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Around 600 miles (1,000 km) of hiking trails meander through the Santa Monica Mountains, stretching from Griffith Park in Hollywood to the north of Malibu. Will Rogers State Park and Topanga State Park are good gateways for hiking.

Enjoy skating along this 22-mile (35-km) paved trail parallel to the beach from Temescal Canyon Road north of Santa Monica to Torrance Beach. Rental outfitters are abundant in both Santa Monica and Venice.

The paved beach path is equally popular for slow bike cruises. Mountain bikers have plenty of trails to explore in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Learn to take to the skies while training on beachside “bunny” hills or launch from a height of 3,500 ft (1,000 m) on a breathtaking flight with an instructor.

Skipper around the marina or cruise out to the open ocean with your very own sailboat. Rental outfits usually have a variety for you to choose from.

One of the nicest places for sea kayaking is off the coast of Catalina Island. Traveling leisurely by yourself allows you to explore its craggy coastline and to discover your own secret cove.

The archetypal California watersport is practiced all along the coast – Surfrider Beach (see Malibu Lagoon State/Surfrider Beach) in Malibu is one of the most famous, but Manhattan Beach and Palos Verdes (see Palos Verdes Peninsula) are equally popular.

Enjoy the thrill of the waves while riding a boogie board to the shore. It’s easy and fun. All the towns on the beach have rental stations on or near the sand.

Cabrillo Beach, nicknamed “Hurricane Gulch,” is LA’s windsurfing mecca. The harbor side is good for beginners, while advanced surfers can make for the open ocean.

Fishing without a license is permitted off any ocean pier. Sport fishing boats leave from Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey, Shoreline Village in Long Beach, and Ports O’ Call Village in San Pedro.