Updated for 2024
Horseback riding may be one of the most memorable outdoor activities families can share together. A variety of businesses offer a variety of trail rides, some offering sunset rides, ocean-view rides, and some offering views of iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood sign.
Whether you’re an experienced equestrian or not, these ranches and trail riding companies can help you saddle up and enjoy. Most places on this list offer rides for kids 8 years old and up, but check with each one to be sure your kids are the right age.
The price can vary, based on whether you’re new to horseback riding or you know your way around a paddock, or if you’re taking a series of lesson or going on a trail ride once. Reach out and check with each place on the list to find the one that’s the best fit for your family. And enjoy!
And if you and your kids need to learn how first, check out our article about Where to find Horseback Riding Lessons in Los Angeles.
10 Places to Go Horseback Riding in Los Angeles and Around SoCal
Connemara Ranch
400 Kanan Dume Rd., Malibu, CA
(619) 494-2348
Connemara Ranch offers Ocean View Trail Rides for groups up to 6. Rides are offered for both beginners and advanced riders, and give families the chance to “explore the beauty and nature of the Santa Monica Mountains through the Los Angeles and Malibu area.” Rides are 1.5 hours long, and require all riders to be at least 10 years old. Reserve your ride online.
Related: Things to do in Malibu with Kids
High Horse Malibu
2142 Latigo Canyon Rd., Malibu, CA 90265
(424) 346-4590
High Horse Malibu offers hour-and-a-half trail rides in Latigo Canyon, described as “the most scenic and secluded area of Malibu.” As you ride into the Santa Monica Mountains you’ll have views of the Pacific Ocean as well as the “rolling hills and cresting peaks of the mountain range.” Riders must be at least 8 years old. Reservation information is available online.
Jigsaw Farms
1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Jigsaw Farms offers hour-long trail rides “on the historic trails of Will Rogers State Historic Park.” Before your ride, families will learn some basic horsemanship and have their “souvenir photo taken in front of the Historic Stables.” Learn about Will Rogers, the history of the ranch, and enjoy incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. The tour is recommended for riders 12 and older.
LA Horse Rentals
1850 Riverside Dr., Glendale, CA 91201
(818) 242-8443
LA Horse Rentals offers a variety of tours, ranging in length, “with options overlooking downtown LA, scenic Amir’s Gardens and the LA Zoo, or the famous Hollywood Sign.” Horse rides are offered for all experience levels. Children must be 8 years old and at least 4 feet tall. Helmets are required for all riders under 18.
Los Angeles Horseback Riding
2623 Old Topanga Canyon Road, Topanga, CA 90290
(818) 225-RIDE (7433)
The Los Angeles Horseback Riding Ranch was established in 1996. “You will be able to see 80 miles out from the top of our trails, breathtaking views in every direction.” A variety of Trail Rides are offered including 60-minute, 90-minute, and 120-minute options, a 90-minute Sunset Ride, Birthday Party ride, and more. Children must be at least 10 years old to ride. Reservations can be made by phone.
Malibu Riders
2903 Cornell Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301
(818) 510-2245
To explore the beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains in Agoura Hills, let Malibu Riders guide you on a horseback riding adventure. Different rides are offered including a 90-minute Zuma Canyon ride with ocean views, a 60-minute Paramount Ranch ride, and a 120-minute Malibu Creek State Park ride to name a few. Each ride provides families magnificent views. Riders must be at least 8 years old. Check the website for fees and scheduling information.
Oceanview Performance Horses
Portuguese Bend Riding Club
40 Narcissa Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
(424) 250-0130
Oceanview Performance Horses offers 90-minute trail rides that begin and end “with a brief walk to the trailhead through the streets of the exclusive gated community of Portuguese Bend.” Once on the trail, riders will enjoy “uninterrupted views of the ocean with Catalina Island as a backdrop as you wind through the Portuguese Bend Nature Preserve.” Rides are suitable for all experience levels and for riders 9 and older. (The website does mention special accommodations may be made for younger riders – be sure to contact the company for details.) Reservations may be made online.
Palos Verdes Horse Rentals
Palos Verdes Stables
4057 Via Opata, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(310) 310-5178
Palos Verdes Horse Rentals offers guided Trail Rides on “the scenic trails of Palos Verdes.” Guided rides will give you a fun adventure and beautiful views of the city, mountains, and coast. Younger riders (ages 3-5) can participate with a 20-minute Pony Ride. Parents are allowed to walk on foot next to your child (side walking). There are also 45-minute trail rides, 60-minute, and 90-minute options all for older riders (minimum age is 6 years old). Younger riders “ride on their own horse with a lead line that will be held by the guide. Minimum age to ride off the lead line is 8 years old.” No previous riding experience is required. Rides are offered seven days a week. Reservations may be made online.
Related: Things to do in Rancho Palos Verdes with Kids
Red Velvet Ranch
34354 Martingale Lane, Acton, CA
(661) 234-4440
Red Velvet Ranch describes itself as a “stress-free way to connect with horses.” This woman-owned business offers one-hour trail rides. Rides may be solo (rider and guide) or group (limited to 4 people, including the guide). Rates and reservations are available online.
Sunset Ranch Hollywood
3400 N. Beachwood Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 469-5450
Sunset Ranch Hollywood offers several tours which all provide a unique perspective in which to admire our city. Both the Mulholland Trail Tour, a one-hour tour, and the Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour, a two-hour tour, take riders through the hills of Griffith Park. Riders will see the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Sign, and Downtown Los Angeles. The Mt. Hollywood Evening Tour is a two-hour tour that takes riders to the peak of Mt. Hollywood, with 360 degree views of “the Los Angeles basis, the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys and unbeatable ocean and mountain views.” Both private and public tours are offered. Children must be at least 8 years old to ride. Reservation information is available online.
Related: Things to do in Hollywood with Kids
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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