Charmlee Wilderness Park
532-acre park in Malibu with stunning coastal views, easy hiking trails, picnic areas, and vibrant wildflowers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers and cooler temps
Charmlee Wilderness Park
Best Time
Wildflowers and cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
532-acre park in Malibu with stunning coastal views, easy hiking trails, picnic areas, and vibrant wildflowers.
"Beautiful hike and easy to navigate with wonderful views from every direction."
Pack Water & Snacks
Bring plenty of water, especially in warmer months. Well water is available near picnic tables. :water_wave:
Watch for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and other native animals. Stay on marked trails. :snake:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ocean Overlook Loop
Main trail system
A 2.6-mile loop with stunning coastal views, perfect for sunset.
Wildflower Season
Throughout the park
Vibrant blooms paint the landscape in spring, adding color to your hike.
Picnic Spots with a View
Designated picnic areas
Enjoy a meal with breathtaking ocean vistas, ideal for romantic evenings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Ocean Views
Trail Variety for All
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Water & Snacks
Bring plenty of water, especially in warmer months. Well water is available near picnic tables. :water_wave:
Watch for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and other native animals. Stay on marked trails. :snake:
Sunset Hike Magic
The Ocean Overlook Loop is prime for sunset. Check park closing times! :city_sunset:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are generally easy, but good walking shoes are recommended for comfort. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Water & Snacks
Bring plenty of water, especially in warmer months. Well water is available near picnic tables. :water_wave:
Watch for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and other native animals. Stay on marked trails. :snake:
Sunset Hike Magic
The Ocean Overlook Loop is prime for sunset. Check park closing times! :city_sunset:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are generally easy, but good walking shoes are recommended for comfort. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Views
Incredible photo opportunities, especially before a storm or at sunset. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Charmlee Wilderness Park for its stunning coastal views, easy-to-navigate trails, and beautiful wildflowers in spring. It's a popular spot for families and sunset hikes, offering a peaceful escape with ample photo opportunities. Some caution is advised regarding wildlife like rattlesnakes.
"Beautiful hike and easy to navigate with wonderful views from every direction. Wild flowers are in bloom. Lovely for a family outing since the trail is mostly flat; also many wonderful spots for a picnic for a romantic evening sunset hike. Loved this trail! And it was not crowded!"
Dana
"Beautiful, easy hiking for the family. There are a couple of trails that branch off of each other, for a couple miles of trail in total. The Mike walk we took was nice, and at the end of our walk (we went to the end of the Ocean View trail), the view of the ocean and parts off Malibu made for a beautiful place to rest for a bit before coming back the way we came. We did see a rattlesnake just off the trail (it totally ignored us) so keep an eye out."
Yehonatan Schwarzmer
"Fun, beautiful easy short but sweet hike. Great for kids. About 1-1/2 hours round trip for the hike."
J. D.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Charmlee Wilderness Park is located at 2577 Encinal Canyon Road, Malibu, CA 90265. It's accessible by car, and parking is available for a small fee. Many visitors drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to reach the park. 
Public transportation options to Charmlee Wilderness Park are limited. It's best to plan for a car journey. Consider ride-sharing services if you don't have your own vehicle.
From Los Angeles, take the US-101 North and then exit onto Malibu Canyon Road, which leads to Malibu. Follow signs for Encinal Canyon Road. The drive offers scenic coastal views.
Yes, Charmlee is close to other Malibu attractions like Point Dume Cove Trail and El Matador State Beach. You can easily combine a visit with these spots for a full day of exploration.
The roads leading to Charmlee, especially Encinal Canyon Road, can be winding. Drive cautiously and be aware of other vehicles and cyclists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a small parking fee. The exact amount can vary, so it's good to have cash or check for current rates upon arrival.
The park is typically open from 8 AM until sunset. Always check the official park website or local listings for the most up-to-date hours, as they can change seasonally.
No, advance ticket booking is generally not required for Charmlee Wilderness Park. Entry is usually on a first-come, first-served basis for parking.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, most wilderness parks have leash laws for pets. It's advisable to check the park's specific pet policy before your visit.
Yes, there are real bathrooms located at the beginning of the hike near the entrance and picnic areas.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Ocean Overlook Loop is highly recommended for its stunning ocean views and manageable 2.6-mile length. Other trails offer varied terrain and lengths, totaling over six miles.
Absolutely! The trails are generally easy and mostly flat, making them great for kids. The park offers a fun and safe environment for family outings. +1
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Malibu coastline, rolling hills, and vibrant wildflowers in the spring.
Charmlee Wilderness Park itself does not appear to offer camping facilities. However, nearby Malibu Creek State Park has campgrounds. +1
The Ocean Overlook Loop has an elevation gain of approximately 462 feet. Many trails are relatively flat, making them accessible for various fitness levels.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers magical lighting for coastal shots. Hiking before a storm can also yield dramatic and incredible photographic opportunities.
Popular subjects include the expansive ocean views, the rugged coastline, blooming wildflowers in spring, and the unique old ranch remnants. +1
The Ocean Overlook Loop provides numerous vantage points for capturing the coastline. Any of the designated vista points will offer excellent photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing ocean colors.
Drone usage is often restricted in state and local parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the park's specific regulations regarding drones before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and keep an eye out for any potential hazards like rattlesnakes. The relatively short loop trails mean you can easily tailor the hike to your children's stamina, ensuring a fun and manageable experience for everyone.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Pack a romantic picnic to enjoy at one of the designated spots with ocean vistas. The tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery create the perfect setting for quality time together. Visiting during wildflower season in spring adds an extra layer of natural beauty to your romantic outing.
🚶♀️ Budget-Conscious Explorers
+1Instead of expensive dining, pack your own picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery. This significantly cuts down on costs while enhancing the overall experience. Combine your visit with other free activities in the area, like exploring nearby beaches or scenic drives along the PCH.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Charmlee
+2For those seeking a more relaxed experience, many of the loops are described as easy and mostly flat, making them ideal for families with young children or individuals who prefer a gentler walk.
It's worth noting that while the trails are generally well-maintained, visitors have reported encountering wildlife, including rattlesnakes, so it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings and stick to marked paths.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Charmlee
+1Beyond the ocean, the park transforms in the spring with a vibrant display of wildflowers, adding a splash of color to the rolling hills.
To make the most of your photography session, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive scenery and a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the ocean and sky. Early mornings and late afternoons, during the 'golden hour,' provide the softest, most flattering light.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Parking is available for a small fee, and it's a good idea to have cash on hand.
For those looking to extend their outdoor experience, Charmlee is a fantastic spot for a picnic. The designated areas offer stunning ocean views, making it a perfect setting for a romantic evening or a family gathering.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit