Best attractions and places to see around Agoura Hills, a region located in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County, offers a diverse range of attractions. It provides direct access to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, featuring rolling hills, oak woodlands, and sandstone rock formations. The area combines natural landscapes with historical and cultural sites, making it a destination for outdoor activities and exploration.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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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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This is one of the prettiest sections of bikeable roadway near Thousand Oaks, with gorgeous Lake Sherwood just off the road to the south. If you head west on West Potrero Road you can connect into a large loop of roughly 20 miles, doubling back toward Thousand Oaks before returning to the lake.
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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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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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Agoura Hills offers direct access to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. You can explore serene spots like Century Lake, known for its natural recovery after wildfires and scenic views. Another popular destination is the Malibu Creek Rock Pools, where you can enjoy swimming and picnicking amidst volcanic rock gorges.
Yes, Agoura Hills has significant historical sites. The M*A*S*H Filming Site within Malibu Creek State Park is a must-see for fans, as it served as the outdoor set for the iconic television show. Additionally, Paramount Ranch, maintained by the National Park Service, has been a filming location since 1927 for countless productions, including Westerns and *Westworld*.
The region is a haven for hikers. You'll find a variety of trails, from easy, beginner-friendly singletracks like the Grasslands Trail, which offers beautiful views of open grasslands, to more challenging ascents on Ladyface Mountain. Many trails are located within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Malibu Creek State Park, and Cheeseboro and Palo Comado Canyons.
Absolutely! Many natural attractions are suitable for families. The Century Lake area and the Malibu Creek Rock Pools offer opportunities for picnicking and gentle walks. The M*A*S*H Filming Site is also a unique historical experience for all ages. Local parks like Reyes Adobe Park, Sumac Park, and Chumash Park provide green spaces, playgrounds, and walking trails.
Agoura Hills is excellent for cycling. You can find routes like the Cheeseboro Canyon Trail loop or the Malibu Road loop, which takes you towards Malibu Lagoon State Beach. For more options, explore the various cycling routes available in the Cycling around Agoura Hills guide.
Trail runners will enjoy the diverse terrain around Agoura Hills. Popular options include the Cheeseboro Ridge and Cheeseboro Canyon Loop, or various routes starting from the Cheeseboro Canyon Trailhead. You can find detailed running trails in the Running Trails around Agoura Hills guide.
The natural areas around Agoura Hills, particularly Cheeseboro and Palo Comado Canyons, are home to diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for acorn woodpeckers, bobcats, and coyotes. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is rich in biodiversity, offering many opportunities for wildlife viewing.
For unique shopping and dining, visit Whizin Market Square, which features antique stores, local boutiques, and eateries. The Canyon Club is a popular entertainment venue hosting various artists. Old Agoura also offers a glimpse into the area's history with its open spaces and trails.
Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and tranquility of spots like Century Lake, noting the serene environment and the opportunity to witness natural recovery. The refreshing experience of swimming at the Malibu Creek Rock Pools is also a highlight, as is the historical significance of the M*A*S*H Filming Site.
Yes, Agoura Hills is a fantastic destination for mountain biking, with numerous trails in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. You can find routes like the Malibu Creek State Park loop or the Sheep Corral Trail – Cheeseboro Canyon Trail loop. For more options, check out the Gravel biking around Agoura Hills guide.
The Reyes Adobe Historical Site, built around 1850, was Agoura Hills' first home and now functions as a museum and cultural center. Docent-led tours provide insights into California history, Native American heritage, and rancho living, showcasing the Reyes family's legacy and the region's cultural evolution.
The Agoura Hills area generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural landscapes. Summers can be hot, especially for strenuous activities, while winters are mild with occasional rain.


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