Are you craving a weekend escape that blends outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, and luxurious comfort? Look no further than Conejo Valley.
One of the best things about living in Los Angeles is close access to visit other amazing Southern California towns. And Conejo Valley is a perfect example. Less than an hour from DTLA and nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this hidden gem offers a diverse array of experiences. It makes for a perfect quick family road trip, or weekend getaway.
We recently worked with Visit Conejo Valley and they shared some of the best of their best suggestions for our trip to “See Another Side of Southern California”. After exploring ourselves here are five must-do activities that we are sharing from our recent trip to the Conejo Valley.
We were there for a full weekend getaway, so we included a recommendation from our delightful stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Thousand Oaks Agoura Hills.
1 – Fantastic Accommodations
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Conejo Valley offers tremendous beauty, so it is not difficult to find a wonderful place to stay. But we were very pleased with our experience there and highly recommend Courtyard by Marriott Thousand Oaks Agoura Hills.
This hotel is conveniently located near Conejo Valley’s top attractions. The hotel is beautiful, and it offers modern amenities and comfortable accommodation for a peaceful stay.
You can also expect friendly staff ready to help you and your group during your stay. Also, treat yourself to a delicious meal at The Bistro, serving a variety of breakfast and dinner options, along with evening cocktails.
To enhance your experience, the hotel is equipped with an enchanting courtyard, and a large swimming pool. And do not forget to check out their fitness center to work off some of the calories you will be gaining during this trip.
Location: 29505 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Pic Credit: @Booking.com
2 –Where to Eat
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No matter what meal or time of day it is, we have some of the best places to eat in Conejo Valley here for you.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Eggs ‘n Things, a beloved local spot renowned for its pancakes, omelets, and, of course, eggs prepared in various styles. From classic favorites to innovative creations, there is something on the menu to satisfy every palate. We highly recommend you try the other special they are highly known for, their delicious and authentic Swedish pancakes! The tasty combination of butter, fruit, and of course powdered sugar will get your day off to a great start.
Our personal favorite spot to have lunch in the Conejo Valley is Mouthful Eatery in Thousand Oaks. This Peruvian casual eatery is led by a talented chef Luis Sanchez and his enthusiastic commitment to seasonal ingredients. Mouthful’s menu features the most vibrant and tasty salads, sandwiches, and bowls that you can customize with your choice of protein and other fabulous ingredients. And they are all delicious!
For a taste of the local craft beer scene, head over to Tarantula Hill Brewing. This cool brewery boasts a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse selection of handcrafted beers, perfect for enjoying with friends or savoring solo. They also have a terrific menu, we love their savory tacos, or try one of their tasty wood fired pizzas.
Looking for a more vibrant yet sophisticated place for dinner? Then look no further than Plata Cocina. With 2 locations in the Conejo Valley this contemporary eatery specializes in Mexican cuisine with a modern flair and is the go-to spot for locals with a craving for Mexican food and margaritas.
From sizzling fajitas to flavorful tacos and zesty ceviche, Plata Cocina takes diners on a culinary journey through the diverse regions of Mexico. Pair your meal with a refreshing margarita or mezcal cocktail for the perfect combination of flavors and spirits.
No foodie adventure is complete without a visit to a beloved local deli. Italia Deli in Agoura Hills is family owned and operated and has been a Conejo Valley staple since it first opened in 1981. This local gem offers a wide selection of imported Italian cheeses, meats, and other gourmet products. But we recommend you grab a delicious panini or Italian sandwich from the deli for a picnic lunch at one of the beautiful outdoor nature spots nearby.
Finally, indulge your sweet tooth at Little Calf Creamery. Yet another Thousand Oaks local favorite, this artisanal ice cream shop uses fresh, local ingredients to create unique and delicious flavors. From classic vanilla to adventurous options like lavender honey or goat cheese caramel, there is a scoop for everyone. And all times of day, hot or cold, you will find a line of locals waiting to enjoy their treat.
Location: Various
PIC Credit: @MouthfulEatery
3 – Activities for the Whole Family
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For your weekend getaway to the Conejo Valley we have some fun family activities to recommend.
First up bounce into some fun and soar to new heights at Sky Zone in Thousand Oaks. This is a massive Skyzone where you can unleash your inner Ninja Warrior as you go through all the fun and challenging obstacle courses. Launch yourself off a trampoline and plunge into a sea of soft foam cubes, also discover ziplining, trapeze, swings, and many other super fun activities.
Next we recommend a visit to Underwood Family Farms. This impressive family friendly venue has great activities, so don’t skip any and enjoy a day of adventure. Begin by appreciating and getting right up close all the fantastic animals, which include some extremely cute chickens, alpacas, goats, turkeys, ducks, horses and much more.
Underwood Farms also features a great puppet show with singing chickens that we are sure will delight your youngest family members. Next climb aboard one of the farm tractors, where they will take you on a tour around the farm. This activity includes – optional of course – opportunities to pick your own seasonal produce! There is so much to explore here including the tractor slide, playground, market, and photo op booths. And if you didnt want to pick your own produce from the farm you can buy some at the fresh farmers market produce store on the way out.
Before you go be sure to visit another favorite for locals; Marty’s Hobbies! This is the oldest family-owned hobby shop in the Conejo Valley. For over five decades, Marty’s Hobbies has been a beloved fixture in the local community, bringing joy to hobbyists and enthusiasts alike.
From model trains and remote-controlled cars to plastic model kits and miniature figurines, the shelves are adorned with a captivating array of products that cater to hobbyists of every persuasion. So, take a step back in time and explore the wonders of Marty’s Hobbies. You might just discover your new favorite pastime.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @TimeOut
4 –Beautiful Scenery, and Historical Cultural Sites
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While exploring the Conejo Valley, we encourage you to explore as much of the beautiful nature and outdoors as you can. Start with a hike through the Santa Monica Mountains trails, and visit Satwiwa Native American Indian Cultural Center, this is a truly enriching experience that combines the beauty of nature with a deep appreciation for cultural heritage.
Also visit the Chumash Museum in Thousand Oaks. This vibrant cultural center is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of the Chumash people, who have inhabited the coastal regions of California for thousands of years.
Expect interactive displays and exhibits such as grinding acorns or creating traditional pottery. A highlight of the museum is the replica Chumash village, where visitors can step back in time and experience firsthand what life was like for the indigenous inhabitants of the region.
Ready to discover a local hidden gem? Then you must visit Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks, not to be confused with the Botanic Garden. Gardens of the World is a gorgeous venue where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and explore the rich diversity of global horticultural traditions.
Highlights include the serene Japanese garden with its tranquil ponds and graceful bridges, the colorful Italian garden adorned with ornate statues and fountains, and the rustic American West Garden featuring native plants and a picturesque waterfall. So prepare to embrace the peaceful ambience and take some beautiful pictures!
Location: Various
PIC Credit: @Onlyinyourstate
5 – Shopping and Treats
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What is a weekend getaway without a little shopping? Conejo Valley also features tons of charming shops, and delightful treats. So before heading back home stop by The Lakes at Thousand Oaks. Enjoy the picturesque man-made lake surrounded by walking paths and lush greenery. This is a wonderful place to find organic groceries, fine dining, and even spoil yourself with some spa skin services.
Another favorite venue is Janss Marketplace. This open-air shopping center features lots of vibrant stores and cafes. Wander through the beautifully landscaped walkways, and browse through a delightful selection of local boutiques, national retailers, and specialty stores. The marketplace offers a diverse selection, from unique clothing and home décor to trendy accessories and gourmet food shops.
Lastly, grab a treat or a few from the iconic local spot Newberry Candy. This charming candy store, overflowing with colorful treats and nostalgic charm, is a candy lover’s paradise. It is so fun watching the expert chocolatiers in the back preparing many delicious chocolate treats. The beautifully decorated candy apples are a sensation and make perfect gifts.
We hope you enjoy your trip to Conejo Valley as much as we did. Have fun everyone!
Location: various
PIC Credit: @conejovalleyguide
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