Top 15 Natural Monuments around Université Pepperdine
Best natural monuments around Université Pepperdine are found within the Santa Monica Mountains, offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The university's 830-acre Malibu campus integrates with its hillside location, with 65% of the land preserved in its native state. This region features diverse landscapes, including lush mountains, ocean beaches, and unique Mediterranean ecosystems. It provides a variety of natural settings for exploration and appreciation of coastal California's environment.
Best natural monuments around Université Pepperdine
- The most popular natural monuments…
Last updated: July 9, 2026
Century Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Malibu Creek Rock Pools
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Point Dume Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Corral Canyon Park
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Université Pepperdine .
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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.
0
0
Covering 1,000 acres of beach and hills Corral Canyon Park has something for everyone. You'll also find Malibu Seafood adjacent to the park should you work up a hunger.
0
0
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.
0
0
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.
0
0
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.
0
0
wonderful cooling. It gets crowded in the afternoon
0
0
Corral Canyon Park via Corral-Canyon-Trail: A coastal canyon of the Santa Monica Mountains where the creek flows directly to the ocean shore, Corral Canyon Park rests on a 1,000 acres of land and includes various hiking trails with gorgeous views. The Sara Wan Trailhead is a popular spot with a 2.5 mile hiking loop, and easy access to parking and picnicking facilities. This area is abundant with wildlife that includes quail, deer, and Red-Tailed hawks. Across from the park is Corral Beah / Dan Blocker State Beach, accessed by a culvert under the Pacific Coast Highway. In the early 90's, Bob Hope owned a portion of the lower canyon and planned to build luxurious homes and a golf course on site. Before these plans were implemented, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy purchased the land and opened it to the public. https://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/corralcanyon.htm
0
0
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
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular natural monuments around Université Pepperdine?
Visitors frequently enjoy the expansive views from Point Dume Overlook, which offers a 270-degree perspective of the Pacific Ocean. Other popular spots include Century Lake, known for its serene environment and historic filming locations, and Malibu Lagoon State Beach, where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, offering unique wetlands and bird watching opportunities.
What natural features can I expect to see on the Pepperdine University campus itself?
The Pepperdine University campus, spanning 830 acres, is a natural monument in itself. You can explore the beautifully integrated campus landscape with sweeping ocean views of Santa Monica Bay and Catalina Island. Alumni Park offers trails, expansive lawns, tranquil ponds, and coral trees, while the Heroes Garden provides a peaceful sanctuary with stone walls, native plants, and stunning elevated views.
What kind of landscapes can I explore in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area near Pepperdine?
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which surrounds Pepperdine, boasts a unique Mediterranean ecosystem. You can explore diverse landscapes including desert land, lush mountains, and ocean beaches. Specific areas like Sycamore Canyon are great for biking, and Solstice Canyon features beautiful waterfalls.
What is special about Malibu Lagoon State Beach and its natural features?
Malibu Lagoon State Beach is where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, creating a unique tidal wetland ecosystem. It's an excellent location for bird watching and features nature trails. It's also home to the historic Surfrider Beach, a birthplace of modern surfing culture.
What natural attractions does Malibu Creek State Park offer?
Malibu Creek State Park is home to the popular Malibu Creek Rock Pools, a scenic spot for swimming, picnicking, and cliff-jumping along a 2-mile trail through oak and sycamore woodlands. The park also features Century Lake, formed by a dam in the early 1900s, and is known for its volcanic rock gorges and as a filming location for many movies and TV shows, including M*A*S*H.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Université Pepperdine?
Yes, several natural monuments are considered family-friendly. Malibu Lagoon State Beach offers picnic tables and nature trails suitable for families. Point Dume Overlook provides an easy walk to stunning views, and Corral Canyon Park has a 2.5-mile hiking loop with easy access to parking and picnicking facilities.
Are there any natural monuments that are easily accessible or offer good viewpoints?
Absolutely. Point Dume Overlook is highly recommended for its accessibility, with options to reach the viewpoint from Birdview Dr or Cliffside Dr, making it suitable for seniors and those with mobility challenges. The entire Pepperdine campus also offers unparalleled natural beauty from every vantage point, with architecture designed to keep the focus on the surrounding ocean and mountains.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments in this region?
The region around Pepperdine University, with its Mediterranean ecosystem, is generally pleasant year-round. However, for hiking and outdoor activities, spring and fall offer milder temperatures. Summer can be hot, especially inland, but is ideal for beach activities. Winter provides cooler weather and often clearer views after rain, which can also bring out waterfalls in areas like Solstice Canyon.
Are there options for parking at these natural monuments?
Yes, parking is available at many locations. For instance, Malibu Lagoon State Beach has designated parking. Corral Canyon Park, specifically the Sara Wan Trailhead, offers easy access to parking. For Point Dume Overlook, parking is available along the ocean or from Birdview Dr and Cliffside Dr, though uphill parking can be an issue in summer.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, can I do near these natural monuments?
The area offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the easy Corral Canyon Loop Trail or the moderate Mesa Peak via Puerco Motorway. For cycling, there are challenging routes like the Santa Monica Mountains Double Loop or the Latigo Canyon Loop. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Université Pepperdine and Cycling around Université Pepperdine guide pages.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter in the natural monuments around Pepperdine?
The diverse ecosystems around Pepperdine University support a variety of wildlife. In areas like Corral Canyon Park, you might spot quail, deer, and Red-Tailed hawks. Malibu Lagoon State Beach is an excellent spot for bird watching, given its unique tidal wetland ecosystem.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the natural monuments in this area?
Visitors appreciate the stunning views, particularly the 270-degree ocean vistas from Point Dume Overlook. The serene and historic atmosphere of places like Century Lake and the refreshing experience of swimming in the Malibu Creek Rock Pools are also highly valued. The community has shared 23 photos and given 25 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and enjoyable experiences.
Most popular attractions around Université Pepperdine
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Université Pepperdine :
