You could easily spend multiple vacations exploring Los Angeles, but if you’re looking for a more relaxed, bohemian atmosphere, then you’ll enjoy getting to know Topanga better. This census-designated place is located in Los Angeles County in the Santa Monica Mountains. A little more than 8,000 people call this beautiful area home, so the town has a definite low-key appeal. The Tongva tribe gave this area its name, but the first settlement was formed by the Mexicans in 1839. During the Roaring Twenties, this area became a hideaway for the rich and famous. Topanga’s popularity with artists began in the 1960s when people like Wallace Berman, Neil Young, and Dennis Wilson spent time there.
Nowadays, Topanga is known as a calm, soothing place where man and nature can coexist in peaceful harmony. You can get out in nature and explore the Topanga Canyon at places like Topanga State Park and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. If you want to see some impressive views of the San Fernando Valley, the Santa Susana Mountains, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the Santa Monica Mountains, you can do so at the Top of Topanga Overlook.
There are plenty of wonderful places to eat delicious food in Topanga. One of these is the Topanga Living Cafe, which is home to a host of healthy breakfast and brunch options. Another excellent restaurant is the Canyon Bistro & Wine Bar, which features French American cuisine served at brunch, lunch, and supper. Cafe 27 is another excellent place to go if you want to look at scenic Topanga Canyon while eating your breakfast or lunch. For a fine-dining experience in a lovely natural setting, you should try the Inn of the Seventh Ray.
Latin Food Fest Los Angeles - If you want to sample some delicious Latin American food and drink while listening to Latin-inspired music, then you should check out Latin Food Fest Los Angeles, which takes place in Los Angeles State Historic Park in late March.
Beverly Hills Film Festival - The glitz and glamour of Hollywood are on full display at this festival that takes place in early April. Movies themselves, as well as their directors, producers, actors, cinematographers, and more, will be on display.
Topanga Days Festival and Parade – In late May, Topanga hosts a bohemian parade and festival that capture this area’s laid-back charm. Local crafts and live music as well as games and contests for the young and young at heart are all featured here.
The three closest national parks to Topanga feature radically different ecosystems, so you’ll be able to experience some of the most fascinating environments California has to offer. Channel Islands National Park is located off the coast of California, so you have to catch a boat or a plane from Ventura, which is an hour from Topanga. Once you reach these five channel islands, you’ll be able to snorkel, dive, canoe, hike, and camp to your heart’s content.
If you want to see some of California’s famous giant sequoias, then you’ll want to visit Sequoia National Park, which is roughly three and a half hours from Topanga. It's a bit of a drive, but you won't want to miss the opportunity to see these trees up close.
You can explore an interesting desert environment two hours and 40 minutes away at Joshua Tree National Park, which is home to the unique Joshua Trees as well as other desert flora and fauna.
Malibu Creek State Park is just 25 minutes west of Topanga, so you can’t miss the chance to explore this gorgeous part of the Santa Monica Mountains. The Reagan Ranch, the set of the hit TV show M*A*S*H, and the Planet of the Apes Wall for climbing are all within this park.
Dockweiler State Park is about half an hour southeast of Topanga, and here, you’ll get to explore more than three and a half miles of white, sandy beaches and a lovely trail ideal for biking, hiking, and jogging.
Leo Carrillo State Park is a roughly 35-minute drive from Topanga, part of which takes place on California’s legendary Highway 1. Surfing, fishing, swimming, hiking, and more are all popular activities here.
A couple of famous California landmarks are in the City of Angels, so you’ll likely want to visit the Hollywood Sign and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Topanga has some interesting landmarks of its own, however. One of the most popular is the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, which was founded by the Geer family in 1973 and continues to put on productions today. Another landmark worth visiting is The Mountain Mermaid, which is a historic local watering hole and botanic garden originally built in the 1930s.
There are several excellent RV campgrounds in this area, one of which is the Malibu Beach RV Park, located on a bluff that provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Full hookups, big rig access, and pull-through spaces are available. Another solid option is Hollywood RV Park, which is a family-owned RV park that brings a bit of Hollywood to its guests via live concerts, comedy shows, and original art. If you want to stay in a more low-key environment, you may want to camp at Walnut RV Park, which has amenities like a pool, showers, a rec room, and laundry facilities.