Malibu Creek State Park

Angelinos adore their swath of nature hidden in the Santa Monica Mountains, and it is likely that you too have adored Malibu Creek State Park in the movies, as it was the film site of MASH, Planet of the Apes and more. Once owned by Bob Hope, 20th Century Fox and Ronald Reagan, the park was sold as parkland and is now enjoyed by local runners and hikers as well as visitors. More than 7,000 acres of golden hills are populated with snakes, birds, deer, and coyotes. Take a meander along the Malibu Creek Trail to view the rock pool (where Swiss Family Robinson and Tarzan were filmed) and then enjoy the small Century Lake about a mile ...

Angelinos adore their swath of nature hidden in the Santa Monica Mountains, and it is likely that you too have adored Malibu Creek State Park in the movies, as it was the film site of MASH, Planet of the Apes and more. Once owned by Bob Hope, 20th Century Fox and Ronald Reagan, the park was sold as parkland and is now enjoyed by local runners and hikers as well as visitors. More than 7,000 acres of golden hills are populated with snakes, birds, deer, and coyotes. Take a meander along the Malibu Creek Trail to view the rock pool (where Swiss Family Robinson and Tarzan were filmed) and then enjoy the small Century Lake about a mile farther. If you continue walking on the fire road past the lake, you'll spot the opening shot of the MASH television show, as well as a good view of the Goat Buttes. Visitors can ride horses in the park, mountain bike, fish, swim and camp, though most locals come to picnic under the shady trees.

About the Expert

Michele Bigley is the author of Northern California: An Explorer's Guide and Great Destinations Kauai from Countryman Press.