How To Spend One Day in Topanga Canyon
Curious to hear about one of California’s best kept secrets? Topanga Canyon is a quirky and offbeat town near LA that’s somehow still escaped mass tourism. And even still, Topanga delivers on amazing outdoors, whimsical shops and cozy restaurants to all who visit. It’s a spot that I recently explored during a surprise birthday adventure and can’t wait to visit again soon. Here’s everything I did and what I recommend doing for your own Topanga Canyon adventures:
Skip to my Topanga Canyon Mini Guide here.
one day in topanga canyon
A Secret Birthday Hike
For my birthday this year, my best friend Hayley surprised me with with a secret day of adventure near LA. She’s been one of my partners-in-crime for years, but I didn’t see this coming—a full day of uncharted escapades in Topanga Canyon!
I barely had time to polish off my cup of green tea when Hayley pulled up to my apartment, full of smiles and a positive, infectious energy. “Wear something you can workout in and bring a nice change of clothes for later,” she texted me earlier that week. Determined not to spoil the surprise, I obliged with no questions asked.
On our drive, I was brimming with excitement, itching to know all the places and activities that were now before us. Luckily we started early to avoid traffic, so I didn’t have to wait long to discover the first stop on the itinerary: Topanga Lookout Trailhead. The moment we stepped out of the car, we were both engulfed in a comfortable, desert air – the temperature of which was perfect for hiking. The trail itself was not particularly strenuous, but filled with above-the-clouds views that took our breath away and desert flowers that radiated hues of red and orange under the Southern California sun.
It was a sight that allowed us to be fully in the moment for the entire hike and helped set the tone for the rest of the day to follow.
Location:
Topanga Canyon is located about 45 minutes to 1 hour from Downtown Los Angeles.
Weather:
Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga Canyon doesn’t get the overcast marine layer that’s typical for Malibu. While Topanga is definitely a year-round destination, summers here can get quite hot. The best time to visit is early Spring (March and April) or early Fall (September and October).
one day in topanga canyon
Brunch with a View
A short 10-minutes from the trailhead is one of Topanga’s main breakfast spots, Cafe on 27, a restaurant serving both healthy and hearty dishes in an airy, boho-chic setting.
“We’re here!” Hayley grinned as we drove up to our second location. “And this is actually the reason why I wanted to start early today. I read the wait for brunch can be long after 9AM. It looks like we’re just going to beat it”.
“I love it! I’m always up for early adventures – and more time to eat!” I laughed, walking in. Sure enough, we did just beat the morning rush, which arrived almost immediately after we were seated on the restaurant’s patio.
And just as fast, I understood why. Cafe on 27’s patio boasted the most breathtaking views of the mountains and canyon below. A full-service brunch amid scenery that rivaled that from our hike earlier? Yes, please.
I ordered the Grilled Chicken and Avocado Toast, the latter of which was made with a crunchy, charcoal sourdough – my first time trying that particular type of bread!
Combined with roasted cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil, every bite was pure heaven, so much so that I even forgot to take photos for the first time in a long time! We were eventually scurried out by a few bees who were also interested in the food, but figured it was nature’s way of telling us our next location was waiting!
one day in topanga canyon
A Little Southern California Whimsy
Post-brunch, we drove into the heart of town to check out some of the local boutiques that Topanga Canyon is famous for.
These were not your run-of-the-mill chain stores, but free-spirited and charming shops filled with handcrafted jewelry, vintage clothing, vibrant artwork and plants, and artisanal home goods.
There’s something irresistible about shopping in a place like Topanga, where everything has a unique story and personal touch!
“I can see this hanging in your apartment,” I said, pointing to an abstract pastel pink painting.
“You read my mind,” Hayley laughed, as we continued to peruse the unique treasures and whimsical boutiques throughout town.
one day in topanga canyon
Pies, Wine and Vinyl
Finally, around mid-afternoon we made our last stop on this adventure at Endless Color, a funky little spot that is part pizza place, part wine bar, part vinyl record store. Yes, you read that right. There couldn’t have been a more perfect ending to an incredible day!
Over a glass of natural wine and an agave cocktail, we flipped through records, each one from a different era of modern music history. Hayley ended up buying an original pressing of Daft Punk’s “Discovery” album, while I almost took home Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours“.
As Hayley and I drove back to the city, the neon traffic lights of LA began to replace the natural hues of the canyon. But in that moment, surrounded by the comfort of true friendship and the day’s unforgettable moments, I was reminded that the greatest adventures often do lie just around the corner!
one day in topanga canyon
Topanga Canyon Mini Guide
Shops
Hidden Treasures – Vintage Clothing
Jalan Jalan Imports – Balinese Outdoor Furniture, Statuary and Handicrafts
Moona Star – Women’s Clothing
Sassafras Shoppe – Plant + Gift Shop
Topanga Mercantile – Candle Company
Hikes
Parker Mesa Overlook Trail – 6.9 Miles
Temescal Canyon Trail – 3.4 Miles
Topanga Lookout Trail – 2.0 Miles
Restaurants
Cafe on 27 – Brunch
Endless Color – Pizza and Natural Wine
Inn of the Seventh Ray – Californian Cuisine in a Romantic Setting
Topanga Living Cafe – Breakfast, Tacos, Sandwiches
