Watch the sun drop towards the Pacific from this spectacular view above Santa Monica. A moderate, 2.2-mile loop hike climbs a few hundred feet to Inspiration Point here at Will Rogers State Historic Park.

It's a moderate 4.2 miles out and back from the Borrego Canyon Trailhead to beautiful Red Rock Canyon. Late light makes the rock walls even more impressive and well worth the roughly 500 feet of elevation gain required to reach such scenic views.

A Griffith Park classic, with sweeping views awaiting hikers at the top. Take the Charlie Turner Trail up through the Berlin Forest, then make a loop around and up to the summit before descending the way you came. Ample views of LA to the south and the Hollywood sign to the west.

Numerous trails loop out on the bluffs above the Malibu coast, but perhaps the simplest option is a two-mile trek that accesses two worthy viewpoints. At Ranch House Ruins, take in a splendid view of the park itself, then head out to the Ocean Overlook for a stunning panorama above the Pacific. The trail is fairly level, though there is a bit of a drop down to the Ocean Overlook.

Running through the heart of Crystal Cove State Park near Laguna Beach, Moro Canyon offers an easy out-and-back hike of 3 miles. Follow the trail up the canyon from the picnic area, then turn around when you hit the junction with the Poles Road Trail and the West Cut Across. Or, if time and conditions allow, keep hiking and take the opportunity to explore more of the park!

This hike in Chino Hills State Park combines canyon hiking with ridgetop views for a grand 6-mile loop. Take the Sidewinder Trail down into Aliso Canyon, passing Rolling M Ranch before climbing Bane Ridge for views across Bane Canyon. In spring, this is a wonderful spot for wildflowers.

This moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike starts at the Eaton Saddle Trailhead, quickly passing through the Mueller Tunnel en route to open views here in the San Gabriel Mountains. The summit of Mt Lowe provides a magnificent panorama that stretches from the Santa Monica Mountains to Redondo Beach and beyond.