As a natural place, Topanga Canyon epitomizes what much of mountainous L.A. County looked like before urbanization, suburbanization, and exurbanization brought their ever more destructive waves of subjugating the land. Every once in a while, the lands lashes out, and the Palisades Fire was close enough to Topanga Canyon to remind everyone of just how vulnerable we all are, especially when we live on hillsides amid the trees and scrub brush. I don't wish disaster or any sort of ill will on the people who live here, but the people who live here, while many of them fierce champions of the wildness of the land, are really part of the problem. Ideally, this would all be wilderness. But people live here, so there are stores, and more people living and spending their days here. I understand the hippie and even back-to-the-land notions of the 1960s and '70s, but even then, this secluded ideal was being co-opted into an exclusive ideal--OK, not intentionally or in any kind of widespread way, at first, but who can afford to live here now if they don't already own the land? That's a really sad truth about much of California now, and it all comes down to pure greed disguised as an inexorable market truth, a physical law as reliable, immutable, and potentially punishing as gravity or the spread of wildfire. It is beautiful, though. As it happens, I've recently read two works of fiction that mention some of the new-money fakers that occupy this canyon. In both, someone was pretending to be someone he was not, in often frightening and offensive ways. Southern California can feel like that sometimes--a lot of the time, if I'm being honest. If you don't care about any of this, it's fun to drive from the 101 to the 1 on the 27, and vice versa. Just don't do it in the rain. Or during the Santa Anas. read more

Gets extremely cold at night, internet reception can be extremely challenging. Locals race their cars around here, which I don't recommend. read more

Topanga Canyon - Parks Near Me

Topanga Canyon is more than a large forest of greenery it's also a community and home to many residents and small businesses as well as tons of local flavor. Acting as a connecting canyon highway point from Santa Monica or Malibu to Woodland Hills, Canoga Park and the entire San Fernando Los Angeles Valley. The air is usually abundant and the road is super fairly easy to navigate. Tons of wall art near the mid point at The Great Wall of Topanga as well as plenty of places to pull off the road and park and enjoy the scenery. read more

Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga Canyon is a curvy, winding road with plenty of things to do. Of course, hiking is a primary activity that you can do, but there are several cafes, lodges, and romantic restaurants located here. It's a great place to explore. read more

Topanga Canyon - Parks Near Me

See all

One of my favorite drives if you are in the area... All the canyon roads that lead you to the pacific highway are grand. Another favorite is the Malibu Canyon road. read more

Topanga Canyon - Coming to the Pacific highway., - Parks Near Me

See all

Topanga Canyon is a hidden little gem in the Santa Monica Mountains. This place is accessible from Malibu or the valley via Topanga Canyon Road. The road itself is a fun drive, one of many in LA county. The road is two lanes wide, and is more fun to drive an night headed from the SFV to Pacific Coast Highway. During the day, traffic will take the magic out of the drive (as seen in the pics). Stay away on rainy days, as it can get hectic: landslides, slick roads, and people who forget how to drive as soon as it starts sprinkling. The town is not a place I actually frequent, but I just pass through it. It's a quiet, sleepy town with a few shops and residences. If you're looking for a nice drive and want an alternative to Mulholland, check this place out. read more

Topanga Canyon - Parks Near Me

Definitely a MUST trail to visit. Went with a couple of friends. It's not a bad hike at all. The path we took was a piece of cake, but I'm guessing there are more difficult ones to choose from. There IS a little cave area that you can climb into at the very top. It may take some squeezing in and crawling on your knees but it's a nice experience. I definitely got some great pics on the day that i went. read more

Topanga Canyon - Parks Near Me

See all

This is the best canyon to drive in the LA area. Great variety of vegetation and amazing steep rocks dot the sides of the road. Country stores and cabin homes are spread out and look very inviting. Topanga Village has a few interesting stores and cafes. read more

I used to drive this canyon several times a week when I lived in the area. It's best done in a fine car that can take the hairpin turns without braking, but yesterday I was in the 'ole beater shooting pics out the window. I took the scenic route to get from Redondo to West Hills, like I always do.....cuz I hate freeways. PCH along the ocean was beautiful, then through the canyon into the Valley. Oh, the views.....especially upon descent after you pass Top of Topanga Overlook. http://www.yelp.com/biz/top-of-topanga-overlook-woodland-hills If not for a tailgater, I would have slowed down to snap a photo of the one word written on a rock wall that sums up the feeling of this place: sacred. And if you haven't been on Old Topanga Canyon Road, check it out. It connects with Topanga Canyon Blvd. midway through the canyon, in the village. Pick it up off Mulholland Hwy. near the high school in Calabasas. I also need to get a shot of that pink flying pig on a pole, must be a canyon landmark by now. That dude speaks for me, because I will be traveling on freeways.....when pigs fly. ; ) read more

See all

It's not far from LA but it's far enough away that you don't get all the traffic and smog plus the weathers the nicest in LA. Only one way up and one way down so there isn't much crime. Lots of movie people young and old live in older house almost like hunting cabins. It's worth driving through lots of new age people read more

I love hiking so much. I was a student at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and thought it was quite hard to find good hiking places in the general vicinity but Topanga Canyon is literally a 10 minute drive away with so many different trails, both short and long. The trails were absolutely beautiful and at the top, you can find some amazingly beautiful views of the scenery and outlook of the valley. There were also so many caves to crawl through and get lost in, some that were at the edge of the mountain so if you're risky enough, you can climb into those and look down a huge cliff. The air is so fresh and there are just many different areas to explore and sights to see in Topanga Canyon. I highly recommend this hiking area for those living around this area. read more

See all

A great drive and a great hike from Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu. As the road climbs from the coast it winds and meanders through forest and beautiful scenery. Water does flow along its course. It climbs upwards to the summit and drops into the San Fernando valley. Enjoy this beautiful area. read more

"One would never know they were in the City of Los Angeles." "The beauty, the peace, the mountains, the 'clean air', just nature....in the middle of this massive city......" --These are two quotes from Brian S. of Scottsdale, AZ, yelper and reviewer. I quoted him from his review because he nailed exactly how I feel about Topanga Canyon. (read his review) If you need to get away and a trip to Yosemite isn't feasible, and you just have to have a taste of nature as you keep moving, Topanga Canyon is the spot. See, I have a taste for wild flowers and cool air at the moment. Ballona Creek in Marina Del Rey is only a little, bitty taste of the new wildflowers that have just popped up along the roadside through the marshland. I needed more. 10:30am today. Fight traffic up the 405 fwy north until you break freeeeee at Sunset and up through the Sepulveda Pass. Veer north on the 101 fwy and continue up to the Topanga Canyon Blvd exit. Exit there and I believe it's a left turn to go south on Topanga Canyon Blvd. Drive south past Ventura Blvd. Now, in a few minutes you will be enjoying a smooth drive that will clear your head. Nature is all around, the city and everything in it has disappeared. Breathe it all in. The air is cool, the sun is warm. Delight on the different shades of green as the sun shines on them, trees, shrubs, bushes, grasses. Watch for the wildflowers and catch the birds singing even as you are driving. You have to be a nature lover to get the utmost out of this experience. Then, as you draw closer to the Pacific Ocean the air gets cooler and you can smell the ocean salt. Check out the rock sides of the mountains in this portion of the drive. Lose yourself in the presence of such beautiful form and color. The ocean will greet you as you stop at it's edge. Turn left and drive along PCH towards Santa Monica, it isn't quite over yet, just add in the ocean and the cliffs. Alas, as you curve onto the 10 fwy you are engulfed into the city once again. It's 11:45a.m.-ish by now. Time to run that errand. Ahhhh, thanks California. read more

Literally one of the best rides of my life, regardless of how I'm feeling. Topanga Canyon is an enigmatic work of art, despite the fact it being a winding gravel road. Once you pass Ventura Blvd., everything starts to change and the feeling hits you immediately. Homes become roomier, the land becomes more robust, and the air has a different tinge. But this is no amateur rodeo, my friends. The drive is steep and dangerous, not meant for newcomers on the open road. You are meant to drive well past the speed limit, windows down, sunroof open, and Led Zeppelin blasting down the radio. You gotta headbang with all your might (if you're the passenger of course) and marvel at every scene you pass by. But please, do not simply mosey down this road till you hit the beach. Stop by every living thing you see and make note of it. Froggy's is a quite excellent cafe with it's super campy decor. That bright pink pig that is a landmark for how far you've gone. The mountains with faces that scream in horror. Topanga Canyon is a unique scene. The mountains grow high, with forests around you. The air is fresh and crisp. Please, park somewhere and have a picnic. Go to the small stores that are open and look around. Talk to locals. Visit something. Topanga Canyon, for me, is the summer, with my best friend, going down at 60+ miles per hour, without a care in the world, some chipotle in the back, and an unplanned adventure waiting to happen. read more

Really funky 70's* throw back neighbor hood . Good eats, great views, good off-roading possibilities. The Malibu side of the canyon has super cool ocean weather, the inland side has valley temps . read more

Topanga Canyon is one of my favorite places to go for a relaxing drive (Relaxing-relaxing, unlike the many others who equate "spirited driving" with being completely reckless). It goes up, it goes down, it winds in every direction and back again... rinse, repeat. The views are pretty darn great, too. The only problem is, if you're driving, you can't pay attention to them -too- much; you'd better keep at least one eye in front of you at all times for randomly stopping cars, crazy bikers, deer, etc. It's better to drive carefully and really enjoy it than pretend you're a descendant of Schumacher and end up flying off the cliff. /mom read more

I love driving down this canyon. I have a tiny car and it feels like I'm in a rollercoaster, what with all the constant twists and turns and the breathtaking views you enjoy while driving. I love that you feel like you are not in LA anymore, once you're down here. The landscape takes on a different vibe and you feel like you're in a small town where everyone knows your name. Watch out though for stopped cars because you'll be going 60 - I mean 25 - down the highway and there will be a car trying to make a left and you'll have to slam on your breaks to slow down... read more

THE way to get from the valley to Santa Monica or the beach. I will not take the freeway...and deal with that mess. The traffic going south (405/101/etc.) drives me absolutely insane! I swear.... I get soooo irritated! Anyway, I do drive here occasionally but it's not my favorite place to drive to just drive... that's either Wells or Valley Circle all the way down to Chatsworth to stare wistfully at the Victorians. Did I mention I want a Victorian house?! Another dream of mine... Anyway, as far as I know, there are no Victorians in Topanga. hahaha. There is the great twisty road...and an escape from "the city". I don't know. It's quite lovely when it's foggy and misty... hahaha. I know that's probably not when most people like it... but I like the mist in the mountains. I once read that there are a lot of "ufo" sightings here... but I've never experienced this... nor know if I truly believe that... Anyway, there are a couple shops on Topanga, a new library and the post office that is never crowded... but I rarely go to this one. read more

A well balanced, concrete jungle smasher local hike! Perfect for fitness, serenity & friends. Push hard and blast up the steep incline, hookup to the moment with the wind within a cave upon Eagle Rock, and finish up with a shady cool down jog through the protected interior to the start. Now your cleansed. 6 out of 10 ;D read more

See all

I keep being amazed by the beauty of the Los Angeles' canyons. I had no idea this beautiful place was so near Malibu and that is also a California State Park. Gorgeous place to drive through on a convertible on a sunny day. read more

I'm a long time resident of Topanga Canyon and can tell you that it is truly a beautiful place to live. But we don't need the likes of Erika V.-types who insist on speeding on the road. IT IS A DANGEROUS THOROUGHFARE WHERE MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED. This is just common sense which Erika V. obviously needs to acquire (along with eliminating her obvious narcissistic "Get out of my canyon" mentality) and hopefully will acquire in the coming years before she seriously injures or causes someone else to seriously injury someone. read more

A dreamy slice of woodland heaven, and I was blessed enough to call it home when I was a teenager. Quintessential little shops, incredible trails to experience, delish cafes to dine at and other little treasures to discover. I agree with many that in regards to driving, if you are not comfortable driving along deathly steep cliffs with hairpin turns at higher rates of speed, either ask someone else to drive OR pull over to the side and let traffic pass you (single lanes throughout entire canyon), otherwise you will have a rather intimidating, angry, long mob of cars tailgating you (and horns blaring) through quite a lengthy, dangerous and frightening drive, for new comers. read more

Beautiful canyon along the Malibu coast. It's very serene. And it's host to the best restaurant in the world: Inn of the Seventh Ray.

Great view and many open spots for you to explore! Plenty of hiking areas around. Leave early to avoid traffic.

Drove through recently on a trip to SoCal, hadn't been there in MANY yrs. Fun, woods and creek just over the hills from the ocean. Will have to hike sometime when it's cooler... read more

One of the best scenic drives in Southern California, with viewing, hiking, biking, eating, and browsing options all around. Even if all you have the energy to do is drive, this is an amazing experience. You will feel like you are driving through a small rural village somewhere far from Los Angeles; but then you can go and enjoy all that our beautiful city has to offer after. Would love to spend a weekend with hubby at the B&B just off the road. Note to speed demons: I like to drive fast as much as the next guy, but the point of this drive is to take it all in and enjoy. Tough to do that when you are tailgating. So slow down, relax, make sure you have nowhere else to be, and get in tune with the world for a minute. read more

A wonderful, hippy and magical place. Nice people, good driving and hikes. I'm glad I got a chance to discover this place by staying with a friend here. read more

Great place to spend the afternoon and get some exercise. Not too crowded during the week. God views and people stick to themselves - no gym bunnies here. Good place to clear your head. read more

It was in 1979 And New Years Eve. We were partying and all on our apartment Balcony. There was my sister Robin Victoria, and John Victoria, and Frank and Lynn downstairs, and John Staphnovich.( OH, AND MY DAUGHTERS DADDY kEITH dELABARRA, AND COUSIN DENNIS. This is Off a Very Busy street!. This huge round like craft, wIth colored lightS all around. different colors and constantly moving off and on. It stood RIGHT THERE IN FRONT OF US! It WAS THE BIGGEST THING I CAN REMEMBER EVER SEE.SO CLOSE!. WE ALL STOOD WATCHING, AND COULDNT MOVE AS WE DIDNT WANT TO LOOSE IT AT THAT MOMENT. I DID CALL THE NORTHRIDGE POLICE DEPT AND THEY SAID THEY KNEW. THAT IT WAS AN EXSPERIMENT.!. Bull!!!. THERE APPEARED ABOUT 3 OR FOUR HELICOPTERS CIRCLING THIS CRAFT. THEY LOOKED LIKE METAL DRAGON FLYS TO THIS THING. THE HELICOPTERS WERE ALSO AT A STAND STILL. THIS CRAFT WAS COMPLETELY STOOD STILL! IT WAS IN MID AIR LIKE GRAVITY OR SOMETHING. WE ALL WATCHED AND COULDNT BELIEVE THAT IT WAS HAPPENING RIGHT HERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY . THIS CRAFT WAS SO BIG, IT WAS LIKE THE SIZE OF ABOUT 4 OR 5 BASEBALL FIELDS!. WE HAD FRONT ROW SEATS!. iT MADE A WORRRRRING , HUMMING SOUND AND WAS GONE! I MEAN GONE LIKE WATCHING IT DISSAPPEAR IN DISTANCE LIKE A BLINK OF AN EYE. THE HELICOPTERS WERE LEFT STANDING THERE. Haheheheh! AND LOOKED REALLY STUPID. THEY WERE STUNNED I GUESS. NONE OF THEM MOVED TILL THAT THING WAS GONE, AND THEN THEY LOOKED LIKE THEY WERE GOING AFTER IT AND CHASING IT, FOLKS, IM TALKING ABOUT NEAR MIDNIGHT AND AFTER STUFF. NIGHTIME!. BUT THE DANG THING WAS GONE. THIS IS ALSO THE FUNNIEST WHEN IT COMES TO OUR LAW... BRENDA CRESSLER. read more