground - CLOSED | 1 | 1 | 1 | No | $9 | Recreation.gov |
Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.
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