From outdoor adventures to performing arts, enjoy all the fun things to do in Topanga Canyon, California.
pucker aside in the Santa Monica Mountains is the bantam biotic community of Topanga , with just 8,560 occupant . It ’s huddle together inTopanga Canyon , which stretch all the fashion to Topanga Beach at the slide , between Pacific Palisades and Malibu . The name Topanga comes from theindigenousTongvatribe that inhabited the surface area , who in all probability borrowed its root , topaa , meaning “ a place above ” from the neighboring Chumash federation of tribes . The area was later colonise by Mexico , but by the 1920s , it became a retreat for Hollywood celebrities , who built cabin there as a weekend flight from the metropolis . Popular musicians , actor and writer flocked to the country in the sixties , where they found inspiration , as well as privacy , in the solitude of the rolling pitcher’s mound and evergreen plant foliage . Pre - Helter Skelter Charles Manson live there before impress to Malibu , and mobster Henry Hill , whose life was chronicled in the 1990 Martin Scorsese filmGoodfellas , made it his family after go out witness protection .
Present - twenty-four hour period Topanga is known for its vivacious originative residential district , a astral accumulation of state parks , precious deep brown shop , and eclectic restaurants . From a quaint café with dazzle canyon scene to a world - renowned , assailable - air theater , here are the best ways to pass some time in Topanga now .
Travel time:
1 hour from Los Angeles3 hour from San Diego5 hours from Las Vegas , NV
If you don’t do anything else: Hike Topanga State Park
Topanga State Parkis the largest state parkland within the Santa Monica Mountains , spanning 11,000 acres — it ’s also one of the world ’s largest parks entirely within city limits . Visitors can reach the grounds via more than sixty entrances to thirty - six stat mi of trails and , once there , love sweeping panoramas while exploring the area ’s stove of plants , habitats , and wildlife , include several house physician bird species . TheEagle Springs Trail Loopis a 6.5 - naut mi moderate hike that starts in a magnanimous hayfield before heading uphill on a fire route that ends at Eagle Rock , where you ’ll have views of the Pacific Ocean , Santa Monica raft , and San Gabriel Valley . TheMusch Trailis a 4.1 - mile trail that take you on a well - mark route that still feels outback , with a steady climb , diverse terrain , and beautiful vistas . For a moderate , 2.2 - Admiralty mile trail that still packs a punch , theSanta Ynez Canyon Waterfall Trailmeanders along the river most of the way to the name and address falls . It ’s not well - tag and can be overgrow , with a bit of bouldering near the evenfall itself . experient hikers recommend downloading an offline map before heading out . Poison oak can be abundant , specially after rains , so long trouser and long - sleeved shirt are a good idea .
Fill your days:
Enjoy local theater in Topanga Canyon
Fall in love with Shakespeare atThe Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum . This beloved open - air dramatic art has hosted productions for decades and is recognized worldwide for its Shakespeare version . In addition to its one-year summer season , which include industrial plant likeMacbethandA Midsummer Night ’s Dream , the venue host concerts , dry run , and classes throughout the year for budding actors and dramatist of all age . The Canyon Bakery is also situate on the footing and specializes in naturally prove lolly , pastries , cakes , and cookies using locally sourced , whole - grain flour . Join them for Sunday Funday , a takeaway windowpane only on Sundays , from 9:30 am until the bakeshop sells out . you may also catch a show atCorazon Performing Arts , where artists , poet , musicians , terpsichorean , and performer bestow music , oral storytelling , ethnical dance performances , and poesy readings alert . In addition to performances , the mall hold up yoga , poesy writing , art , and dance class .
Go to a festival in Topanga Canyon
Memorial Day weekend bringsTopanga day , a euphony festival and land fair with three full days of music on two stages , nutrient truck , vendors , and a parade . Reggae on the Mountain , LA ’s premier reggae and world medicine event , riposte for its 12th year in August with Steel Pulse , Don Carlos , Marlon Asher , Empress Akua , Quinto Sol , and more . The Topanga Film Festival , present byThe Topanga Film Institute , take place in mid - October .
Eat, drink, and sleep:
Restaurants and bars in Topanga
Get your camera quick for a coffee appointment atCafe on 27 , an AM eatery and café where sizable outdoor seating offer some of the Canyon ’s best views . A full breakfast and lunch computer menu is uncommitted , complete with square orders like eggs Benedicts , soup , and club sandwiches , or opt for faint dawn fare and springtime for a pastry and any of the specialty drinks , such as the Turmeric Latte or Moroccan Mocha . take hold of lunch atTopanga Living Café , a community gathering spot with nourishing , hyper - fresh menu — all California - urge on with global influences . Snag a slice atEndless Color , a family - run pizza pie spliff specializing in from - scratch pies with cagey top combination ; think mozzarella buffala , Beemster goat cheese , babe squash , sungold tomatoes , and garlic confit on Squash Blossom , or spinach plant , scallion , and goat cheese in the Super Green . Book dinner party atInn of the Seventh Ray , a romantic open-air dining blank with board tucked into cozy nook and gazebo , all beneath canopies and fag light .
Try taco to - go atLa Chingona Tacosfood truck , where the squad puts forth sassy , organic , gluten- and dairy - free taco , ranging from pasture - feast beef cattle ( carne asada ) , half-pint ( wild - caught ) , and soy chorizo . Almost everything can be forge into plate beyond tacos , too , like tostadas , salads , and bowls . It ’s only opened on Tuesdays , Fridays , and Sundays , so contrive accordingly . On your way out of town , be sure to stock up up on specialty , local collation atCanyon Gourmetand satiate your sweet tooth while you ’re at it . The constitutional easygoing - service there is a must . Pro summit : Top it with any of the artisanal syrups for a winning combo , namely , the vanilla with cardamom .
Where to stay in Topanga
In accession to plenty of splendid Airbnbs available to take in the Canyon , there’sTopanga Canyon Inn , a charming bed and breakfast comprising two Mediterranean - style building — Casa Blanca and Casa Rosa — both build up by the owners . Guests can enjoy bespoke design detail in each room and gorgeous pot prospect from a private balcony . Come morning , get together other traveller for breakfast , serve day by day at Casa Rosa .
Topanga Canyon, California.|divanov/Shutterstock
Topanga State Park|divanov/Shutterstock
Reggae on the Mountain.|Christopher Polk/Getty Images Entertainment
Photo courtesy of Endless Color
