20 Best Things to Do in Thousand Oaks, CA
- Published 2022/08/11
Nestled in the heart of Southern California, Thousand Oaks is a vibrant city of colors and contrasts.
It is the second-largest city in Ventura County, located within the Los Angeles Metropolitan area.
From bustling commercial centers to scenic mountain views, the city has a lot to offer for locals and visitors alike.
Here, you can travel with your friends or family and enjoy a few of the thousand delights that Thousand Oaks has to offer.
See the Paradise Falls
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Paradise falls deserves a special mention, as it is one of the most well-known sites in Wildwood Regional Park.
Accessible by gentle hiking trails, the waterfalls have crisp and cold water that serves as the perfect reward after a few miles of hiking.
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The picturesque view is also perfect for Instagram posts and landscape photos.
Strike a pose, take a shot, and upload it on your socials to let people know that you’ve been to this amazing location.
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Pay a Visit to California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks
Established in 1919, this world-class museum features works from talented local artists to famous international masters.
It is a place where people can connect, appreciate art, and share ideas.
The museum is accessible and thought-provoking, housing art installations as well as photography and painting exhibits.
Try your hand at making art by participating in the engaging programs offered, such as virtual art days and stencil workshops.
You’ll return with new knowledge and maybe even an engaging and relaxing hobby to try.
Roam around the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
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Visit Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, one of the most famous botanical gardens located within the city.
The admission is free, so you can bring your whole family and check out all that the facility has to offer.
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Aside from exploring verdant gardens, bird habitats, and exotic blooms, you’ll also find charming hillside views within these gardens.
They also offer programs where you can try your hand at plant and nature-related activities, such as tree planting and wildlife conservation workshops.
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Face Your Fear at Reign of Terror Haunted House
For thrill-seekers and horror junkies alike, the Reign of Terror Haunted House is the perfect destination.
The award-winning haunted house features more than a hundred rooms and sections littered with creepy props, realistic special effects, terrifying mechanical creatures, and scary living characters.
You’ll have a hair-raising experience as you get chased down by ghouls, spooked by ghosts, and haunted by spirits in interconnected sections.
This is not for the faint-hearted.
So if you’re up for it, enter the haunted house and face your deepest fears.
Visit Wildwood Regional Park
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One of the most visited locations in Thousand Oaks is Wildwood Regional Park, an attraction that features many things to try.
Beautiful spots like Paradise Falls, Mount Clef Ridge, Indian Caves, and many other sites for nature lovers are located in the park.
Within the 1,765-acre public space, visitors can try hiking, camping, and horseback riding.
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The park is also teeming with wildlife.
From western pond turtles to ring-tailed cats, you can spot an array of mammals, reptiles, birds, and other animals within the area.
As with all wild fauna, you must practice caution and avoid startling or scaring them in any way.
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Appreciate Arts at Conejo Valley Art Museum
For museum and art lovers, the Conejo Valley Art Museum is a definite addition to your list.
Here, you’ll find art and designs bursting with creativity.
From exquisite fine art to abstract modern installations, a wide range of works is displayed within the museum.
The exhibits will help you see new perspectives, contemplate your roots, and find creative ways to express your thoughts and emotions.
See the Bewildering Mazes at the Gardens of the World
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The Gardens of the World is another must-see botanical facility to add to your list.
It boasts a selection of botanical gardens with flora collected from various locations worldwide.
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Owing to the relaxed and rustic environment, visitors can enjoy the harmony of lush landscape and sophisticated architecture.
The aesthetically pleasing surroundings are also perfect for photoshoots and videos.
With the blooming arcs, bewildering mazes, and sparkling waterscapes as your background, your images will be nothing short of fantastic and magical.
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Go Golfing
For golfing enthusiasts, there are many courses etched within the green hillsides of Thousand Oaks.
Some of these public facilities, such as the Los Robles Greens Golf Course, offer the same conveniences that exclusive golf clubs offer.
Be sure to check out opening times and reservation fees beforehand for a hassle-free golfing experience.
Do Winery Visits
Thousand Oaks is part of the Conejo Valley, a region dubbed as the Gateway to the Wine Country.
Here, you’ll find many long-established wineries that offer premium beverages as well as wine tasting activities.
Sip your way through the various wineries dotting the region, such as NABU Wines, Sunland Vintage Winery, and Alma Sol Winery—all located within or nearby Thousand Oaks.
After a few glasses, you’ll definitely find out why Southern California is famous for its lush and aromatic wines.
Before leaving for home, don’t forget to bring a bottle or two during parties or anytime you need a drink.
Visit Oakbrook Regional Park
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The Oakbrook Regional Park is the perfect place for those who want to experience nature without going too far from modern conveniences.
Located along the Lang Ranch Parkway, the park offers numerous trails for hiking and exploring.
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Under the towering oak trees, you can sit down, relax, and read your favorite book.
The park also houses an interactive museum about the Chumash people.
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Shop at the Farmer’s Markets
Fresh produce is always in season at the various farmer’s markets dotting the local communities of Thousand Oaks.
With fertile soil, an excellent climate, and innovative farming practices, the region has produced high-quality vegetables and fruits.
There are more than twelve weekly farmer’s markets held in various locations all over the city.
On your next visit, be sure to schedule it around these weekends if you want to buy our farmers’ fresh and premium produce.
These activities will also give you a glimpse of the hospitality and friendliness that the locals have for visitors and for each other.
Pay a Visit to Chumash Indian Museum
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A trip to Thousand Oaks wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Chumash Indian Museum.
The center is an interpretation of the society of Chumash people that inhabited the region a long time ago.
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From interactive displays to artifacts, there are many interesting exhibits on the site that help preserve the heritage of the Chumash people.
Check out the village and admire the rich cultures of societies that lived in the area a long time ago.
Try Indoor Rock Climbing
Test your upper body strength and endurance by trying activities such as indoor rock climbing.
One of the established facilities for this sport is Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing, and it is open for beginners and professionals alike.
The location has spacious climbing surfaces, with the routes changed regularly to ensure a fresh climbing experience even for long-time enthusiasts.
It’s complete with all the necessary safety equipment and friendly employees who are ready to assist whenever you need it.
So for those looking for an adrenaline rush or a good workout, Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing is an ideal choice.
Visit Stagecoach Inn Museum
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Dive deeper into the history of Thousand Oaks and Southern California by paying a visit to the Stagecoach Inn Museum.
Originally called ‘Grand Union Hotel,’ this resting area that once served as accommodations for travelers has been turned into a museum.
Within the storied walls, you’ll find permanent and temporary exhibits as well as collections that showcase the life and culture of California in centuries past.
Aside from tours, the facility also accommodates events such as lectures, dress-ups, and school programs.
You can even book the rustic and charming place for weddings and other special occasions!
Just contact the staff and make your reservations as early as you can.
Wander around Equestrian Park
Horse lovers will have a grand time at the Rancho Potrero Community Equestrian Center.
The beautiful boarding facility offers various horse-related activities, such as trail riding, basic horse care, and classic horseback riding lessons.
Trail rides are available for kids as young as seven years old, and these are held at an hourly interval.
With the Boney Mountain as a backdrop, the trails surrounding the center offer scenic views that make you feel like you’re in a cowboy movie.
See Underwood Family Farms
Experience a hands-on approach to farming by dropping by at the Underwood Family Farms in nearby Moorpark, CA.
Here, you can learn about how various produce is planted, cared for, and harvested.
You’ll also get an opportunity to pick your own fruits and vegetables, so make sure to pick the best-quality ones to take home.
The farm also lets visitors interact with animals such as baby rabbits and goats.
It’s the perfect place for kids and adults who want to pet these soft and cuddly animals.
Shop at The Oaks Mall
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Located at 350 West Hillcrest Drive, the spacious Oaks mall houses various retail shops, restaurants, and shopping facilities.
There are more than 170 shops to explore, including an Apple Store, Olive Garden, The Cheesecake Factory, and other established American brands.
However, there are also local shops that offer unique products from within the city and the region.
You’ll find premium wines, local cuisine, sustainable apparel, and more among the numerous stores!
Have Fun at Axe Throwing Clubs
Want to try your hand at accuracy and strength?
Thousand Oaks has various clubs like The Might Axe that focus on ax throwing as a recreational or competitive activity.
When you join, you’ll be able to hurl sharp, well-balanced axes at targets.
Safety is a number one priority here, so as long as you follow guidelines and protocol, you’ll be perfectly fine.
Reserve a cage for a few hours and practice your throwing skills as much as you want.
You’ll get immense satisfaction with every “thunk” as the sharp end of your ax sticks to the wooden targets.
It’s the perfect blend of the upper-body workout, accuracy practice, and reflex training.
Try Restaurant Hopping
Being a part of the Los Angeles Metropolitan area, Thousand Oaks is home to dining establishments of all kinds.
You’ll find cuisine from various countries and cultures all over the world.
Try Moqueca Brazilian Restaurant for hearty and savory dishes from the vibrant cultures of Brazil.
For those with adventurous taste buds, Mouthful Eatery offers tasty Peruvian cuisine such as Alfajores and Chicken Saltado.
Casa Nostra Ristorante is a hidden gem in the Conejo Valley that offers authentic Italian dishes in a fine dining setting.
When craving southern comfort dishes and zesty cajun cuisine, West of Orleans is the place to be.
You can also visit Finney’s Crafthouse, a locally owned and operated restaurant, for a taste of local flavors and alcoholic beverages.
Another local restaurant, Moody Rooster, offers sustainable, farm-fresh cuisine that changes with the season.
Have Fun at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza
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Get thrilled by performances from talented local and national artists at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.
Considered the center of downtown life in the city, this facility hosts various events such as plays and Broadway musicals.
You can visit at certain times of the year for folk music festivals, symphony orchestra performances, and traditional dance routines presented by established groups and individuals from the area.
Annually, there are around 400 performances held at the two theaters, so you can also come any time of the year and still see an exhilarating concert, play, or fine art exhibit.
Participating in these events is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the thriving nightlife that is the trademark of the Los Angeles Metropolitan area.
Chances are, you might meet a singer or actor that you’ve been a fan of for a long time.
It’s a rare opportunity that you should not miss!
Attend a Production at Conejo Players Theatre
Conejo Players Theatre, a 185-seat performing arts venue in Thousand Oaks, California, opened its doors in 1958.
It is not only one of the oldest in Southern California but also the oldest theater in the city.
Each year, it presents a complete season of Mainstage productions, featuring musicals and plays in addition to special events, seminars, improv comedy acts, holiday productions, and a well-established children’s theater program directed by theater experts.
Celebrities including Amanda Bynes, Kurt Russell, Marilyn O’Connor, and Corey Fogelmanis have been included in previous presentations.
Conejo Players Theatre is available for rent for private special events all year.
Order a Delicious Steak at Mastro’s Steakhouse
In a luxurious dinner-club environment, Mastro’s Steakhouse delivers sumptuous dishes and exquisite cocktails to fashionable customers.
They strive to offer their guest the best possible experience by combining the best steaks and seafood with first-rate service in a chic and lively setting.
Seven evenings a week, enjoy live performances at the bar while drinking hand-crafted cocktails and specialty wines.
Each restaurant provides a range of options with its opulent private and semi-private dining rooms to suit both seated groups and cocktail events.
Mastro’s Restaurants blend ambiance, first-rate service, and modern elegance to offer the ideal environment for your upcoming business or social event for big gatherings and special events.
Relax and Enjoy your Stay at Palm Garden Hotel
Find the true gem you’ve been looking for at the Palm Garden Hotel on your upcoming trip to Thousand Oaks.
The Palm Garden Hotel is the best option for business and leisure travelers seeking accommodation in Thousand Oaks, California.
Experience welcoming, customized services on a resort-style property surrounded by beautiful gardens and a peaceful courtyard.
Freebies at the hotel include Wi-Fi, parking, and one of Thousand Oaks’ top-notch delicious breakfasts.
Work out at the fitness facility featuring cutting-edge weight and cardio equipment.
They provide 12,000 square feet of recently renovated space for meetings, weddings, and other special events, including indoor and outdoor settings to fit any occasion.
Have Fun Playing Golf at Sunset Hills Country Club
Sunset Hills Country Club located amid Thousand Oaks’ rolling hills, reinvents what it means to play golf privately.
The Sunset Hills Country Club is committed to offering its members and visitors a first-class private club encounter through first-rate amenities and outstanding service.
The club offers a spectacular championship golf course built by Ted Robinson, a variety of golf and recreational amenities, and the individualized attention and special privileges that have made it one of the best private clubs in Ventura County.
They provide an abundant paradise for pleasure and relaxation with their gorgeous championship golf course, top-notch practice facility, tennis facilities, pool, fitness center, and banquet services.
The practice area at Sunset Hills Country Club is the ideal setting for refining every feature of your game in a serene, positive environment.
Tour around and Taste the Wine at Alma Sol Winery
The micro-boutique Thousand Oaks winery Alma Sol Winery is run and owned by a family and has been striving to reach the goal of creating great Bordeaux wines from single varietals and unique blends since the company’s inception.
All of the grapes used by the winery are hand-picked from small lots, and each process strongly emphasizes artisanal winemaking practices.
The winery makes excellent cabernet sauvignon varieties and traditional wines like chardonnay and tempranillo.
The Sunland Vintage Winery Tasting Room allows guests to try all of the company’s boutique wine varieties.
Don’t pass up touring Alma Sol Winery; you’ll love your visit here if you appreciate exquisite wine.
Final Thoughts
There are so many wonderful, charming, and exhilarating places and activities waiting for you at Thousand Oaks.
Delicious cuisine, a bustling nightlife, scenic landscapes, historic sites—there’s something for everyone!
Bring your family or your friends on your next getaway and see all that the vibrant city has in store.
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