Once the estate of Will Rogers, this Pacific Palisades gem boasts scenic trails, historic stables, and stunning views, making it a perfect day escape.
"Pick-Up Food Options: Flour Cafe + Pizzeria, Armav, Sasabune Express If you’ve ever fantasized about leaving this world for the grassy meadow depicted on the Hidden Valley Ranch bottle, may we suggest planning a picnic at Will Rogers State Historic Park? The grassy oasis in question is the former estate of Will Rogers himself. It lies in the Santa Monica Mountains in the Pacific Palisades area, and you’ll find hiking trails, polo fields, and dogs, lots of dogs. In addition to plopping on the grass and pretending you are a crudite stick, it’s nice to hike the 2.1-mile Inspiration Loop, or point and stare at a horse and say “horse!” " - brant cox, arden shore
"Will Rogers State Historic Park is easily a full-day destination. Tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains, the park provides trail access to a variety of trails, but perhaps most popular is the easily walked Inspiration Point trail. It is only about a mile, has a wide, flat path, and boasts one of the most amazing views of Los Angeles at its peak (dogs allowed!). Also in the park is the former residence and stables of Will Rogers, the park's namesake. Tours are available of the house every hour on the hour, and the stables are still actively used for horse riding lessons and the like. The residence sits in front of a large grassy area perfect for picnics, though picnic benches are also available nearby. Finally, if you come around 2pm on a summer weekend, you can usually catch a polo game played by the Will Rogers Polo Club. Parking is $12 but worth it, considering it supports a great public resource." - No Style Studio
"Nestled at the base of the Santa Monica mountains, this 186-acre state park boasts horse stables, a polo field, and a riding ring, along with a host of trails that feed into other state park systems. Whether you come for a riding lesson or a trail ride, or just want to throw down a blanket and have a picnic while a polo game unfolds, it’s a pretty idyllic place to spend the day. Tours of Will Rogers’ homestead are also available."
"Will Rogers State Historic Park, Pacific Palisades. Will Rogers State Historic Park is easily a full-day destination. Tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains, the park provides trail access to a variety of trails, but perhaps most popular is the easily walked Inspiration Point trail. It is only about a mile, has a wide, flat path, and boasts one of the most amazing views of Los Angeles at its peak (dogs allowed!). Also in the park is the former residence and stables of Will Rogers, the park's namesake. Tours are available of the house every hour on the hour, and the stables are still actively used for horse riding lessons and the like. The residence sits in front of a large grassy area perfect for picnics, though picnic benches are also available nearby. Finally, if you come around 2pm on a summer weekend, you can usually catch a polo game played by the Will Rogers Polo Club. Parking is $12 but worth it, considering it supports a great public resource."
"Will Rogers benefits from being between the Pacific Palisades and Topanga—it's a sort of no man's land that makes it less crowded than most of the nearby beaches, despite its proximity to Santa Monica . (You won't feel like someone's always treading on your towel or standing in your sunlight.) It's one of those big wide beaches with plenty of room for everyone to relax in the sun. Plus, there are clean bathrooms to change in and a number of beach volleyball courts." - Maxwell Williams, Krista Simmons
