Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - California

Address:401 West Hillcrest Drive
Thousand Oaks, California
Tel: (805) 370-2300

The Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area, which the park itself calls "A National Park in L.A.'s backyard," features regal mountains rising high above the city which split it into two. The park preserves many of the region's invaluable attributes including its Mediterranean climate (the world's rarest ecosystem), more than 1,000 archeological sites stemming from several indigenous groups, incredible biodiversity, and numerous rare, threatened, or endangered species.
The Paramount Ranch, just one interesting park site, is home to a complex of buildings associated with Hollywood films and other productions. Visitors can learn more about the park at one of its numerous museums or visitor and cultural centers. Hiking in any of the 10 State Parks within the National Recreation Area, as well as biking, swimming, and ocean surfing, are just a few fun ways to experience the park.

Santa Monica Mountains rise above Los Angeles, widen to meet the curve of Santa Monica Bay and reach their highest peaks facing the ocean, forming a beautiful and multi-faceted landscape. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a cooperative effort that joins federal, state and local park agencies with private preserves and landowners to protect the natural and cultural resources of this transverse mountain range and seashore.