35 Best Things to Do in Santa Clarita, CA

Situated in the Los Angeles County of the golden state of California in the United States of America, Santa Clarita is the third-largest town of the county.

The city is located only 35 miles away from Downtown Los Angeles and makes up for a worthwhile adventure.

This Californian city has a population of over 200,000 residents.

You must have seen Santa Clarita’s rolling hills and cowboys in many Hollywood movies.

However, the city is not very popular, and many people visiting California completely overlook this city.

This unsung Hollywood star has tonnes to do and see.

The best part of Santa Clarita is the stunning views and scenery of the town.

It is located deep inland with no beaches and is entirely surrounded by incredible hills.

You can enjoy trekking, horseback riding, hiking, walking, biking, and much more in the numerous trails located all over the mountains to fully appreciate the town’s stunningness.

Apart from natural beauty, the town is full of vibrant culture and rich history.

There are several museums, landmarks, musical attractions, art installations, wineries, and so much more for you to see here.

The food is noteworthy and absolutely scrumptious.

You will see fresh and delicious seafood served in charming eateries all over the town.

Here are 35 of the best places to visit and the best things to do in the Californian city of Santa Clarita:

Shop From High-End Stores at Westfield Valencia Town Center

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Located on Valencia Boulevard in Santa Clarita, Westfield Valencia Town Center is a shopping mall with various stores and restaurants to choose from.

It also has a movie theater where you can enjoy watching the latest movies.

You can also shop from multiple high-end stores, including Swarovski, Michael Kors, and more.

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Pedal Santa Clarita Bike Park

The Santa Clarita Bike Park is home to seven acres of terrain for all kinds of bikers to navigate.

The park has trails in varying difficulties, ranging from easy to moderate, and will please just about any rider looking for the freedom to practice jumps or develop bike handling skills.

Take your bike for a spin on the 832 yards of pump and BMX track, featuring mixed jumps from step-downs, step-ups, tabletops, to rollers.

Plus, it’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is completely accessible at any hour of the day.

Santa Clarita Bike Park sits on top of the hill and is next to the sports complex.

You can also play basketball on a court nearby if you want to take a break from pedaling.

It’s hard to overstate just how enjoyable and accessible this facility is.

Visit The William S. Hart Ranch and Museum

William S. Hart Ranch and Museum is a museum and pays tribute to the history of Southern California.

It is located in the former retirement home of the prominent silent film actor and director, William Hart.

The beautiful mansion is built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style.

The museum has an extensive collection of Western artwork along with a large collection of Hart’s saddles and tacks.

Visitors can visit both the ranch and the mansion located in a beautiful park with trails and picnic areas.

Learn About Santa Clarita’s Heritage at Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society

Konrad Summers from Santa Clarita (Valencia) , California, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Situated in the William S. Hart Park, Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society was founded in 1975.

It is a volunteer organization, and its aim is to preserve and safeguard Santa Clarita’s heritage.

The society supports a museum and hosts guest lectures to create awareness about this Californian city’s nature and culture.

See Hollywood at the Melody Ranch Museum

The Melody Ranch Museum is a museum located in a movie studio, showcasing the iconic history of the movie studio with an expansive collection of artifacts.

The movie studio served as the filming location of several Hollywood movies and has a whole set with its own streets, salons, banks, jail, gun shops, and more.

You can take a guided tour of the museum, visit these sets, and see all the films’ props.

Visit Tesoro Adobe Park

You can follow the footsteps of legendary cinematic artists, such as John Wayne and Gary Cooper, at the Tesoro Adobe Park.

It is a delightful park with picnic areas, nature trails, and historical buildings dotted everywhere.

You can visit the original ranch located in the park that the famous actor Harrey Carrey constructed.

You can take a self-guided tour of the park to learn more interesting facts about the park’s colorful history or to enjoy its lovely atmosphere.

Ride the Roller Coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain

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Six Flags Magic Mountain is Southern California’s largest theme park in the Valencia neighborhood of Santa Clarita.

It is a 262-acre theme park packed with endless fun and adventure.

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There are tonnes of things to do and explore here, such as dining options, shopping centers, rides, and much more.

You can start your day by riding the roller coaster to get that adrenaline rush and end the day by eating delicious food in the different eateries in the theme park.

Konrad Summers from Santa Clarita (Valencia) , California, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Try Main Street’s SENSES Block Party in Summer

Visit Santa Clarita in summer for a fun crazy street party!

If you’re a fan of the wild and fun SENSES Block Party, then you’ll be happy to hear that it’s back by popular demand!

SENSES occurs once a season and has been a rate hit with the community.

This wild block party will be taking place on Main Street every third Thursday starting at 7 pm through the end of October.

Come dance, laugh, and listen to performances from local bands and performers.

You can also stop by the food trucks and grab some tasty treats!

The SENSES Block Party is so much more than just a big party – it’s an entirely new way to spend your evening out.

Visit the Historic St. Francis Dam

Konrad Summers from Santa Clarita (Valencia) , California, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

St. Francis Dam dates back to the 1920s and is one of the most significant historical sites in Santa Clarita.

This Californian Historical Landmark collapsed and burst catastrophically in 1926 and caused the deaths of hundreds.

The visitors can visit the little of the dam’s remains with guides by a small and scenic trek.

The guides will tell you all about the history of the dam and why it collapsed.

Learn About Gibbons at Gibbon Conservation Center

Opened in the 1970s, Gibbon Conservation Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to researching the charming little primates.

This is a must for you if you love animals and want to see and learn about Gibbons.

You can take a guided tour of the center to see all the work that the facility does and also to see the conservation centers where all the Gibbons live.

Enjoy a Picnic at Santa Clarita Central Park

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Located near Bouquet Creek, Santa Clarita Central Park is a lovely park covering about 130 acres.

The park has a playground, sports fields, the city’s first community garden, meadows, a food stand, and more.

There is also a 3-mile long trail where you can enjoy hiking, walking, or biking.

You can enjoy a lovely picnic in the park’s designated picnic area with tables and barbeque.

Drink Delicious Craft Beer at Telco Brewery

Telco Brewery is a microbrewery in Santa Clarita that brews and serves quality craft beers.

You sample different types of beers from their diverse menu.

Make sure to try their Ring Pale Ale, Rotary Red Ale, Static Haze IPA, Low Voltage Wheat Ale, and Muck Out Stout when you visit Telco Brewery.

Hiking in Santa Clarita’s Trails

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Santa Clarita is a haven for people who love hiking on scenic trails.

There are more than 70 miles of trails designed for commute and recreation, stretching across the city.

All the trails are very well equipped with facilities, such as parking areas, benches, and restrooms.

Some of the most popular trails in Santa Clarita are Lost Canyon Road Trailhead, Iron Horse Trailhead, Auto Center Trailhead, Promenade Trailhead, Camp Plenty Road Trailhead, and South Fork Trailhead.

Appreciate Santa Clarita’s Public Art

Santa Clarita is a perfect place for art lovers, and its art scene is flourishing with fascinating public art installations all over the city.

You can find sculptures, paintings, fountains, murals, and statues throughout the town.

You can take a self-guided walking tour of the town to see the public art dotted all through Santa Clarita.

Attend the Cowboy Festival at Old Town Newhall

Old Town Newhall is a shopping spot with cafes, restaurants, and entertainment.

It is known for its walk of fame exhibit that pays tribute to celebrities from Western movies, television, and radio.

You can also attend the annual Cowboy Festival held here in April.

You can take a walking tour of the place and learn about Western movies’ historic sites and filming locations.

Enjoy Horseback Riding at Quigley Canyon

Located in the Newhall area of Santa Clarita, Quigley Canyon is a 160-acre area where you can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, and walking.

There are 4.1 miles of trails that vary with the level of difficulty.

So you will definitely find something for you even if you are a beginner.

Take Golf Lessons at Robinson Ranch Golf Club

Robinson Ranch Golf Club is an award-winning destination for golf.

It is known for being one of the best places for golfing in California.

It has a valley course and a mountain course to choose from, along with a 25,000 square feet clubhouse with a restaurant, terrace lounge, and a huge banquet room.

You can also take lessons from professional golfers if you do not know how to play golf.

Interact With Animals at the Gentle Barn

Founded in 1999, Gentle Barn is a six-acre property in Santa Clarita with more than 170 rescued animals, including cows, pigs, turkeys, and more.

This organization rescues abused animals, nurtures them back to health, and allows visitors to interact with the animals.

You can take a tour of the barn and pet the adorable animals while doing so.

You can also donate or sponsor an animal to help the organization continue its fantastic work.

Hike the Trails of Placerita Canyon Nature Center

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Located a 13-minute drive away from Santa Clarita in the north slope of the western San Gabriel Mountains, Placerita Canyon Nature Center is a 350-acre wildlife sanctuary.

It has seven trails that cover an area of more than 12 miles and range in size.

You can hike the trails to see the Pacific Ocean’s incredible views, and on clear days you can even see the Channel Islands.

Apart from hiking, you can see the gorgeous waterfall and enjoy a lovely picnic in the picnic areas.

Attend the Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival

Santa Clarita hosts Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival every year in October with a farm store, petting zoo, a straw bale maze, a pumpkin patch, and more.

You can also enjoy several vendors and participate in various activities such as face painting, pony rides, pumpkin decorating, live entertainment, and more.

Eat the Best Sandwiches at Bricks

The Bricks is a famous local eatery that serves the best sandwiches in Los Angeles county.

However, its menu is not limited to only sandwiches, as it also serves delicious burgers, salads, tacos, fries, onion rings, tater tots, and much more.

Don’t forget to try the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich and the House Burger when you visit this place.

Try the Delicious French Food at Le Chene

Rated the most romantic restaurant, Le Chene is a sophisticated french restaurant that serves scrumptious food with high-quality wine.

This award-winning restaurant is a popular spot for dates because of the beautiful setting and upscale classic french food.

Make sure to order Black Angus Bone-In Rib Eye, Butternut Squash Ravioli, Beef Bourguignon, and Chocolate Souffle when visiting Le Chene.

Excellent Wines at Pulchella Winery

Opened in 2005, Pulchella Winery is an award-winning winery with a tasting room and outdoor patio in Santa Clarita.

You can sample several wines and ask questions about the process of making wine from the friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Stay at the Hampton Inn

Located only a 5-minute drive away from Six Flags Magic Mountain, the Hampton Inn is a 4-star hotel with several amenities to make your stay as comfortable and worthwhile as possible.

The rooms are spacious and clean.

The staff is amicable and informative and provides top-notch service.

Make sure to stay at the Hampton Inn when you visit the delightful city of Santa Clarita.

Santa Clarita is a gorgeous Californian city with incredible nature trails, fascinating museums, lovely parks, amazing animals, delectable food, and so much more.

What are you waiting for?

Visit Santa Clarita and experience its rich history and culture by yourself.

Do not forget to tell us your favorite thing from the list, and make sure to do all these things when visiting Santa Clarita.

Feel Calm at the Ivy Day Spa

The Ivy Day Spa, situated in the Santa Clarita Valley, provides a comprehensive range of top-notch spa services, like massages, body therapies, and cutting-edge skin care.

Designer Morse oversaw a renovation of the Spa’s interior and updated it to provide new elegance and warmth across the large facilities since it first launched in 2005.

The Ivy Day Spa includes 14 serene treatment rooms and a lovely Spa Lifestyle shop space that offers various cosmetics and gifts.

The atmosphere is focused on leisure and relaxation and has calming tones, relaxing music, and warm candlelight.

Changing rooms, baths, sauna, Jacuzzis, and a two-level solarium with a fireplace are just a few of the spa services available to visitors.

Attend a Show and Support Canyon Theatre Guild

The Canyon Theatre Guild stands with individuals who oppose prejudice against African Americans.

For 50 years, they have been providing top-notch live theater in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The Canyon Theatre Guild believes that fostering diversity within its members, initiatives, and productions enhances its neighborhood’s social and cultural foundation.

In addition to inspiring emerging artists to not only tolerate yet embrace diversity, they also hope to delight and educate audiences with their stories.

More than 30,000 people attend their shows each season, and more than 500 local artists and volunteers in Santa Clarita consistently show their support for the theater by giving their time, skill, and effort.

Savor and Try Out the Omelets at Egg Plantation

Egg Plantation is renowned for its friendly, accommodating service, delicious, freshly cooked cuisine, and charming café atmosphere.

They have a comprehensive bar providing the greatest Bloody Marys in the area, made with their recipe and specialty espresso drinks.

Customers are delighted at Egg Plantation, which offers 101 distinct omelets and a wide selection of breakfast staples such as pancakes, waffles, and French toast.

Breakfast is available all day, and if you’re hungry for lunch, order one of their famous salads, mouthwatering sandwiches, or hearty soups.

From 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, all patio visitors may enjoy the guitar strums of Marco Tulio.

Enjoy a Weekend Getaway at the Lexen Hotel

From the minute you reach The Lexen Hotel, they offer you a memorable experience.

Discover Santa Clarita’s Premier Arts & Entertainment District, close to the Lexen Hotel, and features top restaurants, the brightest music, extravagant shopping, and much more.

The sleek, simple guest rooms are havens of tranquility where you can truly unwind.

The accommodations offer you to plan a meeting or a celebration, enjoy a peaceful break during your daily activities, and sleep.

Reserve the luxurious Penthouse with its chic living room and bedroom suite that pan out onto a private terrace.

Chill indoors or wind down at the Lexen Bar, where appetizers and drinks make for a tranquil evening.

Practice Your Skills at Oak Tree Gun Club

A trailer, trap shooting fields, target practice fields, and outhouses made up Oak Tree Gun Club when Booge Mercer founded it in 1973.

Booge founded Oak Tree Gun Club to make it a paradise for leisure shooters for many years.

Oak Tree Gun Club provides Southern California with the most comprehensive shooting range.

Several of Hollywood’s most famous stars routinely frequented Oak Tree’s shooting ranges in its early years.

The shooting range is always extensive and tough, regardless of skill level.

Over 40 employees at Oak Tree put forth a lot of effort to ensure shooters have a fantastic day.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Rock Climbing at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park

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Located in the Sierra Pelona Mountains, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a 932-acre park with rock formations that constitute the scenery’s stunningness.

It has also served as the shooting location for many famous TV shows and movies, such as Friends, New Girl, Star Trek IV, and more.

You can climb the rocks or go for a picturesque hike with rangers who will tell you all about the flora and fauna of the area.

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Enjoy Nature at Castaic Lake With Beautiful Sights and Outdoor Activities

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Castaic Lake is one of the nicest reservoirs in California.

Located in the northwestern part of Los Angeles County, California, the reservoir rests in the Sierra Pelona Mountains.

Occupying 3.6 miles of land with over 1,500 feet of elevation, Castaic Lake may be stunning, but it’s more than pretty scenery at this lake.

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Boaters, swimmers, fishers, and picnickers are all welcome to enjoy this unique Los Angeles County Park not far from famous Hollywood.

You can either bring your own boat or rent one at the lake and spend time enjoying various recreational activities on the water.

As a bonus, there are also plenty of amenities, such as playgrounds and walking trails.

Final Thoughts

From the moment you arrive in California’s home of Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme Park, you’ll no longer be asking yourself, ‘what can I do when I visit Santa Clarita?’

With countless places for friends and family to enjoy in one area, this lovely city must be at the top of your destination list when planning your next vacation in California.

There are many places in Santa Clarita, from theme parks to museums, where you can go out with friends or family for the best experience when venturing out far away from home.

When planning your next holiday to this charming city, reference this list for the best places to visit.