Topanga came to its name through Native American indigenous tribes called Tongva. The meaning could be "where mountains meet the sea," or, "place above." The area was first settled by Europeans in 1839 and it became a Hollywood getaway as early as the 1920s as cottages began to crop up in the region. The rolling hills and attractive vegetation in the surroundings give visitors privacy, which makes it attractive for those looking to relax as well as those who are famous and want to get away from it all.
Topanga Canyon contains part of the Topanga State Park, the largest park in the Santa Monica Mountains. This park is one of the largest natural areas surrounded by a city in the whole world. It also holds the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and has large areas of native plants that are most often found in California.
This area of the state is known for its enclave of artists, musicians, filmmakers, and other creatives. There are often music festivals and film gatherings, and visitors enjoy Topanga Earth Day as well as the annual Topanga Film Festival, which occurs in July. There's also an annual fair and parade Memorial Day weekend that includes craft vendors and a variety of food from all over the world. The canyon is home to Reggae on the Mountain, an annual festival that has grown to be one of the largest in the area.
With all of the festivals, there's often plenty to do, but there are also two outdoor shopping centers that have local businesses that are unique to the area. There are not any big box stores or chain stores in the city, and the location within the mountains makes the natural surroundings an important part of the culture.
What Time of Year is Nicest in Topanga, CA?
Topanga, California is well known for its beauty, with panoramic views of the mountains as well as the Pacific Ocean. With LA nearby, there are plenty of things to see and do, and visitors enjoy rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching, among other things.
The climate in Topanga, California consists of warm, but not hot, dry summers. The average temperature is around 70 degrees. In general, the temperature is nice most of the year, but there are sometimes a few cold weeks during the winter months. The warmest time to visit is August, September, then July. The months that have the least amount of rain are June, August, then July. It is most likely to rain or even lightly snow in late January, which is why many people avoid visiting that time of the year.
Topanga, California is the busiest with travelers in July and that is followed by June and then February. Hotel prices are higher during those times, though visitors can find good deals when they plan in advance. November is the least expensive time to travel to the area because fewer people consider that month.
There isn't really a tried and true, bad time to visit this region of the country. With warm, mild temperatures most of the year, it's hard to count any month out. Those who like warmer weather will want to stick to the summer and spring, but those who want to get away from their own snowy states will even enjoy the warmth the winter brings to this area.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Topanga, CA:
Topanga by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Topanga, CA. You can use these charts to evaluate the most cost effective months to make a reservation in Topanga during the year.
What Luxury Hotel Options in Topanga, CA Are the Best?
4 Star Average Prices: $183.48
The Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Woodland Hills is just 5 miles north of Topanga, California and went through a multi-million dollar renovation inside and out in 2004. The sleeping rooms and public areas were remodeled with luxury and modernity. The rooms are now warmly decorated with iPod docks, tea and coffee makers, flat screen TVs and more. Some rooms also have sofas that fold out into beds. The outdoor pool is great for many months of the year, and working travelers have access to business centers and meeting spaces within the hotel. The accommodations are only 15 miles from Universal Studios, Hollywood and other area attractions.
Staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Calabasas situates guests 5 miles northwest of Topanga, California, just a short distance from the Camarillo Premium outlets and area restaurants and golf attractions. The suites are often called down-to-earth and offer microwaves, coffee makers, mini fridges, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs, among other amenities. With room service available and options of whirlpools and sitting areas, guests never have to leave their rooms to get what they want. This hotel is also equipped with a restaurant and bar, an outdoor pool, a gym, meeting spaces, and a convenience shop.
Which Low Cost Hotel Options in Topanga, CA Exist?
3 Star Average Prices: $167.31
To get budget-friendly options, consider the Knights Inn Woodland Hills, just a block off the Ventura Freeway. The rooms have simple furnishing, but the free Wi-Fi and cable TV keep guests plenty entertained. Microwaves and mini fridges can be requested and there are some rooms that also have kitchenettes. Parking and continental breakfasts are free, and there is a hot tub and outdoor pool available as well.
For business travelers, those who are in the area for a longer time, or visitors looking for a good deal, the Extended Stay America - Los Angeles - Woodland Hills is a good option. Whether the trip is a week or longer or even just a weekend, this hotel is ideal for travelers. The hotel suites come with a full kitchen, full-sized fridge, Wi-Fi and more. Breakfast is provided and can even be taken away with ease. Pets are welcome, and parking is free and readily available. Each room has a desk for business workers, a flatscreen TV, and other amenities. Guests describe the staff as helpful, the rooms as comfortable, and the prices as highly affordable.
