The great outdoors of Southern California has so much to offer. Ok you know about the beaches, the hikes and even the waterfalls but what about the caves?
Yes we even has some pretty cool caves here in Cali and we put together a pretty solid list of ones worth exploring and getting some great pics.
In this post you’ll find some places we recommend with incredible formations and also sea caves. Some of these spots are so remarkably beautiful they have made appearances in movies and TV shows.
Adventure awaits while exploring these awesome caves and you can end your trips with a nice picnic or a spectacular sunset view.
Check out this list, get out there and have some fun cave exploring!
1 – Bronson Caves
Description:
This is one of the most iconic spots in Griffith Park and lots of visitors enjoy hiking here to check it out. Bronson Canyon has been seen in tons of movies since the 1930s including Search of the Wild, The Three Musketeers, Adventures of Captain Marvel, Dick Tracy Returns and tons more.
This spot has also made appearances in TV shows, most famously the campy Batman series from the 1960s, and also Wonder Woman and Star Trek Voyager.
But besides all the cool filmography history, you can get some pretty good shots of your own of the Hollywood sign from here. And of course the hike is a great too! This hike is very short and easy at only about 2/3 of a mile round trip with low elevation changes.
Because its not very difficult this is a great cave to see with beginner hikers or kids.
Location: 3200 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Pic Credit: @ fotospotapp
2 – Leo Carrillo
Description:
If you are looking for easy to explore sea caves and also beautiful ones to take pics then Malibu is the place to go.
Leo Carrillo beach in Western Malibu has several small sea caves and rock arches that can best be appreciated during low tide.
While you are there, you can climb up rocks and boulders for some extra fun and there are also tide pools to explore. When exploring the tide pools you want to be very careful and respectful not to damage the delicate sea life that inhabits the area.
If tide pools or rock exploring has no interest you can also simply just hang out at the beach in beautiful Malibu after exploring the caves, and have a yummy picnic to end the trip.
Location: 35000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
PIC Credit: @michaelgabrieledirector
3 – Vanalden Cave
Description:
This is one of the most unique spots and unusual sandstones formations in the Santa Monica Mountains. The cave is about 25 feet tall and 25 feet wide with a stone roof that is only a few feet thick, the roof also has several holes which allow sunlight to illuminate the cave.
Inside the cave is beautiful with some carved faces and also (unfortunately) some graffiti. Visitors love the easy hike, it is less than 20 minutes to Vanalden cave and about 2/7 miles roundtrip.
While this is a beautiful place, its heavily trafficked and you may come across some litter left by very inconsiderate people.
Hopefully more volunteers can make their way there to help keep this amazing place looking as beautiful as nature intended.
Location: Los Angeles, CA 91356
PIC Credit: @ cahikingadventures
4 – Terranea Cove Beach
Description:
Terranea is a luxurious (and expensive) resort in the gorgeous cliffs of Palos Verdes, but the beach and trails surrounding the huge property are free for everyone to enjoy.
With the miles of trails in the area make sure you don’t miss this beautiful sea cave. If you have an adventurous spirit and enjoy climbing challenging rocks you can discover this hidden breathtaking sea cave with waves crashing on the rocks.
The beach is rocky and perfect for exploring tide pools but not really for sunbathing or lounging all day. You can find the large sea cave at the East end of the beach. Very low tide is the perfect time to experience this awesome adventure.
Have fun, take memorable pics!
Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
PIC Credit: @ gitanoxx
5 – Cave of Munits
Description:
Adventure awaits you in Ventura County where you can find the spectacular Cave of Munits. This is a bit of a trip but worth it because you will be rewarded with awesome caves where you can grab some pretty cool pics.
This cave is dark and doesn’t come with a skylight so packing a flashlight is a must. The hike is not too harsh at only a 2.7 mile loop but it does have a 725 feet elevation chance so you get some exercise while you hike up to the cave and the surroundings.
If you wish to continue the trail after the cave, it will eventually lead you to Castle Peak where you can end your trip with gorgeous views.
Not a lot of shade on this trail, so remember your water, hat and sunscreen.
Location: 24501 Vanowen St, West Hills, CA 91307
PIC Credit: @ hairsouffle
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!