20-06 Los Angeles: Topanga Canyon Blvd (2013 Unused Footage)

This unused/unseen footage from the 2013 trip follows CA-27 from the San Fernando Valley to its end at the PCH through Topanga Canyon. FAQ's and director's commentary at the end of the ride.

[@YokozunaNumber1]

Topanga always reminded me of San Francisco because of the Bohemian culture. Man, I do miss being in Cali. Great video as always, Jim.

[@GlennC789]

Wow. The music is a perfect match. The playback-speed selections are fascinating. I can't argue with any one of them. What a beautiful place. The KZbin algorithm actually did something right.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you for watching and the kind comment.

[@SyBabyProductions]

Aww, man. Any time I see one of your LA videos, Jim, I get so homesick. I haven't been back to Los Angeles in 25 years, when I was 14, but your videos always, I mean ALWAYS, make my day. I can't thank you enough.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you I appreciate that, glad you enjoy them.

[@dylanmartin3164]

It's not the same anymore. LA is a dumpster fire.

[@dontgetlost4078]

KZbin: On a scale from 1 to 5, how would you rate this video? Me: *Yes*

[@Freewayjim]

LOL thank you!

[@DC-zu2qx]

Awesome!! I watch this video along with the Wyoming video every Sunday evening to relax before starting work Monday... Jim as usual you knocked it out of the park!! I love LA and you need to be in Hollywood producing movies.. You really do need to.. Out of this world talent.. Keep them coming.. EXCELLENT choice in music as usual!!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much for watching and for the kind comment, I love LA too!

[@cyfairgal]

Your music choices are beyond awesome. Your channel is not just informational but a wonderful escape especially what everyone is experiencing.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much, I truly appreciate that.

[@bluesky2927]

I got relatives in this area and while visiting them, I took a drive by myself through the canyon and along the PCH. Just driving alone through this beautiful southern California scenery was probably the highlight of my trip. Thanks for this video!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you for watching!

[@SINREKA]

Drove this road when I went to LA for the first time last year. Was just driving around exploring and kinda just ended up on it. Very nice drive all the way down and the way it just opens up to the ocean at the end was a very welcome surprise. The traffic i hit making my way back across LA to get back to my hotel....not so much lol.

[@christopherbuckley94]

I agree, there are a lot of these hidden jewels in California, even farther north. Looking forward to some normality as well!

[@Freewayjim]

It would take a very long time to run out of things to see and explore there.

[@JohnH-os6id]

Nicely done Jim! You are, of course, your harshest critic!!! Being a contemporary jazz fan, this music was just terrific and blended tremendously with the drive! ( Hate to admit, I never heard of Adani & Wolf, but thanks to you, will have to do some "investigating"!) That drive itself was special in itself. Hats off to you for this hidden gem!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you John, I've used a few other Adani & Wolf tunes, Video 20-03 just a few weeks ago starts with one and check out the Les Seigneurs album, I've used a few from there.

[@cjs121675]

Great ride- was able to watch it with no distractions- and was worth the wait! I have learned sometimes getting off the beaten path sometimes you will find a road, or some highway or something like this that is well worth taking! It has happened to me in my own life on a few occasions! Great ride, loved the mountains and loved the ride... I never tire of seeing California and what Los Angeles has to offer- I have been able to have done some of the rides you have been on but that was 30 years ago- 1990- a lot has changed since then- and I hope to one day get back! Great ride and great video- and great commentary! I really enjoy the commentary at the end of the videos as I like to get to hear about the videos and locales you visit!

[@Freewayjim]

I never tire of California either, glad you enjoyed the ride & commentary!

[@countenanceblog]

One of the best ever on FWJ. Seems like you're in the middle of nowhere, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, and then boom, you're right on the ocean front.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you, yes it does feel like you are in the mountain west or something, yet 30 miles from DTLA, one of many reasons I love that area.

[@hampton61000]

Thanks for the tour. It lifted my spirits way up in these difficult times. And the music was perfect!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed the ride.

[@SsgtTimothy]

I liked the scenic drive with the relaxing music it matches up so well and great content as always

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much!

[@dave11686]

Beautiful!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@owenmeyer1305]

Perfect in every way. Great lighting, great music, great filming of the very scenic drive, and love the ending.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much Owen!

[@scotfugger9373]

One of Freewayjim's hidden gems! I like the "Watch Downhill Speed" sign around 9:00!! It's easy to forget how rapidly you're accelerating when you're watching the great scenery, etc.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@tdt0575]

Los Angeles metro area is one of the most amazing and beautiful places in the world

[@Freewayjim]

I agree, can't get enough of it.

[@JustMePatrick]

Great video, glad you put it together! Don't beat yourself up too much on it. That road is certainly a diamond in the rough, especially when you end up at the Pacific at the end. The music certainly was a great match; your efforts were certainly worth it.

[@mikesparks3216]

I enjoy scenic routes in areas you wouldn't expect it. Halloween I did the Trans-Mountain Highway in El Paso both ways between I-10 and Ft Bliss. Nice way to avoid downtown EP if not in a rush LOL. Also, the first a in Topanga is long. Toe-payn-gha… Have a great day and look forward to the next past video. :)

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@kwebs10]

You might like Mulholland Drive along the spine of the Eastern Santa Monica Mountains in Los Angeles

[@gamerguyyt752]

Your videos are all excellent and I love them.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@pointlesssentience3987]

Hi Jim, since you remarked offhandedly that all genres are up on the table, may I suggest some more Muse tracks whenever you are doing another on of those fast paced videos. I’ve been a fan since you’ve introduced me to their music in one of the Seattle videos (if I recall correctly). Or if you are feeling more experimental, perhaps try some song by Japanese artists.

[@Freewayjim]

I used four Muse tracks during the 2016 Season in Seattle (16-24), Portland (16-28) Las Vegas (16-35) & Dallas (16-39), I used a song from a Japanese artist in Video 18-10 (2nd song).

[@pointlesssentience3987]

Freewayjim Wow, I didn’t realise there was a Japanese song in 18-10!

[@JustForSneaksEnt]

The background music is immaculate and wonderful.

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!

[@socarboy]

I really enjoyed this because it gives us a lay for the land on this scenic byway. All of that California ambiance has its price of course. Great work again, glad you filmed it.

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks and yes you are correct.

[@MrAudienceMember2662015]

That was a most pleasant drive. More like this, please, if you have them. During this situation we’re in, a relaxing drive like this is much needed. Thank you.

[@Freewayjim]

I don't have a lot of these types of drives but will see about remixing a few others.

[@MrAudienceMember2662015]

Freewayjim That is awesome. I’m sure many will be appreciative as I will be. Meanwhile, I’m reviewing your catalog of videos and see several I’ve missed in recent days. (and they said driving around the country while on lockdown was impossible!). LOL 😆

[@Freewayjim]

@@MrAudienceMember2662015 LOL enjoy!

[@cparkes92]

The soundtrack fits well with the area this video was taken

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you, that's what I was shooting for.

[@platterjockey]

Jim, the music you used for this video is great! Don't change a thing.

[@stevesaul7975]

Thanks again for another great video. I definitely need to visit California but it’s unlikely to be this year with the current situation. Also once again you seem to get it right with the music! Even if you’re not 100% happy with it I felt it worked well. Stay safe and I’m already looking forward to the next one.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much, the next one is some new footage I recently shot in and around Atlanta :)

[@geister1000]

Thank you Jim for this smooth ride !

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you for watching!

[@jeffreyferguson83]

Another road I’ve been on a 1000 times! For 6 years I drove up and down Topanga Canyon from the 118 Fwy! I worked at Vista Ford & Lincoln! Back then it was Vista Ford & Isuzu, on Ventura Blvd, about two blocks on your left. Then from Ventura Blvd to PCH, I was looking for a building Lot. Plus it’s just a cool drive.

[@pas42hfd]

You drove right by LACo fire station #69. Where Mike Stoker from the TV show “Emergency “ started his career as a firefighter.

[@Freewayjim]

I did not know that.

[@TheJoker-rq3nx]

Your videos are awesome i watch them all the time

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much!

[@TrangleC]

When watching videos like this, or comparable stuff, I like listening to types of music that I wouldn't listen to otherwise. I liked the soundtrack. My love for "relaxation" videos like this started about 15 years ago. Back then I still watched cable TV and there was a niche channel for adult music I liked. They would fill dead air at night with what they called "Night Flight Lounge" videos. It was a series of long videos, shot from helicopters flying over places like the Las Vegas Strip, Manhattan or Seattle at night, with relaxing Smooth Jazz, Funk and other music playing over it. Great stuff to just let waft over your senses while dreaming away. My point is that I usually don't listen to that kind of music either, but I do enjoy it in the context of such videos. Even so, I can't really see Rap/Hip Hop music working with that.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you for watching and for the comment.

[@joannedeal3418]

Please - no rap or hip-hop! I hate it! I'd have to play my own rock if you put that stuff on!

[@VaFreeways]

Another really great video, Jim. Enjoyed the ride.

[@strayansnoipa6597]

This makes me wanna buy a plane ticket and cross the atlantic ocean just to spend some time in LA, a truly magical place, nice footage!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you and it is quite a place.

[@gmc5426]

Drove Topanga Canyon to work M-F for 2 years in the late 90's. WOODLAND HILLS TO MALIBU TO SANTA MONICA WILSHIRE BLVD FUN TIMES😎

[@Freewayjim]

What a great commute!

[@charleskesner1302]

I hear you on the soundtrack. A leisurely drive. Hard to find music for that. Good job.

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks, it needed to be a slower tempo but still fit and not put people to sleep.

[@jeffc1347]

This video is a great example of why real estate prices are sky high in California. A massive metro area, entirely sprawled out, built into the mountains. How are they supposed to build trains or operate an efficient and affordable bus system with that kind of build out? Then add the great climate, huge demand not only from people in the USA wanting to live in LA but all over the world (especially wealthy Chinese), all the people moving there because they want to be in the entertainment industry, tall buildings being very expensive to build because of earthquakes, and NIMBY. Trust me as someone that used to live in Anaheim (moved to Florida 10 years ago) stay away, they cannot handle any more people.

[@Freewayjim]

Interesting points.

[@unisito7]

Greetings from Peru , te sigo desde hace tiempo.

[@Freewayjim]

Greetings

[@Locd4life707]

GR8T VIDEO & YOU HAVE GR8T TASTE IN MUSIC. IT'S A TOTAL RELAXING VIBE TO CRUISE ALONG TO! THANKS FOR SHARING. 👍

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much!

[@MrSantinijr]

Very beautiful video, i like these scenics roads in California, sad that this region, Sta Monica mountains, suffer a lot from brush fires. Another Highway that is worth the video would be Ortega Highway from lake Elsinore to San Juan Capistrano.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@sallylouise9826]

LOved it, love the video recap at end, just catching up . Great area and video love the music very chilled.:)

[@bsarment08]

Amazing road. And don't worry about the soundtrack. It's perfect. 👌 Greetings from Brazil🇧🇷

[@reneeenglish389]

Loved it all. Thank you.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you for watching

[@robertorosso2820]

Posto bellissimo e meraviglioso. Per abitarci e favoloso. Amo tanto l'oceano.

[@tjtampa214]

Good idea to do this, going back and getting footage that has been on the shelf 👍

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you, this seemed like the right time to do that.

[@tjtampa214]

@@Freewayjim Thanks and be safe and be well! 🎶👍

[@Cleme21]

Man Jim you take me on drives without me using an ounce of gas, new tires, oil change. Thank you.

[@Freewayjim]

You are welcome, thank you for watching!

[@Cleme21]

@@Freewayjim thanks for the safe ride. ATL.

[@Cleme21]

Jim I have to tell you how I found you back in the day. I've always liked traveling but couldn't do much, so I said let me look on KZbin and see if anyone drives around the country, and I found you. Was just what I was looking for. Thank you for your endeavors and continue to stay safe and in motion.

[@Freewayjim]

@@Cleme21 Thank you Darryl, glad you enjoy the videos.

[@gmc5426]

Word had it that about halfway up Topanga Canyon on the left (~north/west ish) side was an old set of the series MASH (ALAN ALDA)

[@canadiandad951]

Love your vids. You should do I-440 and I-540 in Raleigh next.

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks, I really don't have a reason to go to that area and neither of those roads is very interesting IMO.

[@Theseagullfan]

Beautiful ride! A bit traffic overload to my likings but I always appreciate your videos, nice to see how different are things overseas. Regards from Spain.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you, that's actually very light traffic for Los Angeles.

[@KCWanderlust]

Actually, the soundtrack, IMO, is perfect! Especially "Pulses"... I'm diggin' that! Topanga Canyon looks as chill as the tunage is...I won't mention some of the history from the 1960's though.😯

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you on the soundtrack, what history? inquiring minds want to know, lol.

[@KCWanderlust]

@@Freewayjim Charles Manson... 'Nuff said. 😮

[@Freewayjim]

@@KCWanderlust I thought that was in the Hollywood Hills east of 405, yeah that was some gruesome stuff.

[@KCWanderlust]

@@Freewayjim Something about a house with a spiral staircase they lived in. www.mansonblog.com/2018/05/mansonblog-tour-2018-spiral-staircase.html

[@juanpedroglez-murrieta5222]

Very enjoyable video, nice ride!!!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@LOLMAN9538]

It's sad that there will be no major trip this year.

[@Freewayjim]

Yes, it is disappointing.

[@kevinfestner6126]

Hard to believe that a freeway was once planned for Topanga cyn road.

[@kurtthewurt]

I've realized that part of what makes your videos so much more enjoyable than those from similar channels is how smooth they are! Do you use a special mount or stabilize the footage in post? Watching this makes me hope the world goes back to normal soon so I can resume my long drives to nowhere in particular.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you, I don't use any special mounts or any stabilization in post, the image stabilization in my camera is pretty amazing, it's just as smooth in my Tundra (2017 Trip) as it is my Genesis G90 (2019 Trip) or the Acura TL in this video.

[@Jack777760]

You are now my number one driver - cool.

[@krisvseverybody]

What camera and equipment do you use to film these amazing videos?

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks, all my gear is listed in the closing credits at 12:52.

[@23yodeler]

GREAT soundtrack !!!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@rockersk08]

Definitely a hidden piece of road, the maps won’t show the true nature of the drive. I drove it Northbound in 2015 and the descent into Woodland Hills was very tense.

[@Freewayjim]

You are so right about that, would like to try it northbound someday as well.

[@MissRobbiOKC]

The roadway, in places, reminds me of a few scenes from the movie "The Glass House".

[@Freewayjim]

I don't beleive I've seen that.

[@elviraarriaga1424]

Hi Freewayjim & Family and All the KZbinrs be Pleasant and safe and Great ❤Health Always! Just wanted to say " Love Your Travel Videos and The Great Music You and Family Put Together" For Us KZbinrs to Enjoy Anytime!

[@matthiasthamm9956]

A Beautiful ride in the Topanga Canyon. A Video to chill!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you

[@garrisonbrumblay9137]

Hey jim since this coronavirus has stopped us from making our happiest moments on The United States’s highways are you using old footage and making a video out of them.

[@Freewayjim]

Um yeah that's exactly what I'm doing.

[@brianmiddleton2956]

Like the music. Perfect for California countryside driving IMO.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@halschwartz5590]

Great ride! Would love to do this one too!

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks, yes it was a very enjoyable drive.

[@tyryztoll]

This is great. You said it, LA has it all.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@ngtflyer]

You know what makes me happy in this day and age of staying home? FreewayJim videos!

[@Freewayjim]

That makes me happy to know, thank you!

[@BbqAlexSavage]

What a busy little street.

[@RonStanek]

Yeah..... Smooth jazz.. Just like they would have played on (WNUA -Chicago). Like you said in a past video. Just wish I would have had a view like this, on the drive home.

[@rodrigocarbajal3290]

Nice ride i really enyoy the soundtrack

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@dannagy546]

I was right Jim! New favourite! I like the soundtrack but I do agree its not perfect. I feel this needs something very chill and slow to match the winding mountain roads that feel like they should be driven slow and enjoy the views and maybe stop at those cafes or shops

[@Freewayjim]

I did use slow and chilled here, glad you enjoyed it!

[@dannagy546]

@@Freewayjim the songs are nice but I feel like theres a better song, I just cant think of what it'd be haha

[@Freewayjim]

@@dannagy546 There probably is, maybe I used it recently or am saving it for something else :)

[@jesscarey7666]

Awesome video!!

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@gosnooky]

One of my favorites of yours

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@StreetFoodKC]

So beautiful, new friend

[@Freewayjim]

Thanks

[@jvargas6034]

Have You Heard Of A Book Called “The Tortilla Curtain” Because My Son Is Reading That Book, Which Takes Place By Topanga Canyon Boulevard

[@Freewayjim]

I have not.

[@codpexlegends3763]

It is a good alternative to the Sepulveda Pass if you’re trying to get to Santa Monica.

[@mikesanders878]

awesome video

[@devinmackey83]

Would of been going to LA on vaca next month if not for this virus :(

[@vickierobinson627]

I feel you man, I was supposed to go to a concert last weekend.

[@amariongabriele9354]

Freewayjim on ur last trip to California did u get any footage of the redwood forest? And california is such an amazing place. Where else in the US can u get an urban freeway right through mountains? I want to visit california when i grow up, but i always say i won't because of earthquakes. I hope that fear does not stop me.

[@Freewayjim]

No I did not but sure enjoyed the drive up and back.

[@amariongabriele9354]

Have u ever thought of doing a 2013-19 highlight reel just like what u did years ago?

[@Freewayjim]

@@amariongabriele9354 That would be an incredible amount of work, would not even know where to start.

[@user-ev7pm5in2s]

Это было прекрасно! Спасибо!

[@Jack.333]

Hi Jim, Great Trip. Any music you pick is fine Can you make a vid of a miserable day with rain and clouds to keep me grounded inside in my chair ? Your choice on the music. You can produce any production with any music and I will view it. I am parked and dead in the water and today I went to the Pacific Ocean... Thats cool to me. I live near Lake Erie and its been a while since Ive been to the Pacific Thanks Mike... Keep on Trucking.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you very much! I have a few videos with some rain and clouds but the reason I don't do much of that is that in anything heavier than light rain the camera will start to focus on the raindrops on the windshield and basically render the footage unwatchable and I hate having to use the wiper. Here's one from LA in 2015 with some light rain and 100% clouds. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5-keIyae79gh9U

[@swinde]

I lived in the LA area in 1970-71 when i was in a Navy air wing. I had been stationed at Los Alamitos and then the squadron was relocated to Pt. Mugu which is just to the west of Oxnard. One day I was driving west on the PCH and I saw on the map there was a route to the 101 Ventura Freeway and decided to take this road. I think this was the road, but I remember it quite differently. It was much more narrow and there were many parts of the road that were cliff side with many hairpin turns. I was driving a 1964 Corvair Monza. The rule was that the downhill traffic had the right of way in the many tight spots. At the time there was no development along the road at all. Perhaps I was on a different canyon road because this seemed to be rather easy to drive compared to the one I was on. Perhaps they rerouted the road and found a better, less treacherous route. Thanks for the video with the great scenery. I loved the mountains when I lived in California.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you for the comment and for watching, would have loved to see LA in the early 1970s.

[@swinde]

@@Freewayjim The Ventura Freeway was only four lanes (two east, two west) until you got to about Thousand Oaks when traveling eastbound. The Semi Valley Freeway and the Antelope Valley freeway (14) were under construction. The interchange with the Golden State freeway had just been poured when the Feb 1971 earthquake destroyed the flyovers which were also destroyed in the 1994 North ridge quake. The Foothill freeway was still under construction but many segments were open.

[@AdrianoSilva-kz3lq]

Good Morning! Jim.

[@Freewayjim]

Good morning.

[@autopreneur]

Is Topanga Canyon where they filmed the chase scene for Lethal Weapon 2?

[@Freewayjim]

I don't know but maybe someone else does.

[@Freewayjim]

@@kennypalermo9071 I won't be going this summer if that's what you mean

[@Freewayjim]

@@kennypalermo9071 No

[@Freewayjim]

@@kennypalermo9071 Probably Monday

[@gamerguyyt752]

Can you please go to Connecticut and film interstate 95 there

[@Freewayjim]

I hate I-95 in CT, probably not going to happen anytime soon.

[@gamerguyyt752]

Sorry, I think it’s actually fine and you already filmed enough videos there

[@TheSolarcatcher]

Great ride. City, rural and people living in those hills before ... surfers. Total California.

[@zachliang5182]

Oh 2013, I want to go back to 2013......

[@jameshanson3759]

Kane Dune road is a good choice. My spelling may not be correct.

[@chzel9039]

Good job like always

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you

[@Deyan_B_Travels]

Your Facebook link doesn't work. I loved this video though! I hope I can visit LA one day.

[@Freewayjim]

I worked for me, weird, glad you liked the video.

[@Deyan_B_Travels]

@@Freewayjim This is what I get when I follow the link: Sorry, this content isn't available right now The link you followed may have expired, or the page may only be visible to an audience you're not in.

[@markthrasher6770]

Laurel Canyon Blvd or Mulholland Dr sometime in the future?? 😶

[@Freewayjim]

Probably not, I have no idea when I'll be back in LA and finding time for excursions like that can be a challenge.

[@THEJOKER440]

Do American people see the beauty of their country as we see it?

[@Freewayjim]

I do and I think many others do too.

[@gottfriedstutz1428]

Wonderfull landscape , like mediteran france 👻👻🍀🍀

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@empresslisa6875]

💃 💃 💃

[@vickierobinson627]

I'm not a California fan but this is a cool video.

[@Freewayjim]

Thank you!

[@rynolda]

whats wrong with california?

[@vickierobinson627]

@@rynolda It's long and bland except L.A and Pasadena.

[@TheSolitary1]

Soo Pretty💜💜💜 I wanna go to Cali one day

[@bodaciousdasani]

Also does this mean you do not upload anynore YT videos?

[@Freewayjim]

No, I'm still doing videos, have one ready for next week, where do you get that from?

[@bodaciousdasani]

@@Freewayjim I just thought that happened and you would not drive to anything else because of the Coronavirus.

[@gamerguyyt752]

I’m not saying that the video sucks, it’s very nice, but I really want to have you film in Connecticut in about a year, but you do not have to, and I would rate it a 5 on a scale between 1 and 5

[@Freewayjim]

What does the quality of this video have to do with me filming in CT? I was planning a trip to the northeast this summer but that's not happening now as I have some surprise (and expensive) home repairs to take care of.

[@edkollin]

​@@Freewayjim Darn, When it rains it pours I guess. I figured the virus might have done in the trip not this. Be that as it may as others have said these videos are well appreciated and needed anxiety reducers.

[@gamerguyyt752]

Oh ok, I did not know that. Sorry about that

[@empresslisa6875]

⛰ ⛰🚗🚗🚐🚐🚛🚛🚚🚚