U.S. National Park Service Free Entrance Days

There are over 400 national parks covering over 84 million acres throughout the United States and its territories.  The majority of these parks do not charge entrance fees (though parking fees often apply). As for the roughly 110 national parks that do have entrance fees, there are a number of designated "fee free" days each year.

Here are the National Park Service Free Entrance Days in 2024:

• January 15 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

• April 20 (First Day of National Park Week)

• June 19: (Juneteenth National Independence Day)

• August 4 (Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act)

• September 28 (National Public Lands Day)

• November 11 (Veterans Day)

The parks that normally charge a fee that are free on the above dates are listed at www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparksbystate.htm. California parks in this category include:

• Cabrillo National Monument

• Death Valley National Park

• Joshua Tree National Park

• Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Lava Beds National Monument

• Muir Woods National Monument

• Pinnacles National Monument

• San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

• Sequoia National Park

• Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

• Yosemite National Park

Plenty of other amazing national treasures are on this list, like Grand Canyon National Park.

And of course there are two national parks in Ventura County that are always worth exploring:

• Channel Islands National Park

• Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

For more information about the National Park Service, visit www.nps.gov.

Over 40 Things to Do in the City of Simi Valley

The City of Simi Valley was incorporated on October 10, 1969, making it the 2nd youngest of the 10 cities in Ventura County (Moorpark was incorporated in 1983). It is the 3rd largest city in Ventura County in population (approximately 126,000 in 2018), following Oxnard and Thousand Oaks.

What do all those people like to do in the City of Simi Valley? Well here we will tell you things to do there.

Trails and Hikes

• Mt McCoy Trail

• Corriganville Park

• Chumash Trail

• Rocky Peak Park (and Hummingbird Creek, Chumash and Las Llajas Trails)

• Long Canyon Trail

View from Mt McCoy Trail Peak

Sports and Recreation

• Arroyo Simi Bike Path

• Oak Park Campground

• Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Programs

• Rancho Simi Community Pool

• Simi Valley Batting Cages

• Rancho Tapo Community Park

• Rancho Simi Community Park

• Harley's Bowl

• Harley's Valley Bowl

• LA Kings Iceoplex Ice Arena in Simi Valley

• Simi Hills Golf Course

• Sinaloa Golf Course

Museums and History

• Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

• Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village

• Strathearn Historical Park and Museum

• Museum of Military Posters and Historic Memorabilia

• Santa Susana Depot Museum and Model Railroad

• Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum at Simi Valley Town Center

Other Activities

• Simi Valley Town Center

• Studio Movie Grill

• Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center

• The Vivid Canvas Art Studio

• Simi Valley Public Library

• Nightlife Options in Simi Valley

• As You Wish Pottery Painting Place

Geared Towards Kids

• Rockin' Kids Play Center

• LazerTag Axtreme

• Open Gym at Platinum Sports Center

• Big Z Family Fun Center

Popular Annual Events

• Simi Valley Street Fair (Fall)

• Round-Up Rock and Country Music Extravaganza (Spring)

• Knights of Columbus Chili Cook-Off, Car Show and Music Fest (June)

• Happy Face Music Festival (Memorial Day Weekend)

This is just some of the great things to do in Simi Valley. Check the other section of CVG, including the Events Calendar, Local Events, Kid Fun , Do Something and Fitness and Sports.

Highlights of a Dozen Fun Things to See and Do In and Around Camarillo

Residents voted to incorporate Camarillo as a city on September 29, 1964 (the same day that Thousand Oaks residents voted to do the same). Today Camarillo has the 5th largest population out of 10 cities in Ventura County, with about 71,000 residents.

One neat feature of Camarillo is its revitalized Old Town on Ventura Boulevard, a one mile stretch adjacent to Highway 101 between Lewis Road and Carmen Drive. There is a mixture of eateries, galleries, salons, boutiques and shopping along the pedestrian friendly thoroughfare that has transformed the area. Parking is free. More at www.facebook.com/camarillooldtown.

Here are a dozen other fun things to explore, see and do in Camarillo:

The roughly 2 mile Calleguas Creek Bike Path from Pleasant Valley Fields to the corner of Flynn and Upland Road in Camarillo is a family favorite, providing 4 miles of bicycling round-trip. The path is adjacent to Calleguas Creek with several street underpasses, keeping the path completely free of vehicular traffic.

Calleugas Creek Bike Path

McGrath Family Farm off the Central Avenue 101 offramp grows organic fruits, vegetables and flowers and is open 7 days a week from spring through fall. McGrath also offers farm tours, visits with the farm animals and "pick your own" produce. A quick, healthy and fun stop with the kids.

The Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing Aviation Museum is open Friday through Sunday at the Camarillo Airport with hangars devoted to preserving, displaying and flying World War II aircraft. Docents are extremely knowledgeable and eager to share information.  This is a Camarillo must-see.

Also at the Camarillo Airport is the annual Wings Over Camarillo Air Show in the August time frame. This is a weekend display of restored World War II military aircraft in flight, aerobatic, vintage and experimental aircraft displays, classic cars and plenty of family fun. This is one event in Camarillo that you have to see up close at least once. Visit wingsovercamarillo.com for more information.

The Camarillo Ranch House is a 3-story, 14 room, 6,000 square foot Victorian home built by Adolfo Camarillo in 1892. The City restored the beautiful home to what it looked like during the 1914 to 1930 time frame. Today the house is a popular event venue and is open for docent-led tours several days a week. The Camarillo Ranch was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

The Camarillo Ranch House is a popular wedding and other special events destination.

I'm amazed at how few of the people I talk to have heard of the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, more popularly known as the Camarillo Bird Museum. The 22,000 sq ft non-descript facility in an industrial office park hosts a collection of over 250,000 sets of bird eggs representing approximately 4,000 species; 18,000 nests and 56,000 bird study skins. The Museum is open to the public for one-hour tours on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm.

The Camarillo Premium Outlets is Ventura County's premiere outlet mall, featuring over 160 shops and eateries. On the east side are the original outlets, including the Main Court and Fashion Court, while on the west is the newer The Promenade section. In between is the Edwards Camarillo Palace 12.

Harley's Camarillo Bowl is the go-to spot for most kids that I know in the Conejo Valley who throw bowling birthday parties. I know because when the kids go bowling, I make sure to join them. Harley's gets the job done with 20 lanes, a small arcade, and a bar that serves up cold beer.

There are dozens of great farmers' markets around Ventura County, including the Saturday morning Camarillo Certified Farmers Market in Old Town Camarillo from 8am to noon.

There are a number of nicely appointed parks of all shapes and sizes in Camarillo, including six larger parks. One of my favorites is the hidden away Camarillo Grove Park at the bottom of the Conejo Grade, 6968 E. Camarillo Springs Road. This 24.5 acre park offers hiking trails, a dog park, outdoor nature center and more.

A trail at Camarillo Grove Park

The Pleasant Valley Historical Museum is dedicated to the preservation of local history and the adjoining Charles L. Honn Botanical Garden features plants and trees indigenous to the Pleasant Valley and the surrounding region. Both are fun, short, worthwhile visits, which is good because the Museum and Garden are only open from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, except holidays. Admission is free. (MUSEUM IS UNDERGOING EXPANSION AND IS STILL CLOSED AS OF JUNE 2024. Check their website for updates at pvhsonline.org.

Areas in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area Allowing Dogs on Leash

Pooch on leash

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is the largest urban national park in the United States at over 150,000 acres, extending from the Hollywood Bowl on the east to Point Mugu at its western end; including the beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu as well as the canyons and peaks extending north to Simi Valley.

Dogs are allowed in a number of areas within the Santa Monica Mountains, as long as they are on leashes that are no more than 6 feet in length. Here is a listing of areas where dogs are allowed:

National Park Service: Arroyo Sequit (has been closed since the Woolsey Fire in 2018), Castro Crest, Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons, Circle X Ranch, Deer Creek Canyon, Paramount Ranch, Peter Strauss Ranch, Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa, Rocky Oaks, Solstice Canyon and Zuma/Trancas Canyons

Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy: Calabasas Peak, Dixie Canyon, Escondido Canyon, Franklin Canyon, Fryman Canyon, Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park, Red Rock Canyon Park, San Vicente Mountain Park, Temescal Gateway Park, Wilacre Park

City of Malibu: Charmlee Wilderness Park, Malibu Bluffs

California State Parks: Pets are NOT allowed on backcountry trails of Topanga, Malibu Creek, Leo Carrillo and Point Mugu State Park, including the Boney Mountain Wilderness.

Canines are not allowed in the backcountry trails of Point Mugu State Park, including the Boney Mountain Wilderness.

Dogs on leash are allowed at County Line Beach, Leo Carrillo State Park (on beach north of lifeguard tower 3 and campground only), Point Mugu State Park (on beach and campground only in Sycamore Cove and Thornhill Broome Beach), Will Rogers State Historic Park (day-use areas and loop road only)

L.A. City Recreation and Park District: Coldwater Canyon Park, Laurel Canyon Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Temescal Canyon Park

While you're out on the trails with your pooch, remember to pick up after your dog and bring plenty of water and food for you and Fido.

For more information, visit the Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center in Calabasas or www.nps.gov/samo.

Outside of the Santa Monica Mountains, trails in the Conejo Valley, Simi Hills and other local area locations are generally dog-friendly as long as your furry friend is on a leash. 

Dozens and dozens and dozens of local area trails and hikes

DOG PARKS IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

VISITING STATE PARKS WITH YOUR DOG

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.

Events in Ventura County and Nearby Areas That Have Been Around Over 40 Years

Conejo Valley Guide is the most comprehensive resource ever known to human civilization for events, activities and things to do throughout Ventura County and adjacent areas stretching to Santa Barbara, Malibu and Calabasas, as all of you already know. We've noticed there are numerous events that have taken place in our local community for quite a long time! Let's take a look at the longest duration events in the area - those that have been around at least 40 years.

The 150th Ventura County Fair will take place in summer 2024, the longest duration community event in the county. According to this Fillmore Gazette article, the VC Fair originated in 1874 at Pierpont Bluffs and Hueneme before moving to Seaside Park in Ventura. www.venturacountyfair.org

The Ventura County Fair is the longest-running community event in the area.

The 100th Anniversary Old Spanish Days Fiesta in Santa Barbara will take place over five days, July 31 to August 4, 2024. It is an annual festival that honors and preserves Santa Barbara’s history, spirit, culture, heritage and traditions with music, art, food, parade, tours and more in various locations. Learn more at www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org.

The 76th Annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show took place in March 2024. It is one of the largest and oldest orchid shows in the United States. www.sborchidshow.com

The 74th Annual Oxnard Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will occur in December 2024 (generally the first Friday night of the month), making it one of the oldest traditions in Ventura County. And the tree is the County's tallest, at about 110 feet! downtownoxnard.org

The 74th Annual Santa Paula Christmas Parade takes place on the first Sunday after Thankgiving 2024, Quite a tradition for this town that was incorporated in April 1902!

The 70th Annual Semana Nautica 15K in Santa Barbara takes place on July 4, 2024 and on July 4th of each year. It is the oldest foot race on the Central Coast. www.sbrunning.org

The 68th Conejo Valley Days carnival will take place in June 2024. It is the oldest event of its kind in Thousand Oaks. The event officially became called Conejo Valley Days in 1956; previously referred to as a "Community Circus" when held at the old Jungleland (now The Lakes) compound conejovalleydays.us.

Scene from Conejo Valley Days Parade of 1970.

The 63rd (give or take) Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival took place at King Gillette Ranch in Agoura Hills on May 19, 2024. The event was established in Topanga Canyon and moved around a bit as it grew and moved to the current venue in 1990. It is one of the largest acoustic music events in Southern California. Learn more at www.topangabanjofiddle.org.

The second-longest running Christmas parade in Ventura County is the Camarillo Christmas Parade, which celebrates its 64th annual event in December 2024 www.pvrpd.org

The 62nd Annual Simi Valley Halloween Carnival took place on October 31, 2023 at Rancho Santa Susana Park. Hosted by the Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District, this is one of the longest running Halloween carnivals in Ventura County. www.rsrpd.org

Local area gem and mineral societies have been organizing fun annual shows for decades, including the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society's 61st Annual Gem, Mineral, Fossil and Lapidary Show happened in March 2024. vgms.org/category/gem-show.

The 57th Annual Parade of Lights at Channel Islands Harbor dazzles spectators in December 2023. This may well be the longest-running boat parade in Ventura County. Great fun watching the boats lighted up at the Harbor. www.channelislandsharbor.org

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park hosted its 55th Annual Easter Sunrise Service on March 31, 2024, quite possibly the longest running local Easter service in Ventura County www.piercebrothersvalleyoaks.com

The 53rd Westlake Village 4th of July Parade and Party in the Park will be taking place yet again on July 4, 2024, making it the longest running Conejo Valley area 4th of July parade. (Like most events, it was cancelled in 2020.) www.wlv.org

The 45th Ventura County Greek Festival will take place at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Camarillo in June 2024 www.vcgreekfestival.org.

The Conejo Gem & Mineral Club’s 47th Pageant of a Thousand Gems Show occurred in April 2024 in Newbury Park. www.cgamc.org

The 50th Anniversary Scandinavian Festival at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks was a lot of fun in May 2024.  www.scandinavianfest.org

The 47th Annual Ojai Art in the Park event took place on Memorial Day weekend 2024. This I believe is the longest-running outdoor art show within Ventura County. www.ojaiartcenter.org

This is just a tiny fraction of ALL the great events that take place in Ventura County and surrounding areas each year that are highlighted in the Events Calendar and Local Events section of Conejo Valley Guide.

Memorial Day is a holiday to remember those who died while serving in the armed forces. Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress in 1971, but its beginnings go back to after the Civil War in 1868.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, cities in the North and South claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1866. But in 1966, Congress and President Lyndon B. Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y. as the birthplace of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day.

Traditionally, Memorial Day was May 30th each year. That was changed to the last Monday in May when the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was signed into law in June 1968 and put into effect in 1971.

In 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance Act was enacted by Congress to ask Americans to pause in an act of national unity at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.

Here is a compilation of activities and events this 2024 Memorial Day weekend around Ventura County and adjacent areas.

• Fri-Sun 5/24-5/26: Gold Coast Gem Show at Ventura County Fairgrounds

• Fri 5/24: Camarillo Old Town Cruise Night (4-7PM)

• Fri 5/24: Free Screening of Jurassic Park at Thousand Oaks Community Park (7PM)

• Sat-Mon 5/25-5/27: I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival in Santa Barbara

• Sat/Sun 5/25-5/26: 47th Annual Ojai Art in the Park

• Sat/Sun 5/25-5/26: Point Mugu Surf Contest at Naval Base Ventura County

• Sat 5/25: Happy Face Hill Music Festival in Simi Valley

• Mon 5/27: Memorial Day Service at the Reagan Library (9AM music, 10AM program)

• Mon 5/27: Memorial Day Service at Pierce Brothers Westlake Village (10:30AM music, 11AM program)

• Mon 5/27: Memorial Day Observance at Moorpark Veterans’ Memorial (10AM)

• Mon 5/27: Memorial Day Service at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park in Camarillo (11AM)

• Mon 5/27: Moorpark Field of Valor Event (10AM-4PM Flag Viewing, 1PM Ceremony)

• Mon 5/27: Memorial Day Ceremony at Plaza Park in Oxnard (11AM)

• Mon 5/27: CPRD Concert in the Park - Beatles Tribute (5PM)

• The annual Butterflies Alive! summer exhibit at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History opens on Sat, 5/25

• Circus Vargas at the Ventura County Fairgrounds May 24 to June 3