Rocky Oaks is a hidden spot in Malibu spread across 200 acres with hiking trails and a pond that makes for a solid half-day with your dog. The park sits at the intersection of Mulholland Highway and Kanan Road, so it works well as a break point if you’re spending time driving the mountain roads and want to get out and stretch legs.

The trails here are manageable without being boring. Your dog will appreciate the variety — some sections wind through oak woodland while others open up with views toward the surrounding ridges. The pond is nice to see, though we didn’t let our dog wade in it since the water level fluctuates and you can’t always tell what’s safe. The trails aren’t overly technical, which makes this a good choice if you have an older dog or younger kids in the group who are still building their hiking stamina.

There’s a shaded picnic area not far from the parking lot if you want to settle in for lunch. Restrooms and water are available, which beats scrambling to find these basics once you’re out on the trails. The shade is genuinely useful on warmer days since there’s exposure as you move through the property.

This isn’t a destination where you’ll spend the whole day like you might at a state park with more developed facilities, but as a stop while you’re already in the Malibu hills exploring Mulholland, it’s worth the detour. Parking is free, and the place feels refreshingly low-key compared to the busier parks closer to the coast. Come earlier in the day if you can — the lot fills up on weekends, and parking is limited.