You’ll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles when you visit the Malibu Creek State Park, which is tucked away in the Malibu Canyon. Part of the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, and only 25 miles from Downtown Los Angeles the Park features swimming, hiking, fishing, bird watching, mountain biking, camping, and horseback riding. Of course being so close to LA it’s no surprise that this scenic area was once used to film many of the famous television shows and movies that we know and love.
Malibu State Creek Park
The 20th Century Fox film How Green Was My Valley was filmed here in 1941 and shortly thereafter Fox Entertainment purchased the property, which became known as the 20th Century Fox Ranch. Moves and television shows continued to be filmed in the Park after the State of California bought the property in 1974 including: M*A*S*H, Planet of the Apes, Doctor Doolittle, Pleasantville, Batman, Anchorman and so many more.
20th Century Fox Ranch
There are hiking opportunities for all fitness levels, including 15 miles of stream side trails, and along the way you’ll be treated to views of the valley, canyon and scenic pools.
Malibu State Creek Park
Century Lake was named in honor of the Park’s former owners.
Century Lake Malibu State Creek Park
Although many areas of the park were damaged in the tragic wildfires that tore through the area in late 2018, the area is well on its way to recovery.
Malibu State Creek Park
Tips and Useful information
Malibu State Creek Park
- Bring Water and wear appropriate foot attire. Trails on the easy hikes are wide and smooth, but appropriate foot attire is a good idea.
- The Visitor Center is open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:00 pm.
- All day parking is $12.00 per car, per day, or there is an hourly rate.
- Restrooms and a drink machine are located in the parking area.
- Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park’s day use areas and campground. Dogs are not allowed on the backcountry trails or dirt roads.
- The park is on Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Road, and can be located from the Pacific Coast Highway via Malibu Canyon Road, or from Highway 101. The Address is: 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
Pin for later:
Malibu Creek State Park
Phoebe | Lou Messugo
What a great place to go to escape the city, I like the sound of the stream walks. #farawayfiles
Hilary
Such a nice surprise to find this gem of a park so close to home.
Rhonda Albom
This area is very picturesque. I can imagine scenes from some of those shows and movies that could have been filmed at the park.
Hilary
Yes! Before the fire you could actually visit some of the filming locations, but sadly they’re gone now.
oregongirlaroundtheworld
It’s crazy that is so close to the urban sprawl of Los Angeles – what a beautiful respite and so different from the beachy vibe along the coast. Looks like a lovely way to take a break from the city. Cheers from here. Erin
Hilary
Such a lovely day our and then we get to go home and sleep in our own beds! Not much of a camper. Ha ha!
Clare Thomson
I love seeing the places where some of my favourite films and TV shows were made but I’d visit here for those glorious sounding hikes. How great to find that it’s so close to LA. #farawayfiles
Hilary
Next time we plan to try the swimming hole. 😊
Annabel
This sounds like such a great escape from the city. I love those blue skies! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
We lucked out, that was the only blue sky day we’ve had in weeks!
USHA SITAARAAM
Such a lovely escape from the city, but not far. I loved the thick clump of trees and the Ranch. #farawayfiles
Bright Lights of America
Ooh I wonder how it went from being Hollywood owned to a state park? It’s so cool that it has that film history to it and is now open to everyone. I’d love to try horse riding one day. #FarawayFiles
Janis
What beautiful scenery, it’s amazing that it’s so close to LA. I love visiting places that I’ve seen in movies. #farawayfiles
Hilary
So fun to see the places we’ve seen on screen in real life!
Nicola
oh cool – trying to picture the scenes from Pleasantville now!
#farawayfiles
Cerys @ Travelled so far
I wish I had known about this when we last visited LA – I’m not a city lover and 5 days I was begging for an escape this would have been perfect. When we return with the kids I’m adding this as a place to explore. So great to hear about #farawayfiles
Ladies What Travel (@LadiesWTravel)
Must be lovely to have somewhere as wild as this so close to the city! #FarawayFiles
Allison
I love finding places like this so close to cities. It’s a nice break to refresh and recharge. #farawayfiles
Lyn
Wow, who knew that area was used in so many movies. Looks like a lovely place to enjoy the great outdoors.
beatravelling
It looks so quiet. I would expect more people around being so close to Los Angeles. Everybody would want to get out of town for some downtime. #farawayfiles