Breakfast Eateries In and Around the Conejo Valley

Breakfast. Is it the most important meal of the day? Perhaps. But who cares, we’re just hungry and want to eat something delicious for breakfast right here in the Conejo Valley. And to that end, we’ve compiled a list, in no particular order, of eateries in the Conejo Valley that are known for their breakfast options.

(While hours of operation are listed, they are subject to change, so check with the eatery to confirm. Contact us with updates, addition and edits.)

Country Harvest is located at 3345 Kimber Drive in Newbury Park and has served the community since May 2002. Country Harvest opens at 7:30 a.m. daily for traditional breakfast options like Corned Beef Hash & Eggs, Three-Egg Omelets, eight different Benedict (open-faced English muffin) options, favorites like Chicken & Waffles, pancakes and more. They also have locations in Camarillo and Moorpark. countryharvest.restaurant (805) 375-4598.

Honey & Herb Belgian Waffle House is located in the Conejo Gateway Plaza at 765 Wendy Drive, Newbury Park Dr. Here you will find a unique array of savory and sweet waffle options. Open for breakfast and lunch Mon to Thu at 8 a.m. and Sat/Sun at 7:30 a.m. honey-and-herb.com (805) 375-9998

CiCi’s Cafe is located at 30990 Russell Ranch Road in Westlake Village, across the parking lot from Lure Fish House. CiCi’s, which originated in 2006 and opened this location in December 2016, is known for its incredible selection of unique pancakes, waffles, and crepes as well as savory breakfast and lunch items. The menu is over 30 pages long! Open at 7:30 a.m. daily. ciciscafe.com (818) 874-3391

Side Street Cafe is located at 996 Lawrence Drive, #103 in Newbury Park, tucked into an industrial park, but well worth going slightly out of your way for. Open Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sat/Sun 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Specializes in an all day breakfast menu featuring egg breakfasts, egg scramblers, egg benedicts, omelettes, waffles, pancakes, French toast and other specialties. sidestreetcafenp.com (805) 499-9323

Zooza Cafe is located in the Paseo Market Place at 3687 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks. Open 8am to 5pm daily with a breakfast menu that includes omelets, egg sandwiches, oatmeal and more. zoozacafe.com (805) 496-9669

The Royal Egg Cafe at 30815 E Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Westlake Village (in the North Ranch Gateway Plaza) offers a variety of organic breakfast items, including savory favorites, avocado toasts, breakfast burritos and much more . Opens daily at 8 a.m. theroyaleggcafe.com (818) 532-7710

Mikey’s Restaurant opened in the former home of The Nook Restaurant at 579 Ventu Park Road, Suite D, Newbury Park in mid-January 2024. Similar menu to The Nook, with a wide range of breakfast specialties. Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. www.mikeysrestaurantca.com (URL not functioning as of 1/5/25)

Pickles Deli & Restaurant originally opened in 2006 at 1940 Newbury Road in Newbury Park. Open daily at 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., this traditional Jewish deli serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their breakfast menu is served all day includes egg dishes, lox, omelettes, Mexican specialties, French toast, pancakes and much more. picklesdeli.com (805) 480-4800

Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant at 2799 Townsgate Road in Westlake Village offers a large number of breakfast items - pancakes, French toast, fish plates, omelets, benedicts, egg specialties and more. Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. brentsdeli.com (805) 557-1882

Agoura’s Famous Deli is located at 5915 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills in the Agoura Hills City Mall. You’re in luck for breakfast - pancakes, egg dishes, omelettes, waffles and more are offered . Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.. agourasfamousdeli.com (818) 889-9113

Eggs ‘n’ Things in the Ralphs’s shopping center at 1542 Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks is one of four Eggs ‘n’ Things in Ventura County. Their extensive breakfast menu includes omelettes, French toast, pancakes, their special Swedish Pancakes, scrambles, benedicts and more. Open for breakfast at 6 a.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. weekends. eggsnthings.net (805) 497-1711

Cafe ViVi (new in 2025; previously Jinky’s Cafe) is located at 1724 E. Avenida De Los Árboles, Thousand Oaks (805) 493-8809 Opens at 8am daily. Similar menu to Jinky’s; website to be added when available.

Corner Bakery Cafe is located at 111 S. Westlake Boulevard in Thousand Oaks. Open daily at 7:30 a.m., Corner Bakery offers pancakes, scramblers, egg bowls, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast wraps, oatmeal, yogurt and more. cornerbakerycafe.com/location/thousand-oaks (805) 496-6993

Denny’s is located at 2830 Camino Del Rios in Newbury Park, serving breakfast 24/7. Who doesn’t love a Grand Slam? And of course pancakes, crepes, omelettes and classic breakfast that Denny’s offers. (805) 498-4440 dennys.com

IHOP is located at 5031 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills (open 24/7) (818) 991-4957 IHOP offers, if you can believe it, pancakes! Plus omelettes, crepes, Belgian waffles, French toast and breakfast combos. The chain’s name was officially shortened from International House of Pancakes to IHOP in 1979. restaurants.ihop.com

JOi Cafe, located at 2855 Agoura Road in Westlake Village in the Westlake Commons, is a fantastic plant-based eatery that’s open for breakfast daily at 7 a.m. You’ll find unique choices on their breakfast menu, such as Superfood Pancakes, The JOi Scramble (no eggs involved), JOi Breakfast Burrito and more. www.joicafe.com

Sunrose California Eatery opened on October 24, 2023 in the Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills. Their breakfast and brunch is served all day, featuring a variety of options including toasts, burrito, omelet, pancake, egg dishes and more. Opens for breakfast at 8 a.m. daily. www.thesunroseca.com

The Galloping Hen is opening its Thousand Oaks location at 3085 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd (at Hampshire) on Friday, November 1st, from 8am to 2pm. They will serve breakfast and lunch, including omelettes, eggs benedicts, other breakfast dishes, burgers, salads and more. Learn more at thegallopinghen.com.

Marmalade Cafe at The Promenade at Westlake, opens daily at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast. You know, I’ve eaten there dozens of times, but never for breakfast, but their menu looks great! Southern Fried Chicken & Waffles, Chorizo & Eggs, frittatas, benedicts, pancakes, combos and much more. I’ll have to check it out. marmaladecafe.com/locations/westlake-village/breakfast-menu (805) 370-1331

Justine’s Cafe is located in the Westlake Village Industrial Park, 31356 Via Colinas #103 in Westlake Village. Open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Justine’s offers a full breakfast menu that includes egg dishes, omelets, breakfast burritos, french toast and more. www.justinescafe.com (818) 879-8786

Bo’s House of Omelettes & Waffles (formerly the iconic Harold’s House of Omelettes), has served the Conejo Valley since 1961. Located at 2440 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks and open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, Bo’s serves Belgian waffles, omelettes (well duh), eggs Benedict, huevos rancheros, scrambles, pancakes, combos and more. houseofomelettesto.com (805) 906-2138

The Breakfast Cafe, believe it or not, serves breakfast, of all things, daily, starting at 7 a.m., at 686 Lindero Canyon Road in Oak Park. You will find all of the standard breakfast favorites here…pancakes, French toast, waffles, omelettes, breakfast burritos, egg combos and more. www.breakfastcafe.online (818) 865-8807

P & L Burgers is located at 2000-A East Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks in the Oakbrook Plaza. So what is a place named after burgers on this breakfast eateries list? Because they serve a great breakfast daily starting at 7 a.m. - egg dishes, omelettes, pancakes, French toast and more. pandlburgers.com/BreakfastMenu.html (805) 493-5336

There is a separate list of COFFEE SHOPS IN THE CONEJO VALLEY and all of these coffee shops serve some form of breakfast - Five07 Coffee Bar and Eatery, Honeycup Coffeehouse, Longevity Coffee, Caffe Aroma, Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters, Conejo Coffee, Cafe Sapientia, and others are on this list.

Novo Cafe in The Shoppes at Westlake Village has a nice breakfast menu that includes all your favorites - benedicts, French toast, egg dishes, omelettes and more. But geared towards late sleepers - they open at 11 a.m. Tue-Sat and 10:30 a.m. Sun. www.novocafe.com/westlake (818) 318-1466 (updated 12/14/23)

There is a separate list of BAKERIES IN THE CONEJO VALLEY, many of which offer up more than pastries for breakfast -Village Bakery & Cafe in Agoura Hills, Le Pain Quotidien in Westlake Village, Emil’s Bake House in Agoura Hills, Historia Bakery Cafe in Thousand Oaks, La Cereza Bakery and Cafe, Furn Saj Bakery in Calabasas, Cafe Ficelle and others.

Agoura Village Bakery is located in the Twin Oaks Shopping Center at 5839 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills. In addition to a fantastic array of decadent pastries and other baked goods, they offer omelettes, scrambles, French toast, pancakes, protein shakes and more. Opens at 8 a.m. daily. www.agouravillagebakery.com (818) 736-9898

You may not be aware that Cronies Sports Grill is open daily for breakfast at 9 a.m. Mon-Fri and 8 a.m. Sat/Sun at 1620 Newbury Road in Newbury Park (805) 498-7888 and 8 a.m. Mon-Fri and 7 a.m. Sat/Sun at 5687 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills (818) 889-0889. Cronies’ breakfast menu includes pancakes, waffles, eggs, breakfast sandwiches, omelets and more. cronies.com/breakfast-food

Panera Bread’s Conejo Valley locations in Thousand Oaks (Janss Marketplace) (opens at 7 a.m. daily) and Westlake Village (5784 Lindero Canyon Road) (opens at 7 a.m. Mon-Sat and 8 a.m. Sun) serve breakfast sandwiches, baked egg soufflés, oatmeal and more. www.panerabread.com

Chef Burger at 1771 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Thousand Oaks opens at 7;30 a.m. daily and offers breakfast burritos, omelettes, egg dishes, pancakes and more. This is a little, let me say, hole in the wall place - let’s just say, it is not a fancy, sit down place. (805) 495-0524

Rise Southern Biscuits Righteous Chicken opened in the summer of 2022 in the Conejo Valley Plaza at 1408 N Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks. Rise specializes in chicken, biscuits, donuts and other southern specialties. Very limited outdoor seating. Open 7 am - 2 pm risebiscuitschicken.com/locations/thousand-oaks (805) 291-4274

The Goebel Cafe is open to the general public (not just seniors) at the Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. If you’re looking for a low cost meal, this is the place to go. Cash and check only. See www.crpd.org/programs-sports/adults-seniors and scroll down to Breakfast at the GACC for the menu.

On a side note, something I’ve found interesting in compiling this list is that most eateries offer omelettes, while a few offer omelets. According to Grammarly.com, omelet is the American English spelling whereas omelette is the British English spelling. Thus, I regret to inform you that most Conejo Valley breakfast eateries are not using proper American English. But I guess as long as the omelette is delicious, we’ll give them a pass.


Breakfast No More

Chocolatine French Cafe was located at 2955 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, but closed its doors in August 2023.

The Newbury Park IHOP closed its doors on November 19, 2023.)

Jinky’s Kanan Cafe at 29001 Canwood St in Agoura Hills closed its doors on 12/12/23 but they indicate that they plan to reopen elsewhere in Agoura Hills.)

Stella’s Gourmet Restaurant at 2385 Michael Drive, Newbury Park, which served the local community, since 1981, closed its doors in December 2023.

The Nook Restaurant in Newbury Park closed in December 2023 but reopened under new ownership as Mikey’s Restaurant in mid-January 2024. It originally opened in September 2019.

JOiBIRDS Cafe at 299 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks opened in November 2023 but closed in October 2024.

Jinky’s Cafe Thousand Oaks is now Cafe ViVi as of January 2025.

Guide to Finding Family Friendly Bike Paths In and Around Ventura County

As a casual cyclist with young kids I usually steer clear of riding on busy streets, particularly those that don't have any type of bike lane on them. Thankfully there are nearly 80 miles of bikeways in Thousand Oaks, including 3 miles of bike paths, 20 miles of bike lanes and 54 miles of marked bike routes.  

Bike routes are shared with vehicles

Bike routes are shared with vehicles

Class I Bike Paths are separate from auto traffic and thus are great for family friendly cycling. Class II Bike Lanes are striped, painted and shared lanes adjacent to automobile lanes. Class III Bike Routes are marked by green signs that signify sharing with autos.

We also love taking our bikes to other places in and around Ventura County to enjoy other sights and surroundings. So how about if we highlight Class I Bike Paths throughout Ventura County, stretching from Thousand Oaks to Ventura.

Conejo Valley

The Conejo Creek Bike Path is a 1.2 mile path in the heart of Thousand Oaks that connects Gainsborough Road on the south to Conejo Creek Park and the Thousand Oaks Library. This is a nice, flat path, good for kids.

Another access point to the Conejo Creek Bike Path on La Granada Drive.

Another access point to the Conejo Creek Bike Path on La Granada Drive.

There is another Thousand Oaks bike path, the .5 mile Greenmeadow Drive connector bike path accessible on the west at Greenmeadow and Yellowstone, on the south side of Los Robles Greens. This is not a particularly interesting path but it does enable cyclists and walkers a path around the golf course to the Los Robles trailhead and Moorpark Road from Newbury Park. A bit hilly, too.

Entrance to Greenmeadow Avenue connector bike path in Thousand Oaks

Entrance to Greenmeadow Avenue connector bike path in Thousand Oaks

There is also the .8 mile bike path on the north side of The Oaks mall as well as the .5 mile Read Road Connector path accessible off of Olsen Road just east of the 23 freeway.

Sign at the Read Road connector path on Olsen Road east of 23 Freeway.

Sign at the Read Road connector path on Olsen Road east of 23 Freeway.

Medea Creek Natural Park has hiking, biking and fitness trails that stretch from Calle Rio Vista and Oaks Hills Drive in Oak Park on the north, then south past Medea Creek Lane and Conifer Street to a cul de sac entrance to the park at the west terminus of Tamarind Street. About a mile to mile and a half of paths, including paved and dirt paths.

Nicely paved path at Medea Creek Natural Park in Oak Park

Nicely paved path at Medea Creek Natural Park in Oak Park

Ventura

My personal favorite bike path in Ventura County is the Omer Rains Trail that runs the entire length of San Buenaventura State Beach.

Senator Omer Rains Ventura Oceanfront Bikeway Sign on Main Street next to Ventura Beach RV Resort

Senator Omer Rains Ventura Oceanfront Bikeway Sign on Main Street next to Ventura Beach RV Resort

We park the car at Marina Park in Ventura and ride a short distance north on Pierpont Blvd to the bike path entrance. This oceanfront path takes you past the Ventura Pier, through the Promenade area, adjacent to the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Emma Wood State Beach and beyond. Or you can get to the path from anywhere along the Ventura Promenade area.

Bike path along San Buenaventura State Beach.

Bike path along San Buenaventura State Beach.

Omer Rains Bike Path near Ventura Beach RV Resort on Main St.

Omer Rains Bike Path near Ventura Beach RV Resort on Main St.

Nice, newer paved section of Ventura beachfront bike path near Surfers Point.

Nice, newer paved section of Ventura beachfront bike path near Surfers Point.

The Ventura River Trail is a 6.3 mile asphalt pedestrian and bike path that follows the old Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way from Main Street in Ventura to Foster Park inland towards Ojai. You can easily connect from the Omer Rains Trail to the Ventura River Trail up to the Ojai Valley Trail for quite a long, nearly automobile-free ride.

The Ventura Harbor Bike Path takes you 1.2 miles from Market St and Arundell Ave in midtown Ventura southwest through farmland to E. Harbor Boulevard and Schooner Drive, near Four Points by Sheraton.

Bike path from midtown Ventura to the Harbor is not the most exciting path but it is a convenient way to ride to Ventura Harbor, Marina Park and adjacent areas.

Bike path from midtown Ventura to the Harbor is not the most exciting path but it is a convenient way to ride to Ventura Harbor, Marina Park and adjacent areas.

The La Conchita Bike Path between Rincon Point at the Ventura/Santa Barbara County Line adjacent to Highway 101 past La Conchita to Mobil Pier Road in Ventura was completed in September 2014. This path has leapfrogged into my own personal favorite in Ventura County because of its spectacular beach views. This is about 4 miles of bike path in the Oil Piers Beach to Mussel Shoals to La Conchita Beach to Rincon Point beach areas.

Bike paths rarely get better than this stretch along the southbound 101 and the Pacific Ocean in Ventura.

Bike paths rarely get better than this stretch along the southbound 101 and the Pacific Ocean in Ventura.

There's another short stretch of bike path at the east end of Navigator Drive that goes west, then south, around the Ventura West Marina.

Entrance to short bike path adjacent to Ventura West Marina.

Entrance to short bike path adjacent to Ventura West Marina.

There is a two mile biking and hiking on the east side of the lake at the Lake Casitas Recreation Area, 11311 Santa Ana Road, Ventura. The path starts at picnic area #1 and follows the east shoreline of the lake for a four mile round trip ride. The path is paved in the recreational area and becomes a dirt road outside of that. More information at www.casitaswater.org/recreation/amenities/bike-trail.

Ojai

The Ojai Valley Trail is a 9 to 10 mile trail that parallels Highway 33 from Foster Park on the outskirts of west Ventura, to Soule Park in Ojai. It connects to the Ventura River Trail.

The Ojai Trail runs parallel to Ventura Ave/Ojai Ave.

The Ojai Trail runs parallel to Ventura Ave/Ojai Ave.

Simi Valley

The Arroyo Simi Bike Path is a two lane bike path in Simi Valley that runs from Madera Road, just south of Easy Street on the west, ending at Tapo Street on the east. Over seven miles.

Arroyo Simi Bike Path/Trail in Simi Valley.

Arroyo Simi Bike Path/Trail in Simi Valley.

Camarillo

We enjoy the newer, flat roughly 2 mile Calleguas Creek bike path from Pleasant Valley Fields up to the corner of Flynn and Upland Roads in Camarillo. Quick access from the Conejo Valley and a nice, relatively easy path good for all ages.

Look at how nice and flat this bike path adjacent to Calleguas Creek is!

Look at how nice and flat this bike path adjacent to Calleguas Creek is!

Other Areas

There's an online bike map available on the Ventura County Transportation Commission website at www.goventura.org where you can find other Class I, II and II bike paths around the county. Here are some of them.

The Santa Paula Bike Trail takes you roughly 3 miles on the east near W. Main St and Peck Rd to (roughly) Dike Road on the west

The Fillmore Bike Path runs from south of Highway 126 (Telegraph Road) up past Shiell Park.

In Moorpark there's a .5 mile path at Country Trail Park, around the neighborhood to the west, back to Mountain Trail Street.

There's a bike path that starts at the ocean side of Oxnard Beach Park and takes you south all the way to Hollywood Beach and Channel Islands Harbor. Cross Harbor Boulevard and make your way into Channel Islands Harbor, where you can ride all the way to the south end of the harbor.

Bike path near Oxnard Beach Park and Channel Islands Harbor.

Bike path near Oxnard Beach Park and Channel Islands Harbor.

In Port Hueneme there's a bike path that starts off of Bard Rd, west of South J St, through Richard Bard Running Springs Park and takes you southwest all the way to Hueneme Beach.

If you're willing to venture a bit further away from Ventura County, the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Path stretches over 20 miles, from Will Rogers State Park in Pacific Palisades to Torrance. Flat, adjacent to the ocean, and so many things to do along the way!

Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Path in Pacific Palisades

Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Path in Pacific Palisades

That should be enough to get you started! Looking for local cycling clubs? Find some of them at this link.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Options for Thousand Oaks Residents

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The City of Thousand Oaks Public Works Department's "GoGreen" website has hundreds of conservation tips relating to composting, energy conservation, hazardous waste disposal, recycling and trash, reuse programs, water conservation, living green advice, and much more. Check it out at www.toaks.org/GoGreen.

Like me, you may have a lot of junk lying around the house that you'd like to get rid of but are not allowed to place in the trash

Since May 2014, the City has run a permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility located next to the Service Center at 2010 Conejo Center Drive, Newbury Park.

Residents of Thousand Oaks and unincorporated areas of Ventura County may sign up to drop off items at this facility on Fridays/Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, except certain holiday weekends, at toaks.gov/hhw. Advance registration is required.

Items accepted at these monthly collection events include acids, motor oil, antifreeze, asbestos, nail polish/remover, automatic switches, oil filters, batteries, paints, cement, paint thinners, chlorine, fertilizers, pool chemicals, fluorescent lights, propane cylinders, fire extinguishers, rodent poison, garden chemicals, smoke detectors, gasoline, solvents, used frying oil, household cleaners, weed killers and more. They do not accept tires, medications. business waste and other items.

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One person's hazardous waste is another's gold! The City's Hazardous Waste Material Reuse Program allows residents to take away certain items previously disposed of, such as cleaners, paint, pool chemicals, motor oils, adhesives, etc. Selection obviously will vary. No appointment needed. Just stop by the Reuse Store (same location as waste collection facility) on Friday/Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information at toaks.gov/hhw.

The ReUse store will be closed weekends associated with the following holidays: President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day

There are also convenient hazardous waste disposal for other items:

Batteries: Community Centers at Borchard Park, Dos Vientos and Thousand Oaks (next to TOHS), Goebel Senior Center, Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park Libraries, City Hall and Thousand Oaks Transportation Center.

Motor Oil/Filters: See toaks.gov/hhw

Electronic Waste: Best Buy, Goodwill Industries, PC Recycle, Waste Management and Gold Coast Recycling Center. More info at THIS LINK.

Fluorescent Lights/CFL's: You may bring any size or type of fluorescent and LED bulbs to the City's Hazardous Waste Facility.

(See www.homedepot.com/c/ab/how-to-dispose-of-lightbulbs/9ba683603be9fa5395fab901b263d806 for more information on what to do with light bulbs of various types.)

Unwanted and/or expired medications can be dropped off throughout Ventura County at designated police stations, such as the East Valley Police Station Lobby at 2101 E. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. Open Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm.

Visit toaks.org/GoGreen for updates.

Seven Flat, Stroller and Family Friendly Hikes in the Conejo Valley

There is a ring of about 15,000 acres of open space with 140 miles of trails for public use surrounding the Conejo Valley. All too often on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page we hear requests for which trails are "stroller friendly" and/or suitable for young children. Here is a sampling of some of the more popular ones in the area.

Wildwood Park to many is the single greatest spot for family hikes and stroller-friendly trails. With 14 trails covering 17 miles, including the popular hike to Paradise Falls and the teepee as well as some wide, relatively flat sections along the Mesa Trail towards Lizard Rock.

It takes a bit of driving via the Norwegian Grade and Santa Rosa Road to get there, but the Conejo Canyons Open Space in the Western Plateau section of the Conejo Open Space leads to several miles of nice, flat, well-maintained family-friendly trails leading to tree-canopied picnic areas. The Hill Canyon Trail and Hawk Canyon Trail are very easy to navigate.

Shaded picnic area off the Hawk Canyon Trail from the Conejo Canyons Bridge.

Shaded picnic area off the Hawk Canyon Trail from the Conejo Canyons Bridge.

The one mile Spring Canyon Trail is a mostly flat trail that runs from Lynn Oaks Park, 359 Capitan Street, Newbury Park to the Los Robles Trail.  There are some moderate hills but with the park nearby, this makes for a fun little excursion with the little ones. (No restrooms, however.)

The main access point to the Los Robles Trail at the southern endpoint of Moorpark Road at Greenmeadow Ave starts out with a reasonably flat section that is a nice, easy family stroll.

Speaking of the Los Robles Trail, another great little hike to take with the kids is the Oak Creek Canyon Loop Trail. The first 4/10th of a mile of the trail, accessible off of Greenmeadow Avenue in Thousand Oaks, is the Oak Creek Canyon Whole Access Interpretive Trail. This is a nice, shady, flat trail with benches and picnic benches along the path. The remainder of the loop is not quite as stroller friendly, with a couple moderately steep sections that can be navigated on foot.

Picnic trails and shade abound at the Oak Creek Canyon Interpretative Trail.

Picnic trails and shade abound at the Oak Creek Canyon Interpretative Trail.

The Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa area managed by the National Park Service in Newbury Park has several miles of trails to explore, most of which are flat and stroller-friendly. The Satwiwa Loop Trail takes you around the area and the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center makes for a fun stop with the family when open on weekends.

The Chumash home, or “‘Ap,” in the background. The one pictured has since been replaced.

The Chumash home, or “‘Ap,” in the background. The one pictured has since been replaced.

Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons offer great family hiking opportunities. While there's definitely hills surrounding these canyons, try the Cheeseboro Canyon Trail, the 4 to 5 mile main artery into the park. Flat and kid/stroller friendly it is. Also try the Doubletree Trailhead connector to the Palo Comado Trail. Flat, fun and scenic.

The Los Padres Trail in Thousand Oaks is a short trail, half of which is pretty flat and tree lined, if you’re looking for a short excursion with a toddler. A seasonal creek makes it even more interesting as you may hear froggies in the spring.

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Although the trails in the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space in Thousand Oaks are NOT FLAT and indeed quite HILLY, they are worth checking out with the kids because they wide and have some interesting sandstone rock formations. If you are really strong, strollers are possible here, but do know that you will encounter some hills like the hill shown in the image below.

This hill in the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space at the Autumn Ridge Trail is a bit daunting but worth the climb.

This hill in the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space at the Autumn Ridge Trail is a bit daunting but worth the climb.

We're going to throw a bonus trail into the mix. The several miles of hiking trails in the Oakbrook Regional Park Archaeological Area in Thousand Oaks is an outstanding place for a flat, picturesque and oak-tree canopied place for a short hike with the kids.

For a more comprehensive compilation of trails in the Conejo Valley and throughout Ventura County, visit THIS LINK.

Oakbrook Regional Park Archaeological Area in Thousand Oaks is City Historical Landmark #5

Oakbrook Regional Park Archaeological Area is located at 3290 Lang Ranch Parkway in Thousand Oaks, south of the intersection of Avenida de los Arboles and Westlake Boulevard.

This 428 acre park is a designated historical landmark by the City of Thousand Oaks and County of Ventura. The Chumash inhabited this area going back as far as 12,000 years ago through the late 1800's. 

The park grounds are open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.  There are flat hiking trails and a Chumash village reproduction available to explore. The oak trees provide a beautiful canopy for hikers. It is a peaceful place worth exploring. Note that dogs are prohibited from the property.

Located on the property is the Chumash Indian Museum, which contains a large collection of Chumash artifacts. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More information on Oakbrook Regional Park at www.crpd.org/park/oakbrook-regional-park.

Delis and Sandwich Places in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Oak Park and Calabasas

Looking for a deli or a sandwich in the Conejo Valley? Here’s a compilation of eateries that are known for sandwiches in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, Oak Park and nearby Calabasas for your dining pleasure. This list starts with the letter M, for meal.

Are we missing an eatery that primarily focuses on sandwiches? LET US KNOW

Mendocino Farms in the Westlake Plaza at 966 S. Westlake Blvd., with its vast array of interesting and unique sandwiches, deserves inclusion on this list. Some delicious alternatives include the Peruvian Steak sandwich, Vegan Banh Mi and “Unreal” Reuben (plant-based) sandwiches and others. www.mendocinofarms.com 805-379-9055

Mythpoint Greek Deli & Grill is a small Greek eatery that has operated since 2017 at 3825 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite E, Westlake Village in the North Ranch Shopping Plaza. In addition to delicious gyros, falafel and other Mediterranean specialties, they offer a variety of cheesesteak sandwiches that will knock your taste buds off. mythpoint.com 805-443-4242

Pickles Deli is located in the Kohl’s center in Newbury Park at 1940 Newbury Road. Pickles is a full-service Jewish deli serving specialties like pastrami on rye and matzo ball soup, as well as a full range of breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Pickles has served the Conejo Valley since 2006. picklesdeli.com 805-480-4800

Rhineland Deli recently relocated to the Oak Leaf Square, 1817 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, offering delicious German style deli sandwiches and platters including roast beef, turkey breast, Black Forest ham, salami and more. www.facebook.com/RhinelandDeli 805-496-2045

Sienna Deli is located near the T.O. Auto Mall at 3900 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Established in 1995, Sienna offers Italian subs, roast beef, turkey and other delicious sandwiches. 805-494-7799

Jersey Mike’s Subs has the following locations in the Conejo Valley. www.jerseymikes.com

  • Newbury Park - 761 North Wendy Drive

  • Thousand Oaks - 605 E. Janss Road

  • Thousand Oaks - 2000 E. Avenida De Los Arboles

  • Thousand Oaks - 3825 Thousand Oaks Blvd.

  • Westlake Village - 30817 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

  • Calabasas - 26799 Agoura Road

Subway has the following Conejo Valley locations. www.subway.com

  • Newbury Park - 501B S. Reino Road

  • Newbury Park - 105 Broadbeck Drive

  • Thousand Oaks - 440 North Moorpark Road

  • Thousand Oaks - 1772 Avenida De Los Arboles (Oakbrook Plaza)

  • Westlake Village - 2887 Agoura Road (Village Glen Plaza)

  • Oak Park - 702 Lindero Canyon Road

  • Agoura Hills - 5801 Kanan Road

  • Calabasas - 26500 Agoura Road

The Sandwich Spot in the Smart & Final Extra plaza at 2110 Newbury Road, Newbury Park offers an array of signature sandwiches made to order. All of their sandwiches have clever names, like The Lennox Lewis (turkey, ham, roast beef and jack cheese) and The Dodger Blue (marinated chicken, hot sauce, blue cheese dressing and pepperjack cheese). www.thesandwichspot.com/newbury-park-menu 805-375-3400

Tasty sandwich from The Sandwich Spot.

Uncle Af's International Sandwiches opened in the Agoura Hills City Mall at 5901 Kanan Road in 2017. Uncle Af's is a father and son owned business offering a delicious array of European paninis, salads and breakfast items. You'll find some unique offerings here, like the L.A. Rams Panini (Chicken Thigh, Firecracker Bacon, Green Onion, Parsley, Cilantro, Basil, Red Onion, Tomatoes, Avocado, Jack Cheese, Garlic Aioli) and more. uncleafs.site 818-584-3556

Village Trader Neighborhood Market & Deli at 330 Via Las Brisas, Suite 110, Newbury Park (Dos Vientos) offers 19 delicious classic and specialty sandwiches. The deli is open from 9am to 7pm daily. Phone orders welcomed at 805-499-7533 www.facebook.com/villagetrader

Agoura’s Famous Deli, established in 1995, is the 3rd full-service Jewish deli in the Conejo Valley. Located at 5915 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills. Like the other Jewish delis, Agoura’s Famous serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and more. www.agourasfamousdeli.com 818-889-9113

Alpine Deli is located in the Conejo Valley Plaza next to Eggs n Things at 1530 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Since 1989, Alpine is one of the most well-stocked European delis in the Conejo Valley, offering German, Hungarian, Dutch, Austrian and Italian specialties, sandwiches, subs and more. www.alpinegermandeli.com 805-496-4707

Board & Brew is a specialty sandwich place that opened in the spring of 2023 at The Shoppes at Westlake, 30734 Russell Ranch Road. They offer an assortment of 15 specialty cold and hot sandwiches, such as Turkado, Chicken Club, Left Coast Pastrami and others. Plenty of indoor seating and a variety of craft beers on tap. boardandbrew.com (818) 318-1448

Bottega Italian Deli is located at 3184 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks, offering delicious Italian sandwiches on fresh baked bread… Turkey & Fontina, Speck & Gorgonzola, Meatballs & Provolone, Roast Beef & Parmigiano and many more. bottegafoods.com 805-449-8733

Brent’s Deli has operated at 2799 Townsgate Road in Westlake Village since 2006 in a large dine-in location near the Hyatt Westlake. Full service Jewish deli serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. www.brentsdeli.com 805-557-1882

D. Mongeon’s Deli has operated as long as my brain can remember (actually 1987) at 1111 Rancho Conejo Blvd. #104, Newbury Park, offering a delicious assortment of subs made on fresh French rolls. www.facebook.com/MongeonsDeli 805-499-8713

Firehouse Subs, which opened in May 2024, is located in the Northgate Plaza, 111 S. Westlake Blvd in Westlake Village. Visit www.firehousesubs.com 818-337-1032

Italia Deli & Bakery at 5657 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills has served the local community since 1981. Italia bakes delicious Italian rolls and bread daily from scratch and carries a wide array of meat, cheeses and imported Italian groceries and of course a large selection of sandwiches. italiadeli.com 818-991-4838

Lovi’s Deli is just over the Calabasas grade at 24005 Calabasas Road. Another popular Jewish deli that also serves a wide range of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Indoor and outdoor seating available. www.lovisdeli.com 818-223-8777


SANDWICHES NO MORE

Togo’s Sandwiches in Westlake Village closed in the spring of 2022

Which Wich at The Shoppes at Westlake Village closed in December 2021

Peebee & Jay’s opened in August 2020 in the Thousand Oaks Marketplace (Walmart/Walgreen plaza) in Newbury Park and closed in the fall of 2022.

Roxy’s Deli in Thousand Oaks closed its doors in June 2011, after 20 years serving the Conejo Valley.

Nate ‘n Al Deli operated at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks from November 2009 to the beginning of January 2012.

Building of the Norwegian Grade from Conejo Valley to Camarillo 1909 to 1911

This historic photo and information was generously provided by Gerry Olsen, grandson of Nils Olsen, one of the original settlers in the Conejo Valley in the 1890s.

Back at the turn of the century, farmers in the Conejo Valley grew dry crops like barley and wheat and had to take their harvest to Port Hueneme/Oxnard via horse-drawn wagons. Their only routes were the treacherous (at the time) Potrero Road or down the unpaved Norwegian Grade to Santa Rosa Road.

So in 1909, with a $60 donation from the county to purchase dynamite, Norwegian families Olsen, Pedersen, other volunteers and paid helpers blasted into the hillside from Nils Olsen's property, 1 1/2 miles down to Santa Rosa Road.

It took two to three years to finish the project using the dynamite, manual labor and horse-drawn earth moving machines called Fresno Scrapers (named after a Scottish chap in 1883 who formed the Fresno Agricultural Works to manufacture it).  Here is a historic photo of these early Conejo Valley roadbuilders.

I used to run up the grade from time to time and that was a pretty tight squeeze, with its steep descent and cactus on the side of the road. While most of us take the 23/101 freeways to get to/from Thousand Oaks/Moorpark/Camarillo these days, the Norwegian Grade provides an alternate 2-lane route with a direct linkage to the gritty Norwegian settlers who had the guts and determination to build it.