Attractions and places to see around Université Pepperdine are located in the Santa Monica Mountains, providing views of the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. The region encompasses a mix of natural landscapes, including extensive conservation areas and native vegetation, alongside cultural and historical sites. Visitors can explore a diverse environment that combines coastal features with mountain trails and academic landmarks.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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While bike paths through Malibu are 'here now" and suddenly gone and you're in traffic, there are few places as pleasant to visit by bicycle as Malibu. Be sure to bike up Malibu Road, but if you're adventurous and in good shape, take the bottom of Mulholland rd (from far north of Malibu) up to the valley side of the canyon. You can then reward yourself with a long downhill ride on curvy Decker. (You'll be on your breaks for miles). This is a great town to lunch, coffee or just watch the waves.
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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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It is a short walk up the hill and you will be awarded with a 270 degree look around at the pacific ocean. It's a perfect place to watch sunset specially in the winter season. Bring some good shoes if you start from the parking spot along the ocean. The point is also accessible from the Birdview Dr as well as from the Cliffside Dr. This is strongly recommended for handicaped people and seniors. Parking uphill in summer can become an issue.
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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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The Malibu Lagoon is where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean. At the Malibu Lagoon day use area, visitors will find picnic tables and nature trails, excellent for bird watching and the study of a unique tidal wetland ecosystem. Malibu's historic Surfrider Beach was one of the first places where modern surfing culture developed. The adjacent Malibu Lagoon Museum allows visitors to walk through the history of the area from the regional capital of the Chumash tribe, to the early Californio ranchos and later, the American gentleman’s ranches, to the birth of the surfing era. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=835
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The area around Pepperdine University is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Century Lake, known for its lush wetlands and groves, where you can observe natural recovery after wildfires and find a redwood grove. Another significant natural feature is Malibu Lagoon State Beach, a unique tidal wetland ecosystem where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, excellent for bird watching. The Santa Monica Mountains themselves offer stunning vistas and conservation areas.
For breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Malibu coastline, head to Point Dume Overlook. This viewpoint offers a 270-degree vista and is particularly popular for watching sunsets. On campus, the 'Hike to the Cross' trail also provides majestic lookout points over the university and the ocean.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Malibu Lagoon State Beach offers nature trails and bird watching, and its adjacent museum provides historical insights. Point Dume Overlook is also considered family-friendly for its short hike and rewarding views. Additionally, Alumni Park on the Pepperdine campus features lawns, trails, and ponds, perfect for a leisurely family stroll.
Beyond the university's own landmarks like Stauffer Chapel and the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, you can explore the historic Malibu Lagoon State Beach, which has a museum detailing the area's history from the Chumash tribe to the surfing era. The Adamson House, a short distance away, is a historic home known for its unique architecture and gardens. The Getty Villa, also nearby, showcases Greek and Roman antiquities.
Yes, the Santa Monica Mountains offer a variety of trails. For an easy, beginner-friendly option, consider the Grasslands Trail, which offers beautiful views with minimal elevation change. Moderate trails include the path to Malibu Creek Rock Pools, where you can even swim. For more options, explore the various hiking routes available in the area, including easy, moderate, and difficult trails. You can find more details on these routes in the hiking guide for Université Pepperdine.
Absolutely! The area provides excellent opportunities for trail running. You can find routes like the Crags Road and High Road Loop or the Solstice Canyon Loop. For a scenic and historic run, the trail to Century Lake is about 1.5 miles from the parking area and mostly flat. Discover more running trails in the running trails guide for Université Pepperdine.
The Malibu area generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate. For hiking, visiting during the cooler months from fall to spring (October to May) is often preferred to avoid the summer heat. However, attractions like Malibu Lagoon State Beach and Point Dume Overlook are enjoyable year-round. If planning a hike to Point Dume Overlook, consider visiting at low tide for an easier walk.
While specific wheelchair-accessible paths are not extensively detailed for all trails, the Point Dume Overlook is noted to be accessible from Birdview Dr or Cliffside Dr, making it strongly recommended for handicapped people and seniors. Alumni Park on the Pepperdine campus also offers relatively flat and paved areas suitable for easy access.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning ocean views, especially from spots like Point Dume Overlook, which offers a perfect sunset viewing experience. The natural beauty and serenity of places like Century Lake and the refreshing experience of swimming at Malibu Creek Rock Pools are also highly valued. The blend of coastal and mountain landscapes provides diverse outdoor experiences.
Yes, the conservation areas within the Santa Monica Mountains and around Pepperdine University are home to native vegetation and wildlife. Bird watching is particularly popular at Malibu Lagoon State Beach due to its unique wetland ecosystem. While hiking, you may encounter various local amphibian and plant communities, reflecting the region's commitment to preserving its natural environment.
Yes, the university is located very close to the Pacific Ocean, offering access to several beautiful beaches. Malibu Lagoon State Beach, also known as Surfrider Beach, is a historic spot for surfing and offers nature trails. Zuma Beach, one of Southern California's cleanest beaches, is just a few minutes' drive away and popular for swimming and surfing.


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