Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Creek State Park is ideal for nature lovers and hikers. The park offers around 8,000 acres of diverse ecosystems from oak forests to tall grasses. Rock Pool Trail is a must-see for its unique geological formations including volcanic rock and pool with crystal-clear water. If you want to bike, the park features 15 miles of trails with varying difficulty level.
The vast desert landscape and unique geological formations of Joshua Tree National Park make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Must-see sites include Keys View which provides a panoramic view of Coachella Valley, and Barker Dam Trail, a beautiful 1.1-mile round trip hiking trail around a water-filled natural reservoir that dates back to the early 1900s.
If you have more time, check out El Matador State Beach for a beautiful coastal view or Coachella Valley Preserve for palm tree oasis. However, if you have less time, consider visiting Topanga State Park for hiking trails and scenic views closer to Los Angeles.