Malibu's Charmlee Wilderness Park: An Easy Stroll with Ocean Views

Nestled on coastal bluffs on the western end of the Santa Monica Mountains is a quaint and beautiful park, perfect for picnicking, reading, relaxing and easy hiking. Run by the city of Malibu, Charmlee Wilderness Park is 532-acres in size, hosting about 8 miles of easy trails.

But it's not the hiking that necessarily draws people here, it's the views. Seen over Valentine's Day weekend were plenty of couples along the bluffs. Some were reading, some brought chairs, a laptop to play music and food for lunch and even one couple was spotted in the nude for some scandalicious times.

Although the bluffs are over the Pacific Coast Highway, with views of Catalina, Santa Barbara and Anacapa islands, you must drive a few miles into the mountains to Charmlee's parking lot, where there is a $4 fee. The park is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to sunset. Casey Schreiner at Modern Hiker suggests a short trail and during wildflower season, which is coming up, the park is often abloom with color.