Winding its way through the Santa Monica Mountains, Mulholland Highway is a scenic route named after William Mulholland. It was constructed in the 1920s and billed as the highway “to take Angelinos from the city to the ocean.”
Today this stretch of legendary highway is the playground of the rich, famous, and auto enthusiasts with their sports cars and motorcycles. Starting in Calabasas, the first stop is the 588-acre King Gillette Ranch adjacent to Malibu Creek Park.
King Gillette Ranch
Explore California’s rich history with a stunning view at the park, featuring Gillette’s historic Spanish Colonial Revival-style mansion and other original structures. The ranch stables now house the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area Visitor Center, which offers a wealth of information about the area. The park is at 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, California.
Cornell Winery & Tasting Room
Just a few miles up the highway, travelers will enter an area known as “The Three Magical Miles” of Mulholland Highway. Cornell Winery is in the center of the Magical Miles area and is the perfect place to stop for food at the Old Place Restaurant. Sip some wine and take in some local art that adorns its interior. 29975 Mulholland Hwy, Agoura, California.
Peter Strauss Ranch Mulholland Highway
Located next to the winery is Peter Strauss Ranch, once home to the Chumash Indians before becoming part of Rancho Las Virgenes during Spanish colonization. In 1976, the property was purchased by actor Peter Strauss, who later sold it to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Today, visitors can enjoy the natural and cultural history of the ranch, which is situated at 30000 Mulholland Hwy in Agoura Hills, California.
Paramount Ranch
Paramount Ranch is located in the 2700-acre Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The ranch was once used to make movies and television westerns and is now open for visitors to stroll through what remains of its western town facade. Another popular hike is to the MASH film site in Malibu Creek State Park. 2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills, California. Most of the western town was destroyed by a wildfire. Two buildings remain, the church and the railroad station.
Malibou Lake
There is a nearby location called Malibou Lake. While it is a private area, one can still drive along its border and catch glimpses of the numerous multimillion-dollar estates that adorn its shoreline. Additionally, the shore of Malibou Lake was used as a filming location for scenes in the original Frankenstein movie.
Mulholland Highway “Snake”
The highway takes a southern direction from the lake and passes through a section known as the “snake.” This stretch spans 21 turns and is frequented by sports cars and motorcycles, creating a sight to behold. At the peak of the “snake” lies a vista point with a turnout. This spot is usually crowded with people on weekends, who come to watch the cars pass by.
Rock Store Mulholland Highway
One of the most renowned hangouts for motorcyclists and bikers worldwide is the Rock Store, located along the highway. This Mecca of motorized madness is a top destination for enjoying great food, drinks, and some of the coolest machinery known to man. You can find it at 30354 Mulholland Hwy, Cornell, California.
On weekends, the parking lot at the Rock Store attracts a diverse crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts, including casual riders and celebrities. You can expect to see a variety of sports bikes and American V-Twin choppers and a few cars. Rock Store Website.
Connemara Ranch
If you’re looking for excellent horseback riding in Southern California, the Connemara Ranch at 5957 Cavalleri Rd in Malibu is a must-visit. The ranch offers hour-and-a-half trail rides perfect for beginners and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean along Mulholland Highway. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Mulholland Highway includes all of the perfect trimmings for a great family excursion. So, toss the kids in the car and head out for a relaxing day in the country that won’t break the bank.
Sometimes the journey is more than the destination; it’s about the stops along the way. So make a few stops the next time you’re headed down the 20-mile stretch of Mulholland Highway from Calabasas to Leo Carrillo State Beach.
The snake section has been closed for almost 2 years