Stryker Paintball & Airsoft in Santa Paula
/Stryker Paintball & Airsoft is located at 17081 S. Mountain Road in Santa Paula on what previously was a golf course. Stryker offers walk-on play and group sessions. Learn more at strykerpa.com.
Gardens of the World - Thousand Oaks
/Gardens of the World at 2001 Thousand Oaks Boulevard is a 4 1/2 acre garden across from the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks. It is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admittance is 4:30 p.m.) Closed Sunday and Monday and most national holidays. Gardens of the World is a gift from the Hogan Family Foundation.
Gardens of the World is an oasis of beauty in the middle of Thousand Oaks. There is a large bandstand in the center of the Gardens that is a perfect venue for outdoor music. And the array of plants, flowers, waterfalls (including a stunning fountain that looks out toward the Civic Arts Plaza) and a serene koi pond next to an authentic Japanese Pagoda.
There is a Japanese garden, a French garden and waterfall (shown above), a Mission Courtyard, an English perennial and rose garden and an Italian garden. A beautiful place to visit and relax for a bit, right in the heart of Thousand Oaks. Also a great place for a picnic lunch, with plenty of tables, benches and grassy areas. More information at www.gardensoftheworld.info or 805.557.1135.
I never promised you a rose garden...but here's a beautiful one to check out!
Koi pond in the Japanese Garden
Shaded picnic area
Since 2003, Gardens of the World has hosted a great Jazz Series on Sunday afternoons in August in this traditional American Bandstand area.
Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space Trails in Thousand Oaks
/Looking for some spectacular trail hiking and panoramic views stretching from the Conejo Valley to the Simi Hills? Then take a look at the open space trails in the Lang Ranch/Woodridge system in the northeast portion of Thousand Oaks in the Lang Ranch area (where Avenida de los Arboles meets Westlake Boulevard).
The 1,025 acre area is maintained by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) and connects with another 8,000 acres of open space that is part of the Santa Monica Mountains. There are 10 miles of well-maintained trails that are outstanding for hiking, running and biking. The views are spectacular and you can actually hike from Thousand Oaks to Simi Valley (via the Long Canyon Trail) and Agoura Hills (Woodridge to Cheeseboro/Palo Comado).
More information about the various trails in the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space on the Conejo Open Space Foundation website at cosf.org/trails/lang-ranch.
The specific trails seen below can be accessed from the Autumn Ridge trailhead at Westlake Boulevard and Autumn Ridge Drive in Thousand Oaks.
Access to this trail is at the corner of Westlake Bd and Autumn Ridge Dr
You can get a clear view of Bard Lake (Calleguas Water District Reservoir) from the Sunrise Trail, which parallels to the north of a portion of the Autumn Ridge Trail.
Checking out fossils on display in the open space. Pretty fun to see with the kids. The approximate spot of these fossil rocks is at THIS LINK.
This bench is located at the juncture of the Sunrise and Meadow Vista Trails in the Lang Ranch Open Space and Long Canyon Trail, which is accessible via the Wood Ranch section of Simi Valley. Not a bad view, eh?
Trailhead at east end of Lang Ranch Parkway, to Albertson Fire Road trail.
There’s another fun path I like to take in the Lang Ranch Open space. Take the Autumn Ridge Trail about half a mile and veer left at the Woodbridge Connector Trail, looping up and around to Wood Ranch in Simi Valley to the Long Canyon Trail trailhead, then back up to Lang Ranch. It’s only about 4 or 5 miles. See the map at cosf.org/files/maps/lang_ranch_trail_map.pdf for details.
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College
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Don't want to drive 45 minutes to the nearest zoo? Well then, stop by The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College.*
This five acre zoo housing over 130 animals of more than 90 species is part of the college's Exotic Animal Training and Management Program and is open on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays). This interesting collection has included all sorts of animals, like alligators, geckos, monkeys, tigers, camels, snakes, ocelots, Ira the Lion and more. Many of the animals are endangered or found a permanent home here or otherwise could not survive on their own.
Animal show times at 12 pm and 2 pm. Animal demonstrations 3:30-4 p.m.
Galapagos Tortoise at America's Teaching Zoo
Students in the program are required to work most days and weekends. For a truly unique wild animal experience, stop by and check it out. Don't expect anything fancy. This is a very low key place, but lots of fun as it is usually not very crowded and you can get really close to the animals. This huge Galapagos Tortoise is Clarence. Learn more about him here.
Admission (as of November 2024) $12 for adults and $10 for kids and seniors (checks and cash only). Age 2 and under is free.
Visit zoo.moorparkcollege.edu or call 805.378.1441 for more information.
Another handsome occupant of the zoo - “Ghost,” the bald eagle.
The Zoo is located at 7075 Campus Road in Moorpark. Take the 101 North to the 23 North to the 118 East. Exit Collins and turn left at the stop sign. Go through two stoplights and turn right into the 2nd entrance past the stoplights. Turn right in the parking lot and continue up the short hill to the right.
A zoo volunteer feeding the lion.
*For years it was called America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College but was re-branded to The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College in the 2024 time frame.
Potrero Ridge Trail in Newbury Park
/The Potrero Ridge Trail in Newbury Park is an interesting ridgeline trail that runs west/east in three sections over approximately 2 1/2 miles one way. You can access the trail from a number of locations and neighborhood feeder trails, but the main sections are as follows (west to east):
Via Las Brisas in the Dos Vientos tract, just north of Paseo Santa Rosa to Reino Road, just north of Paseo de Leon and Lynn Road, is a little over a mile. This is one of my favorite trails in the area, providing panoramic views of the southern portion of Newbury Park, Boney Mountain and Dos Vientos. There are some switchbacks on the west end near Reino Road but they are not overly strenuous.
Potrero Ridge Trailhead on Via Las Brisas, just north of Paseo Santa Rosa.
Potrero Ridge Trail trailhead (and parking area) off of Reino Road
The middle section of the Potrero Ridge Trail runs from Woodland Oak Place off of Reino Road to Wendy Drive between Felton and Peppermint, where there's a convenient dirt parking lot. Only about a half mile to the top of the trail, where you'll see a water tank. The primary trail is a wide fire road to the water tank from Wendy Drive. There's a secondary single track trail that mostly runs parallel (south) to the main fire road that is accessible from several points. This trail treats you to wonderful, panoramic views of the area.
Potrero Ridge Trail trailhead off of Wendy Drive.
Views towards the water tank at top of Potrero Ridge Trail (middle section)
The east section of the trail runs from across the parking lot on Wendy Drive to another peak, then down towards Silas Lane near Grace Bible Church, about half a mile in total. There is no parking available for this section of trail, though you can park in the Wendy lot and find a crosswalk to cross over to the trailhead.
View from east section of Potrero Ridge Trail.
So basically these 3 segments are split between Via las Brisas and Reino Road, Reino Road and Wendy Drive and Wendy Drive and Silas Lane.
If you'e like to extend your trail trekking on the west side, cross over Via las Brisas and take the Sierra Vista Trail west another mile to Rancho Dos Vientos.
This trail is maintained by the Conejo Open Space Foundation.
Here's a view of the initial section of the western section of the Potrero Ridge Trail from the Wendy Water Tank section of the trail across Reino Road.
Views into the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park
Potrero Ridge Trail bench provide extensive views
Views from the same bench on a cloudy late October day in 2013
Historic Dudley House Museum in Ventura
/San Buenaventura Heritage, Inc. (SBH) is a non-profit educational and charitable organization founded in 1978 with a primary focus of preserving the Dudley House, an 1892 Victorian farm house, located at 197 N. Ashwood, Ventura. The Dudley House is one of 35 Ventura County properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The house is a living history museum reflecting the life of the Dudley family. The terraces and pergola for outdoor events have been installed on the north side side of the house, and the lavender garden with some 100 plants featuring over 20 varieties is on the south side of the house. The basement is used as a community room and visitor center with cooking facilities and is available for small events and receptions. Larger events can be held outside on the grounds.
The Dudley House is open for tours the first Sunday of the month from 1pm to 4pm from January to November.
Visit dudleyhouse.org or call 805.644.3286 for more information. Admission is free but donations are accepted and appreciated.
Dudley House Boutique 2024
Open November 29-30 and December 1, 7-8, 14-15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a flea market added on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find quality crafts, home decor, antiques and collectibles.
Historic Recording Series
During open houses, pre-1930 recordings transferred to CDs are played. A new recording is played each month on the Victrola console in the parlor.
Old Time Radio Series
CDs of radio shows are performed in the radio console on the 2nd floor hallway.
Adamson House Tour and Malibu Lagoon Museum
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The Adamson House at 23200 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu is a National Historic Site and a registered California landmark. The house and grounds share one of the most beautiful beach locations in Southern California, with a view of the Malibu Lagoon, Malibu Beach and the Malibu Pier. In addition to its world-famous Malibu Tile, the house contains hand-carved teakwood doors, hand-painted murals, molded ceilings, hand-wrought ironwork and lead-framed bottle glass windows.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS AND INFO ABOUT THE ADAMSON HOUSE
The Adamson House Tour is a guided tour through the house which contains its original furnishings and is decorated with the renowned Malibu Potteries tile. Trained volunteer docents relate the history of the house, details of its architecture and furnishings, and the history of the family that lived in and created this distinctive home.
Admission (as of September 2024) is $7 for adults and $2 ages 6 to 17. Five and under is free. Cash only.
Open 8am to sunset, 7 days a week. Docent-led tours are available Wed-Sat from 11am to 2pm
No on-site parking. Park at Surfrider Beach, Malibu Lagoon State Beach or on PCH.
The Malibu Lagoon Museum adjoins the Adamson House and contains a collection of artifacts, rare photographs and documents depicting the colorful history of Malibu. The museum tour takes the visitor from the early Chumash Indian era through the Spanish California culture. Here is an excellent opportunity to relive the genteel and romantic ranching days of the famed Rindge and Adamson families. Learn about dramatic episodes in Malibu's rich history: the Malibu Railroad; the 50-room Castle on the Hill; the 17-year legal battle over a Malibu highway; the Malibu movie colony; the Malibu Dam, and much more. Admission to the museum is free.
The Adamson House Garden Tour is a docent-led walking tour of the landmark gardens, beautifully preserved in their 1930s appearance. It is offered every Friday of the month, 10:00 a.m. The Adamson House Tour admission fee includes a house garden tour; no reservation is required. Reservations are necessary only for groups of 10 or more at 310-456-8432. Group tours are Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.
More information at www.adamsonhouse.org or call 310.456.8432.
YES FACTORY in Agoura HIlls
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YES FACTORY opened in April 2024 at 78708 Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills. It is a walk-in community art studio open to all ages where you can make, paint or draw whatever you'd like. They offer one day drop-in, family memberships and 10 visit passes. Open daily from 9am to 5pm. Learn more at yesfactoryla.com.
Dog Parks In and Around Ventura County
/Here's a compilation of parks in and around Ventura County as well as adjacent areas that have off-leash opportunities for your pooches. The days and times indicated below are subject to change; links to the local recreation and park districts are provided.
Thousand Oaks
Conejo Creek Dog Park at 1350 E. Avenida de las Flores is a 3 1/2 acre dog park with separate sections for large and small (30 lbs or less) dogs. Open daily 7 am to 10 pm; closed Thursdays 7-9 am and all day the 3rd Thursday of each month. www.crpd.org/parks-reservations/dog-parks.
Additionally, Conejo Recreation and Park District opened three smaller off-leash area dog parks in 2015 at Estella Park, 300 Erbes Road, Thousand Oaks, Kimber Park, 3295 Bear Creek Road, Newbury Park and Walnut Grove Park, 400 Windtree Avenue, Thousand Oaks. These areas do not have grass. More details at www.crpd.org/parks-reservations/dog-parks.
Westlake Village
The 1.2 acre Westlake Village Dog Park opened to the public on July 21, 2018. The park features small and large dog areas, shade shelter with seating, pet wash stations and more. Located at the southwest corner of West Oak Crest Drive and Agoura Road. On street parking available. More info at www.wlv.org/420/Westlake-Village-Dog-Park.
Camarillo
The Friends of Camarillo Dog Parks is a volunteer organization that looks out for the needs of pooches and their owners in the Camarillo area. Learn more at www.camarillodogparks.com. They work with the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District to support dog parks in the city, which include:
Mission Oaks Park at 5501 Mission Oaks Boulevard has a designated off-leash area open the following time frames: Monday - Friday: 4pm-Dusk; Saturday - Sunday: Dawn-Dusk. Learn more at www.pvrpd.org/mission-oaks-park-50cb34c.
Camarillo Grove Park at 6968 E. Camarillo Springs Road has a dedicated dog park that is open daily from 7am to dusk. The entire park is also an off-leash park Mon-Fri. On Sat/Sun, dogs are allowed off-leash only in the enclosed dog park area. You must pay to park here; $3/day weekdays, $5/day weekends and $55 for an annual permit. www.pvrpd.org/camarillo-grove-park.
The Springville Dog Park opened in September 2012 at 801 Via Zamora, Camarillo. Open 7 am to dusk daily; closed Fri mornings until 10:00 am for lawn maintenance. www.pvrpd.org/springville-dog-park.
The Freedom Dog Park at 275 E. Pleasant Valley Road, Camarillo opened in October 2023. This park features lights for night visits. www.pvrpd.org/freedom-dog-park-c1fe3e4
Simi Valley
The Simi Dog Park at 2151 Lost Canyons Drive is open daily from 7 am to dusk and is closed for maintenance on Thursdays from 7 am to 10 am. There's a separate area for large and small dogs. To get to the dog park, enter through Big Sky Park. www.rsrpd.org/business_detail_T9_R44.php
Oak Park
The Oak Canyon Dog Park is located towards the top of Oak Canyon Community Park, 5600 Hollytree Drive. Open 7 am to dusk daily; closed 7 am to 10 am Fridays for maintenance. There are areas for large and small dogs. www.rsrpd.org/business_detail_T9_R31.php
A view from above of the nicely appointed Oak Canyon Dog Park in Oak Park.
Ojai
The County of Ventura maintains the Mitchell Edelson Dog Park at Soule Park, 1301 Soule Park Road, Ojai. Open at 7:30 am daily and closes at 5 pm Nov-Feb, 6 pm Mar and Oct, 7:30 pm Apr, May, Sep and 8 pm Jun-Aug. Parking is $2 per vehicle on weekday; $4 on weekends/holidays. There are areas for larger dogs and dogs under 20 lbs. www.ventura.org/parks-department/mitchell-edelson-dog-park-at-soule-park
Oxnard
There is a designated dog park at College Park, 3250 South Rose Avenue, Oxnard. It is open 7 am to dusk daily. An additional dog park is at Campus Park at 5th and H Streets. Also open dawn to dusk daily. Lastly, Jax’s Windrow Dog Park is located in Windrow Park, 3052 North Ventura Road. www.oxnard.org/city-department/public-works/parks/parks-faq
Ventura
There is a non-gated off-leash dog park area at Arroyo Verde Park at the corner of Foothill and Day Roads in Ventura. It is available for off-leash use Tuesday through Sunday from 6 am to 9 am.
There's a fenced in dog park at Camino Real Park at Dean Drive and Varsity Street in Ventura. Open every day from dawn to dusk.
More information at THIS LINK.
Calabasas
The Calabasas "Bark Park" is located at 4232 Las Virgenes Road. Park features areas for large and small dogs, doggie drinking fountain, pooper scoopers and waste bins and portable restroom. Open sunrise to 9 pm daily. Closed Thursdays from 7 am to 10 am for maintenance. www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/community-services-parks-recreation/parks-trails-and-facilities
Moorpark
The City of Moorpark Dog Park is located within College View Park, 15400 Campus Park Drive. The entrance to the dog park is located at the south endpoint of College View Avenue on the southeast corner of the park. It is about 3/4 acre in size, with separate areas for small and large dogs. Open 7am to 5pm daily (7pm during Daylight Saving Time). Closed for maintenance Wednesdays from 7am to noon. There are age restrictions: kids under 6 years old not allowed in the dog park. Ages 6 to 15 are permitted, with adult supervision. More details at www.moorparkca.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Dog-Park-7.
View of the Calabasas Bark Park from the Bark Park Trail.
Firefly Ceramics in Ventura
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Firefly Ceramics offers paint-your-own pottery at 1580 Saratoga Ave, Suite C, Ventura, just around the corner from Buena Lanes and Golf N Stuff! Firefly is currently (as of September 2024) open Monday through Friday from noon to 6pm and Saturday/Sunday from 11am to 6pm. Visit www.fireflyceramics.com for more information or call 805.650.1468.
SOAR Over Ventura Zip Lines and Adventure Course at Ventura Ranch KOA in Santa Paula
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SOAR Over Ventura is an adventure park located at the Ventura Ranch KOA Campground, 7400 Pine Grove Road, Santa Paula. SOAR Over Ventura offers state-of-the-art zip line and ropes course facilities. Zip through the treetops on two courses.
The Family Adventure Course features 8 zip lines and a 12-section ropes course, soaring over the resort pool and through tree canopies in a scenic valley near Topa Topa Mountain.
The Eagles Nest Zip Line Course features higher and faster zip lines, soaring through trees and over a BMX track and a mining sluice.
Admission as of August 2024 is $59 per course, or both for $78. Admission includes a 4-hour pass to the Ventura Ranch KOA, featuring a 2,000 sq ft jumping pillow, one of the world’s largest boulder labyrinths, resort pool and more.
Learn more at soaroverventura.com.
State Fish Hatchery in Fillmore
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The California Department of Fish and Game maintains a Fish Hatchery in Fillmore, off Highway 126, just east of downtown Fillmore. Watch for the sign - you make a quick right on Fish Hatchery Road, not more than a mile or so from downtown Fillmore. (The given address is 612 E. Telegraph Road, but Fish Hatchery Road is just east of there.)
Fish species raised at the Fillmore Hatchery include rainbow trout and brown trout. The hatchery is located in a former citrus grove bordering the Santa Clara River. It was originally constructed in 1942 with 30 earthen ponds that were supplied by spring and well water. Major renovations were made in 1968 and 1972 that included the construction of 40 concrete ponds, with water temperatures averaging 60 degrees. Fish are raised for one year before release for recreational angling. An average of 700,000 trout are released annually into lakes and streams primarily in Southern California.
The hatchery is open 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring dimes to purchase fish food and learn about fish and their role in California. This is a self-guided tour. More information at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Hatcheries/Fillmore.
Ventura Pier
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The Ventura Pier was originally constructed in 1872 and is a favorite spot for local fishermen. The Pier is 1,600 feet long and underwent a $2.2 million renovation in 2000 that added an 80 foot octagon shaped extension, benches and more. The Pier can be accessed off of East Harbor Boulevard, close to the Crowne Plaza hotel off of California Street.
Eateries on the pier include Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co., MadeWest Brewing Company Taproom and Beach House Tacos.
On the west side of the pier is a playground area with some unique play equipment. My kids always enjoy it here because of the great combination of the beach, pier, playground, quick access to bike rentals and food.
The Ventura Wharf (Pier) was designated City of Ventura Historic Landmark #20 on March 29, 1976.
The former Eric Ericsson's (now Beach House Fish) next to the playground on the pier.
