What do you think of when you hear Santa Clarita? If you live in LA maybe what pops into mind is Magic Mountain. Or extreme heat. Or maybe you think about all your friends who seem to move out there as soon as they have kids?
Well we want you to think about fun the next time you hear Santa Clarita because there is plenty to do out there! Of course there is the famous Six Flags Magic Mountain what its most famous for to outside visitors. But we have many more recommendations you might not expect.
There are tons of outdoor activities so bring your camera and get ready to capture striking shots with backgrounds of stunning formations like Vasquez Rocks. After hiking or other outdoor activities there are plenty of great eateries to visit, and much more.
Many locals come for the more affordable houses but enjoy living in this area for good reason. Because of all the fun activities available many of which we are going to share in this post, for you and your family.
We also recently did an interview on our Podcast with the Santa Clarita Tourism Board. They dropped even more awesome secrets and you can listen to it here. Episode 111
1 – Hiking and Outdoors
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Want to have some great outdoor adventures? Santa Clarita has great spots for hiking. Get your gear ready and first head to the famous Vasquez Rocks. This amazing pre historic rock formation is an excellent spot for striking pictures. It is located just north of Santa Clarita off the Antelope Valley Freeway. Multiple hiking trails here to choose from, and you can bring your kids too. Family campgrounds and horse back trails are also available. And of course you have to get some pictures with the famous rocks that have been featured in tons of television shows and movies.
Another good one for this list? Towsley Canyon! This one is a personal favorite, because the trails are so cool. You can choose a walking trail or a hiking trail, so what are you in the mood for? Either way you will have a good time. Great views and wild life to energize your spirit, and of course opportunities for great pics here as well. If you want to stay over night, visit Towsley Lodge. It is a beautiful Spanish style house, surrounded by cottonwoods. and it’s available for group rental.
If you like wild-life sanctuaries, you will like visiting Placerita Canyon Nature Center. The trails at this park cover over 12 miles, so you have plenty of trails to get the exercise you want. There is a seasonal waterfall that you can reach if taking the longest hikes. And if you want to picnic yes, you can bring your own meal near the Nature Center.
Location: Santa clarita Valley CA
Pic Credit: @angelynn
2 – Shopping
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When in the mood for shopping in Santa Clarita, we recommend you head out to Old Town Newhall. This is the arts and entertainment district in the area and you will find lots of vendors including vintage fine jewelry, boutiques carrying beachwear and other fun treasures, furniture, home décor and home goods, and the Farmers Market.
Old Town Newhall is a fun place for shopping but it’s also a great place to gather with friends, take a walk, catch a movie, or visit a live theater. Also the area is jam packed with restaurants, bars, wineries, cafes, coffee shops and more.
Another great spot for shopping is Westfield Valencia Town Center. This well designed mall featuring plenty of flowers and a pond, is packed with tons of all your favorite mainstream stores and restaurants. It’s huge so if you like to get part of your workout with walking, you’ll get your steps in shopping here.
For lunch you can visit some of the onsite restaurants like Crab N Spice which has amazing sea food, or Solitas Tacos Y Margaritas.
Location: 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA 91355
PIC Credit: @aloha_joann
3 – Visiting and Interacting with Animals
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Want to take your kids to appreciate and interact with animals? One of the coolest things about Santa Clarita is how many animal interactions are offered. You can visit The Gentle Barn, an awesome place dedicated to rescue animals and give them a great new home. But what’s even more amazing, is that visitors can interact directly with the animals, and even hug them.
Want to see some cool gibbons? Make a reservation and visit the non profit Gibbon Conservation Center that promotes the conservation, study and care of gibbons with public education and habitat preservation. The center offers great opportunities for those looking to learn more about all the different species of Gibbons. This center welcomes everyone over 3 years old. Admissions are $18 for one adult, and you can also make group tour reservations for up to 30 people.
If you love animals you will also want to visit Animal Tracks. This is an amazing sanctuary to over 100 animals that have been rescued from the exotic pet trade. The forever home for these rescued pets also provides a place where anyone of any age can learn about kindness and respect for wild animals. Book a tour today for a close up encounter with animals including kangaroos, and monkeys.
Location: 15825 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91390
PIC Credit: @animaltracksinc
4 – Fun Attractions
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There are plenty of activities in Santa Clarita, and the amount of fun stuff to do is limitless! You can spend a relaxing afternoon listening to live music, eating and shopping at fun spots, or you can go to the famous 6 Flags Magic Mountain for a real adrenaline rush.
6 Flags Magic Mountain is one of the most well known amusement parks in the country and tons of coasters aficionados love to come here and get on the thrilling over the top rides. This super fun park also has a fireworks and parade show on selected days, and concerts throughout the year.
Plan ahead to get the best experience. Your older kids will have plenty of screaming at rides like Goliath and its 225 ft drop, Viper, Scream, and many other extreme rides. Your younger kids will love Bugs Bunny World with plenty of attractions that spin and fly.
If Water Parks are more your thing, then go next door to Hurricane Harbor and enter a world of hydro power thrills. Here you will encounter some of the fastest and craziest water slides, ferocious draft rides, or if you prefer you can be launched down into a slide that will make you feel like you are free falling.
The whole family will enjoy lazy river, wave pool, and the little kids can play in the mini water slides at Castaway Cove, or they can also have a good time in the water playground in Splash Island.
Location: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
PIC Credit: @americas_coasters_network
5 – Best Local Eateries and Drinks
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If you love diners and classic comfort food you wont be disappointed on your trip to Santa Clarita. Here you can find a diverse number of charming, inventive, and even Hollywood famous eateries.
Start with The Egg Plantation, this is a fantastic option for breakfast. It is a popular spot among locals and it has a huge menu but make sure to try some of their famous omelets.
Hollywood made its way to Santa Clarita and the Halfway House can prove it. This diner has appeared in several TV shows, and movies including Space Cowboys. But besides the memorabilia hanging from the walls, it is also a great spot for a classic lunch with a menu featuring burgers, omelets, sandwiches, and other American classics.
Another great diner to try is Old Town Junction, it’s located right in the heart of Old Town Newhall. Huge menu with a variety of choices from Bavarian pretzels, to prime filet mignon. Sandwiches and tacos also available.
There are of course tons and tons of upscale, modern and hip bars and restaurants across Santa Clarita as well.
Location: 24275 Main St, Santa Clarita, CA 91321
PIC Credit: @twins4becky
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!