Established in 1941 during World War II, NAS Point Mugu began as an anti-aircraft training center. The Seabees, the U.S. Navy’s construction battalion, laid down the initial Marston mat runway, marking the station’s first airstrip.
NAS Point Mugu’s rich history reflects its integral role in advancing naval aviation and missile technology. Today, as part of NBVC, it continues to support critical military operations and innovation.
Point Mugu State Park
9000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
Point Mugu State Park boasts five miles of pristine ocean shoreline, featuring rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and coastal dunes. Inland, visitors can explore chaparral-covered hills, grassy valleys dotted with sycamores and oaks, and two major river canyons. The park is also home to the jagged pinnacles of the Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area, offering panoramic views and challenging hikes.
With over 70 miles of hiking trails, the park caters to hikers of all skill levels. Popular trails include the Ray Miller Trail, known for its ocean vistas, and the Sycamore Canyon Trail, which meanders through lush valleys.
Mugu Rock
California 90265, USA
Located along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Ventura County, Mugu Rock stands as a striking testament to both natural geological processes and human ingenuity. This massive rock formation marks the western terminus of the Santa Monica Mountains and serves as a gateway to Point Mugu State Park.
Mugu Rock is an igneous dike, formed by magma intruding into surrounding rock layers during the middle Miocene epoch. Over millions of years, erosion exposed this resilient formation, creating the dramatic coastal promontory visible today. The name “Mugu” is derived from the Chumash word “Muwu,” meaning “beach,” reflecting the area’s indigenous heritage.
Sycamore Cove Beach
9000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
Nestled along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, Sycamore Cove Beach offers visitors a harmonious blend of sandy shores, ocean vistas, and access to the rugged beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains. This day-use beach area is part of Point Mugu State Park, renowned for its diverse ecosystems and recreational opportunities.
Sycamore Cove Beach features a sandy cove ideal for sunbathing, picnicking, and beachcombing. The beach is equipped with amenities such as picnic tables, barbecues, and restrooms, making it a convenient spot for family outings.
Backbone Trail
California, USA
Stretching approximately 67.79 miles (109.10 km), the Backbone Trail winds its way across the scenic Santa Monica Mountains, connecting Point Mugu State Park in Ventura County to Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. This trail offers hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians an immersive experience through diverse ecosystems, panoramic vistas, and rich cultural history.
The vision for the Backbone Trail emerged in the 1960s, aiming to link existing trails and fire roads into a continuous path along the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center
Sycamore Canyon Trailhead, Newbury Park, CA 91320, United States
Nestled within the Rancho Sierra Vista area of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center serves as a vital link to the rich heritage of the Chumash people and other Native American communities. “Satwiwa,” meaning “the bluffs” in the Chumash language, was the name of a nearby Chumash village, reflecting the area’s deep-rooted indigenous history.
The Satwiwa region has been inhabited by the Chumash people for over 10,000 years. The area was a hub for trade and cultural exchange, with Sycamore Canyon serving as a crucial trade route connecting the Conejo Valley to the Pacific Ocean.
Point Mugu Missile Park
10A Naval Air Rd, Port Hueneme, CA 93041, United States
Situated along the Pacific Coast Highway, Point Mugu Missile Park offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of U.S. naval aviation and missile technology. This outdoor exhibit showcases a collection of historic aircraft and missiles that played pivotal roles in America’s defense history.
Established during the Cold War era, the park reflects the advancements in missile and aircraft technology developed and tested at nearby Naval Air Station Point Mugu.
Naval Base Ventura County Air Show
311 Main Rd, NAS Point Mugu, CA 93042, United States
Inaugurated in 1960 as the “Space Fair” during the height of the space race, the Point Mugu Air Show has evolved into Ventura County’s largest public event. Originally designed to exhibit the Navy’s advancements in missile technology and aviation, the show has featured renowned demonstration teams such as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and Canada’s Snowbirds over the decades.
After an eight-year hiatus, the 2023 air show marked a significant return, drawing approximately 205,000 attendees over three days.
Channel Islands Harbor
Hollywood, CA 93035, USA
Constructed in the 1960s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Channel Islands Harbor was developed by excavating sand dunes and wetlands at the edge of the Oxnard Plain. The surplus sand was used to replenish nearby beaches, such as Port Hueneme. The harbor officially opened in 1965 and was envisioned as a recreational haven, featuring marinas, residential areas, and commercial establishments.
Today, Channel Islands Harbor spans 310 acres, comprising 166 acres of water and 126 acres of land. It boasts over 2,500 boat slips, nine full-service marinas, and four yacht clubs.
El Matador State Beach
32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
El Matador State Beach in Malibu, California, is a captivating coastal destination renowned for its dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and striking rock formations. Part of the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, El Matador is one of three “pocket beaches” along the western Malibu coast, offering visitors a more secluded and natural beach experience.
El Matador’s allure lies in its rugged beauty. Visitors descend a steep trail and staircase from the bluff-top parking area to reach the beach, where they are greeted by golden sands, towering sea stacks, and hidden sea caves.
Camarillo Premium Outlets
740 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010, United States
The concept for Camarillo Premium Outlets was introduced in 1991 by the Sammis Corporation. Despite facing opposition from local homeowner groups and legal challenges concerning environmental regulations, construction commenced in August 1994. The outlet mall officially opened its doors in November 1995, initially featuring 20 stores. Subsequent expansions in 1997 and 2009 have transformed it into one of the largest outlet centers in California, now encompassing over 160 stores.