Best Horseback Riding Near Los Angeles
The Los Angeles area is filled with picturesque scenery once you escape the vast sprawl of the city. A great way to enjoy some of the openess is to saddle up on a horse and hit the trail. Check out these great places to ride horseback near LA.
Griffith Park Horse Rentals
Los Angeles Equestrian Center
480 W. Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 840-8401
www.griffithparkhorserental.com
Griffith has played an important role in the communal history of Los Angeles. For generations, Angelenos have frequented its acres for everything from family gatherings to live events to nature-loving recreation. Griffith's hills and caves offer opportunities for natural discovery not often found in the metropolis. The famous Hollywood Hills sprawl well above the Downtown Los Angeles landscape, and the view from the top shows riders all the sights, from the Malibu shores to the Getty and the Hollywood sign. Well-trodden hiking trails are easy to follow all the way up to the Hollywood summit whether you are on foot or atop your horse.
Sunset Ranch
3400 N. Beachwood Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 469-5450
www.sunsetranchhollywood.com
If you're longing to realize your inner cowboy but have misplaced your horse, head to Sunset Ranch. In the lovely SoCal weather, riders are sure to get a clear view of the Hollywood sign and Griffith observatory year-round. There's no need for reservations as walk-ins are welcome. Sunset even offers the course "Intro to Horses" on Wednesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. for $5 per person. Riders must be 6 years old and four feet tall. Sunset strictly enforces a 240-pound rider limit and that children under 18 be accompanied by an adult.
Malibu Riders
2903 Cornell Road
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
(818) 510-2245
www.maliburiders.com
Starting at Malibu Creek State Park, riders enjoy the salty sea ocean air on their choice of a three-mile or six-mile loop. Besides miles of oceanfront, sites include Ronald Reagan's former ranch, the Santa Monica Mountains and Century Lake. The stables are located near the historic restaurant, The Old Place, and the Cornell Winery for more quality time with your friends and family after riding. Malibu Creek trails run daily and reservations are available both online and via telephone.
Circle Barb B Stables
1800 Refugio Road
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 968-3901
www.circlebarbstables.com
Los Angeles' wine country is a beautiful place to spend family time and soak in the naturally beautiful surroundings. Santa Barbara's year-round pleasant temperatures, majestic mountain views and breathtaking shore make it an optimal spot for horseback trails. Circle Bar B has attracted the locals as well as celebrities from the Reagans to the Kardashians for more than 70 years. Rides range from $50 per person for 1.5-hour group rides to $135 for a half-day ride with a private guide.
Related: One-Tank Trip to Santa Barbara
Los Angeles' Children's Riding Center
9211 Del Arroyo Drive
Sun Valley, CA 91352
(818) 768-5470
www.lachildrensridingcenter.com
Riders ages 6 through 96 can take lessons in all kinds of Western and European riding. Both a summer camp and a Saturday camp are designed especially for children ages 6 to 14, where kids can learn about English riding, vaulting and horse care. Two-hour parties for birthdays, Girl Scout gatherings and other youth organization get-togethers can be reserved. One-hour group lessons and half-hour private lessons are available all week long.
Related: Horseback Riding Summer Camp #1
