Attractions and Places To See around Westlake Village - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Westlake Village include a blend of natural beauty and historical sites nestled in the Conejo Valley. The area is situated at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains, offering diverse landscapes from serene lakes to rugged peaks. Visitors can explore a variety of outdoor activities and cultural points of interest.
Best attractions and places to see around Westlake Village
- The most popular attractions is Sandstone Peak, a summit that offers a 360-degree overlook at an elevation of 3,114 feet. It is the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains and is accessible via a loop hike on Backbone Trail.
- Another must-see spot is Century Lake, a lake created by a small fill dam early in the 20th century. This serene destination is known for its lush wetlands and groves, and its historical significance as a filming location for movies and TV shows.
- Visitors also love Malibu Creek Rock Pools, scenic rock pools along Malibu Creek. This spot is popular for swimming and picnicking, set amidst volcanic rock gorges.
- Westlake Village is known for its natural features like lakes and mountains, historical sites, and diverse outdoor activities. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from hiking trails to cultural landmarks.
- The attractions around Westlake Village are appreciated by the komoot community, with 25 upvotes and 23 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Century Lake
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Malibu Creek Rock Pools
Highlight • Lake
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Sandstone Peak
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Grasslands Trailhead
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M*A*S*H Filming Site, Malibu Creek State Park
Highlight • Historical Site
The park is the former location ranch of 20th Century Fox studios who owned the land between 1946 and 1974. They shot many films and television programs here including M*A*S*H between 1972 - 1983.
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The Grasslands Trail is an easy, beginner-friendly singletrack that connects Malibu State Park to Calabasas. Here you can have beautiful views of open grasslands with gentle terrain and minimal elevation change, making it perfect for new riders. Here you can have beautiful views of open grasslands. The trail is accessed from the parking area along Mulholland Highway.
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If you are looking for a scenic and refreshing trail run in the Santa Monica Mountains, you should check out the Rock Pool at Malibu Creek State Park. This 2-mile out-and-back trail follows the creek through oak and sycamore woodlands, offering views of volcanic rock gorges and pools. The Rock Pool is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and even cliff-jumping, if you are feeling adventurous. You can also extend your run by exploring other trails in the park, such as the Grassland Trail or the M*A*S*H site. Just make sure to bring enough water, sunscreen, and trash bags, as the park can get hot and crowded in the summer. And don’t forget to enjoy the beauty of nature and the history of this park, which has been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows.
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Century Lake is a beautiful and serene destination for trail runners who want to enjoy the scenery and history of Malibu Creek State Park. The lake was created by a dam built by the Crags Country Club in 1903, and later became part of the 20th Century Fox Ranch, where many movies and TV shows were filmed, including Planet of the Apes and MASH. The trail to the lake is about 1.5 miles from the parking area, and is mostly flat and easy, except for a rocky creek crossing. You can relax by the lake and admire the views of the Santa Monica Mountains, or explore the nearby helipad and MASH set. This is a fun and historic run that will make you feel like you are in a different century.
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wonderful cooling. It gets crowded in the afternoon
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Sandstone peak is the highest point of the Santa Monica mountains! And its very accessible. When parking at the lot by the trailhead the whole hike up and down took us around 1hr 30 min. There is NO shade though and it can be real hot climb!
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Malibu Creek State Park preserves for public use almost 8,000 acres of rugged, mainly virgin land in the middle of the Santa Monica Mountains—within the largest metropolitan area on the West Coast. http://www.malibucreekstatepark.org Rapid, dramatic geologic changes created the spectacular landscape of Malibu Creek State Park. Its jagged mountains, rock outcroppings, cliff-like slopes, and deep gorges were formed over two million years by severe climate changes, earthquakes, erosion, and tectonic plate collisions. These forces continue to shape the landscape today. In the early days of the film industry, rugged terrain that could double for far-off locations was difficult to find near Hollywood. Filmmakers transformed this area into exotic locales such as old Mexico, outer space, and an army hospital in Korea. Movies and television shows filmed here include M*A*S*H, The Planet of the Apes, Pleasantville, and How Green Was My Valley. The Angeles District Headquarters building here served as the “dream house” in the 1948 classic, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House. Malibu Creek slopes from west to east through the middle of the park. The creek was dammed in the early 1900s to form the seven-acre Century Lake. Numerous small seasonal creeks empty into Malibu Creek from the highlands. Great little campground with good infrastructure.
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Definitely take your bathing suit with you. The water is quite fresh though. But it is a nice experience to swim there.
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Super nice view all over the land with some possibilities to explore and meditate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best outdoor activities to do in Westlake Village?
Westlake Village, nestled at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains, offers abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore over 500 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Notable spots include Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains with panoramic views, and Triunfo Creek Park, known for its serene trails and rock canyons. For water activities, Westlake Lake is ideal for boating and fishing.
Are there good hiking trails in Westlake Village?
Yes, Westlake Village offers a variety of hiking trails. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area provides extensive options. For a rewarding challenge with stunning views, consider the loop hike to Sandstone Peak. For an easier, scenic walk, the Grasslands Trailhead connects Malibu State Park to Calabasas with gentle terrain. You can find more detailed running routes in the area by visiting the Running Trails around Westlake Village guide.
What family-friendly attractions are available in Westlake Village?
Families visiting Westlake Village have several options. Century Lake and Malibu Creek Rock Pools are popular for picnicking and enjoying nature. Berniece Bennett Park and Three Springs Park offer playgrounds, sports fields, and open spaces for recreation. The M*A*S*H Filming Site in Malibu Creek State Park can be an interesting historical visit for older children and fans of the show.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints in Westlake Village?
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. Its summit offers a 360-degree overlook. Other areas like Westlake Vista Canyons and White Stallion Canyons also provide scenic vistas and opportunities for photography amidst impressive rock formations.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit in Westlake Village?
Westlake Village has a rich history. The Westlake Historical Monument is dedicated to the Chumash people, early explorers, and land developers. The M*A*S*H Filming Site in Malibu Creek State Park offers a glimpse into television history. Additionally, the Lake Eleanor Dam (Banning Dam), built in 1889, is a historical engineering site. Nearby, you can visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum or The Getty Villa, modeled after a first-century Roman house.
What cycling routes are available around Westlake Village?
Westlake Village offers various cycling opportunities. For road cycling, routes like the West Potrero Road – Lake Sherwood loop provide scenic rides. Gravel biking enthusiasts can explore routes such as the Malibu Creek State Park loop. You can discover more detailed cycling routes in the area by checking out the Cycling around Westlake Village guide and the Gravel biking around Westlake Village guide.
When is the best time to visit Westlake Village?
Westlake Village is pleasant year-round, but spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities, with mild temperatures. Summers can be hot, especially on exposed trails, so early mornings or late afternoons are best for outdoor excursions during this season. The area also hosts various community events, such as street fairs and concerts, which can add to the cultural vibrancy of your visit.
Are there any hidden gems or unique places to discover in Westlake Village?
Beyond the well-known spots, Westlake Village holds some unique finds. The Westlake Village Inn, with its 17 acres of landscaped gardens, charming accommodations, and Stonehaus (a European-style café and winery), offers a luxurious and serene escape. Lake Sherwood, a smaller and more secluded lake than Westlake Lake, provides a tranquil setting surrounded by lush vegetation. The rock canyons within Triunfo Creek Park also offer a captivating natural experience.
What kind of shopping and dining experiences can I find in Westlake Village?
Westlake Village boasts upscale shopping and dining options. The Landing, located on the shores of Westlake Lake, features upscale restaurants and boutique shops with scenic views. The Promenade at Westlake is another elegant complex offering diverse retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment. For a premium cinematic experience, Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas provides plush seating and in-seat gourmet food service.
What do visitors enjoy most about Westlake Village's attractions?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The serene settings of places like Century Lake and the refreshing experience of swimming at Malibu Creek Rock Pools are highly rated. The panoramic views from Sandstone Peak are also a major draw, with many enjoying the opportunity to explore and meditate in nature.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners in Westlake Village?
Yes, for beginners or those seeking a less strenuous walk, the Grasslands Trailhead is an excellent choice. It's an easy, beginner-friendly singletrack connecting Malibu State Park to Calabasas, offering beautiful views of open grasslands with minimal elevation change. It's perfect for new riders or casual walkers.
Most popular attractions around Westlake Village
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