Since the 1920’s, Topanga Canyon has been a weekend getaway spot. It has a rich history of natural foods cafés and artsy culture, all nearby the state park. Located in Los Angeles County in the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu, it provides the antithesis to city life through an extensive state park and a small town feel.

The State Park itself has a variety of ridgeline trails (including one that goes all the way to the ocean from over 6 miles inland and a few great loops). It’s quite green and has great picnic spots, winding trails, and wildlife.

The town scattered in the middle of Topanga Canyon has quite a few cultural events including an Earth Day festival, the Topanga Days celebration (during the Memorial Day weekend), and an outdoor theater (Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum), known for its Shakespearean plays and summer camps. But on a daily basis it is all about the food and unique shopping.

For food & romance 1) we recommend Abuelita's, which specializes in authentic, natural Mexican fare. 2) The Water Lily Café, which provides custom tonics and a great quiche. 3) The otherworldly Inn of the Seventh Ray, which is located on the banks of a creek, and the perfect site for a small wedding or fancy date. Make sure to walk around. It also houses a gift shop full of interesting books and gemstones.

The Shopping: We recommend Topanga Home Grown, which prides itself on emulating and sustaining Topanga's alternative culture through custom apparel and a brilliant array of jewelry and homemade gifts. Also, Hidden Treasures is an enchanting thrift store full of exactly what it's name suggests, hidden treasures from every era of the 20th century.

Local Tripper’s Guide
Do’s:
+Talk to locals and shop owners. They're welcoming and friendly.
+Wander around the shops in the central town area. Everything is close to one another.
Don’ts:
-Veer off Topanga Canyon's main road unless you have a map or GPS.

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