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Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center: Gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains

Discover the Santa Monica Mountains! Start your adventure at this Calabasas visitor center with exhibits, maps, and expert advice.

The Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center serves as the primary information hub for exploring the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Located in Calabasas at the historic King Gillette Ranch, the center provides visitors with exhibits, maps, and guidance for discovering the diverse ecosystems and recreational activities within the mountains.

A brief summary to Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center

  • 26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, California, 91302, US

Local tips

  • Check the visitor center's schedule for guided tours and educational programs.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike.
  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
  • Don't forget your camera to capture the beautiful views from the trails.
  • Take some time to explore the grounds of King Gillette Ranch, including the mansion and the small lake.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center is located at 26876 Mulholland Highway in Calabasas. From the Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101), exit at Las Virgenes Road (Co. Hwy N1) and head south for 3 miles to the Mulholland Highway intersection. Turn left onto Mulholland Highway; the park entrance is 0.1 mile on the right. There is a free two-hour parking limit in the main parking lot adjacent to the visitor center. Additional paid parking is available nearby. The cost for all-day use in the second parking lot is approximately $7.

  • Public Transport

    While there isn't direct public transportation to the visitor center, you can take a bus to a nearby location and then use a ride-sharing service to complete your journey. For example, you could take the Metro Bus 161 to the intersection of Mulholland Highway and Las Virgenes Road, and then take a short Uber or Lyft ride (approximately $15-$20) to the visitor center. Check the Metro website for the most up-to-date bus schedules and routes.

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Discover more about Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center

The Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center is the perfect starting point for your adventure in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Situated on the grounds of the historic King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, the center is operated through a partnership between the National Park Service, California State Parks, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. The visitor center is housed in what were once the ranch stables, originally built in 1928. The building was renovated with sustainability in mind and is the first 'net zero' visitor center in the National Park Service, earning LEED Platinum certification. Inside, you'll find interactive exhibits about the flora, fauna, and unique characteristics of the Santa Monica Mountains. A small theater shows a park film, and a bookstore offers guidebooks, maps, and souvenirs. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers are available to answer questions and provide recommendations for hiking trails and other activities. King Gillette Ranch itself has a rich history. The 588-acre property was once owned by King C. Gillette, the founder of the Gillette razor company. The Spanish Colonial Revival mansion on the property was designed by renowned architect Wallace Neff. Over the years, the ranch has also been home to a movie director, a religious seminary, and the Church Universal and Triumphant. Today, the ranch is a public park with meadows, grasslands, hiking trails, and picnic areas. It has also served as a filming location for movies and television shows, including 'The Biggest Loser'. From the visitor center, visitors can explore the grounds of King Gillette Ranch, hike to Inspiration Point, or visit nearby Malibu Creek State Park.

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