Best Malibu Hike With Ocean Views: Ocean Overlook Loop Trail
We found a charming coastal hike in Malibu! Charmlee Wilderness Park has well-maintained hiking trails perfect for all ages, including the little ones. But that's not all - the park also offers some of the cleanest and most immaculate restrooms I’ve ever been to, especially considering there's no admission fee and parking is free, for now. We took the Ocean Overlook Loop Trail and it was simply stunning, offering a charming panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Let's go!
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How to get there: Charmlee Wilderness Park
Charmlee Wilderness Park is a hidden gem of Malibu. It's a beautiful 532-acre park that gives you the best views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the coastal bluffs of Malibu.
Location: 2577 Encinal Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
Entrance fee: Free
Parking: Normally 4 USD for day use ( but when we went there last August 2023 no fee was charged)
Route: Ocean Overlook Loop Trail
Distance: 2.6 miles (out and back)
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Elevation: 462 feet
Highlights: Panoramic ocean views
All trails link: Ocean Overlook Trail
Parking
We went on a weekday and parking was not a problem. They have a huge parking lot but as a rule of thumb try to get there early to avoid the crowd. Don't forget to use the restroom. As I mentioned in the introduction, the restrooms are very clean and they even provide tissues and even a mirror in the ladies' room - that's something!
Starting point: Botany Trail
It starts here! We tried to decipher the trail board but ended up using Alltrails as our map.
We took the Botany trail and on our back, because it's a loop we exited on the other side at Carmichael trail.
The clouds looked crazily beautiful that day as we went before the storm hit California, and the weather was cooler. We were mindful to do our weather research and religiously checked the clouds and the sky for any changes.
We used the Alltrails map to find our way as there were a lot of trails inside Charmlee Wilderness Park.
Check the trail for Rattlesnakes
Also, be mindful that there are rattlesnakes in this park. Rattlesnakes are an essential part of the ecosystem in most California parks. You'll find them mostly during the summer months from April to October. Just keep your distance and always look at the trail ahead of you.
East Meadow Trail
We followed the East Meadow Trail that eventually led to the Ocean View Trail Sign.
Poison Oak in the park
One more thing, there are Poison Oaks around the park which is also a natural native in California. They look like "Leaves of Three" and always be on the lookout especially if you have a toddler. That's also a reason why we always hike in long pants, I recommend my All-time favorite hiking pants if you're the type who wants them lightweight and breathable, while my husband loves his Convertible Hiking Pants.
Follow the Ocean View Trail
The ocean-view trail has a well-marked sign so you won't miss it at all.
Our Favorite spot!
There were these big rocks we found along the trail and decided to check on them. We found out it was a very pretty nice spot overlooking the ocean!
The boys already felt victorious! #daddycation
We wanted to have our snacks here but there was no shade at all and it wasn't that safe for our toddler too. Be careful climbing the rocks, they're not that high just make sure not to jump.
Downhill
Going down now... having good traction hiking boots really helps to keep your balance.
Prioritize your Comfort and Safety by Investing in Reliable Hiking Boots
My Husband Makes the Impossible Possible
I'm so grateful for my husband and his unwavering commitment to keeping our little boy safe. Thanks to him, we were able to enjoy numerous hikes together without any worries. I feel incredibly blessed to have his love and support in my life.
Finally, this way to the Lookout!
After going downhill, the trail goes back to flat ground and it finally led us to the lookout.
Here you can see the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the Malibu coastline. Breathe it in.
We're smiling from ear to ear for completing the Ocean Overlook Loop Trail At Charmlee Wilderness Park in California.
The Santa Monica Mountains
The panoramic view of the ocean and the mountains was exhilarating! And this is why we go hiking!
Invest in Sunglasses Suitable for All Outdoor Activities.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, we highly suggest the Polarized Hiking Sunglasses from Decathlon. Featuring anti-UV lenses, these sunglasses effectively block all UVA and UVB rays, protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. The polarized lenses are also designed to reduce glare and provide a clear view of your surroundings. The wrap-around design offers extra coverage, and the rubber tips ensure the glasses stay in place during intense activities like hiking, running, and cycling. Learn more: Most Affordable Sunglasses For UV Protection And Polarized Lenses
Please do not smoke inside the park
The park was severely damaged during the Woolsey Fire back in 2018 and it took around two years for it to reopen and here we found a cigarette butt!
And yes, there's a twig in my boots. I got it when we took pictures on those big rocks we found on the trail and decided to keep it there for fun till we got to the parking area.
That's what the lookout looks like from afar.
There's also a bench where you can have your snacks if it's available. We just looked for a shaded area to have our snacks and off we went back to the trail.
FYI: Uphill climb if you're doing the Loop...
There is going to be an uphill climb. This was the hardest part of the hike as we had to take turns carrying our boy as it was too steep and rocky for him. The overgrown bushes were trying to eat him. We did try to let him walk for a bit but when he dropped his bread while walking, that was it we carried him up all the way up.
Heading back, we took the easiest and flattest trail so our little one could have a good time.
Trailhead .75 mile mark
Followed the Trailhead .75 mile mark all the way back to the parking area.
Trailhead .30 mile mark
We kept following the trail from this mark and decided to check on the Alltrails map for a shortcut.
The trail gets confusing as there are so many unmarked trails along the way.
Shortcut according to Alltrails.
A bit bushy but it was a shortcut.
We ended up here which took us closer to the parking area.
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
Where am I going next?
For my next adventure, we're going to Hike The Cistern Trail One of the Most Beautiful Trails I've been to in Malibu, California.
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