Over 40 Things To Do in Santa Barbara

Incorporated on April 9, 1850, the city of Santa Barbara is a popular destination for Ventura County residents as it can be reached in an hour or less via the 101.  Santa Barbara is referred to as the American Riviera, with the longest south-facing section of coastline on the west coast.

The city was inhabited by the Chumash over 13,000 years ago. But it received its name from Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino in 1602 when he entered the channel on the 4th of December, the day of the feast of Santa Barbara.

If I had to move from the Conejo Valley to some other place in the world, Santa Barbara would be on my short list for its temperate weather, laid back feel and so many things to do, which we highlight below.

Outdoors

• Over a dozen public beaches in and around Santa Barbara

• Beaches in the Carpinteria area

• Arroyo Burro Beach Park

• Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara

• Red Tile Walking Tour

• Rincon Beach Park

• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

• Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens

• Santa Barbara area campgrounds

Museums and Historic Sites

• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center

• Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

• Mission Historical Park and A.C. Postel Garden

• Old Mission Santa Barbara

• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

• Reagan Ranch Center Exhibit Galleries

• Santa Barbara Historical Museum

• Casa de la Guerra Museum

• Santa Barbara Museum of Art

• MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

• Carpinteria Valley Museum of History

Other Fun Stuff

• Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show

• Santa Barbara Zoo

• Santa Barbara Audubon Aviary

• Santa Barbara Bowl

• Opera Santa Barbara

• Condor Express Whale Watching Tours

• Chase Palm Park

• Alameda Park Kids Play Structure

• Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary

Santa Barbara Harbor

Fun for the Kids at Local Ventura County Shopping Malls

Shop and plop yourself down while your kids get entertained or, better yet, entertain themselves.  Here is a roundup of kids' activities and play areas at local shopping malls.  In addition to these ongoing activities, seasonal/holiday events are posted regularly here on Conejo Valley Guide.

The Lakes at Thousand Oaks has a nicely appointed outdoor playground with swings, slide and sandbox, large grassy area, two lakes (with ducks usually enjoying it) and waterfall.

Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks has Kids Fun Zone arts and crafts on the last Saturday of the month.  There is a small outdoor kids play area for the little ones and an impressive outdoor water fountain, not to mention a NEOS interactive play wall. And Sky Zone Trampoline Park is fun for all ages.

The Commons at Calabasas offers a Kids Club for kids 10 and under on Tuesday nights at 5pm typically March through October as well as an Edwards Theater.

Simi Valley Town Center has a small outdoor kids play area, dragon structure and $2 mini train rides. There’s also the Rockin’ Kids Play Center and Studio Movie Grill to round out the action.

The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks offers an indoor kids play area for little ones, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Jumpify Indoor Playground, Galactic Challenge airsoft B target range on level 2 of the outdoor shops area and the AMC Movie Theater.

Pacific View Mall in Ventura has a nice kids' play area near the food court, Bouncing Fun Land and a monthly Kids Club. Soon the Harbor View Carousel will be operating there in the level 2 food court area.

Camarillo Premium Outlets expanded by 220,000 sq ft in April 2009 with The Promenade, which has a Spanish style courtyard area.  In 2019, a kids playground area was constructed at The Promenade.

Playground installed at the Camarillo Premium Outlets in 2019.

The Promenade at Westlake does not have a kids play area but they do have several nice fountains, live music on most summer weekends, the upscale Cinepolis movie theater and a koi pond.

Malibu Country Mart has a nice outdoor kids' playground area with cool ocean breezes.

The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard has the 16 screen Century Theatre, Color Me Mine ceramics studio and a nice outdoor playground/park area and the Bowlero bowling alley and Jump ‘N Jammin indoor play center. The Annex Food Hall at The Collection offers a Kids Club the last Wednesday of the month. There are board games available daily at Park View Court.

Eleven of My Favorite Things to Do In and Around the City of Ventura

Incorporated in 1866, the City of Ventura is the county seat of Ventura County. The official name of Ventura is the city of San Buenaventura. Mission San Buenaventura was founded by Franciscan priest Junipero Serra on March 31, 1782 and was named after Saint Bonaventure. Enough with the history lesson...here are some of my favorite things to do in this beautiful city!

You can't miss the 1,600 foot long Ventura Pier, with its panoramic views, fishing and ocean breezes. There's a cool little playground area in the sand just west of the pier, bicycle rentals nearby, miles of beachfront bike path and Surfers' Point. San Buenaventura State Beach stretches from the Ventura Pier down south past the homes of the Ventura Keys. Eateries on the pier include Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co., MadeWest Brewing Company Taproom and Beach House Tacos.

Ventura Harbor Village is home to 33 acres of harborside activities, shopping and restaurants. There's an arcade with an antique carousel, boat rides, kayaking and sailing and quick access to family-friendly Harbor Cove Beach and Surfer's Knoll Beach. Also within a short walking distance is the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center, an inspirational and interactive source of information about the Channel Islands National Park. Bring the kids!

Ventura Harbor Village is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

For some of the most spectacular views of Ventura, stop by Grant Park / Serra Cross Park. You can drive up there, or park above the historic Ventura City Hall building and walk to Grant Park via the Ventura Botanical Gardens Demonstration Trail. This nice one mile trail will give you a nice little workout, with views along the way.

A view from the Ventura Botanical Gardens Demonstration Trail near Grant Park in 2020.

Golf N' Stuff is a family favorite, especially when it's really hot in the Conejo Valley and you're looking for an outdoor alternative to the beach.  The kids never tire of the two 18-hole mini golf courses, bumper boats, large, nicely appointed arcade, go karts and bumper cars.

Mini golf fun at Golf N' Stuff Ventura.

Another popular family choice is oceanfront Marina Park in the Ventura Keys, a decent sized park with plenty of grassy area, a newer playground and path to adjacent picnic and viewing area Soter Point. We enjoy riding bikes from the park to the Ventura Beach Path.

Marina Park Beach

In Downtown Ventura, the Museum of Ventura County hosts a collection of over 30,000 pieces of fine art and historical items and a changing lineup of exhibits displaying items of local relevance. The Museum's Research Library houses over 150,000 resources related to the history of Ventura County. And the Museum regularly hosts public events geared towards all ages as well as free admission the first Sunday of each month.

The city closed off five blocks of Main Street in Downtown Ventura to create “Main Street Moves.” in 2020. This allowed many businesses to thrive with outdoor dining during the pandemic, but it also caught on as a great opportunity to roam the streets of Downtown Ventura in a leisurely way, without automobile traffic. City Council has extended Main Street Moves to July 2024, pending feasibility study of a permanent arrangement. Updates at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2165/Main-Street-Moves.

It doesn’t feel like it is in Ventura, but Lake Casitas Recreation Area, technically in Ventura (though it feels more like it is in Oak View), is a wonderland of outdoor fun - boating/kayaking on the lake (no swimming though…it is a water source), camping, disc golf, picnicking, bicycling, exploring and more.

Kayaking at Lake Casitas.

Something new! Moby’s on Main opened at 369 E. Main Street in Ventura, in late May 2024. Moby’s is Ventura’s first family-friendly arcade and bar, offering a collection of vintage arcade games, pinball machines, classic Thrifty ice cream, snacks and more. www.mobysonmain.com

Those are some highlights! But there's more!

Over 45 things to do in the City of Ventura

Over 40 kids activities in the City of Ventura

Nearly 50 sports and fitness activities in the City of Ventura

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tennis Courts Open to the Public In and Around Ventura County

Looking to play a little tennis in and around Ventura County? There are over 150 tennis courts open to the public throughout the county. Here they are compiled into one list. 

Contact us with any additions!

Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park

• Borchard Community Park, 190 Reino Road, Newbury Park - 4 courts

• Del Prado Playfield, 402 Calle del Prado, Newbury Park (Dos Vientos) - 1 court (also 2 pickleball courts)

• Rancho Conejo Playfields, 950 N. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park - 2 courts

• Dos Vientos Community Park, 4801 Borchard Road, Newbury Park - 2 courts

• North Ranch Playfield, 952 Rockfield Street, Thousand Oaks - 2 courts

• Thousand Oaks Community Park, 2525 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks - 4 courts

• Triunfo Park, 980 Aranmoor Ave, Thousand Oaks - 3 courts

• Wildflower Playfield, 635 W. Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks - 4 courts

Agoura/Oak Park/Calabasas

• Agoura High School Tennis Courts are available for public use after school hours until 10pm and on weekends and summer, when not otherwise in use.

• Gates Canyon Park, 25801 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Calabasas - 2 courts

• Indian Springs Park, 4800 Rockfield, Oak Park - 2 courts

• Deerhill Park, 6700 Doubletree Road, Oak Park - 2 courts

Camarillo

• Bob Kildee Community Park, 1030 Temple Avenue - 6 lighted courts

• Mission Oaks Park, 5501 Mission Oaks Boulevard - 6 lighted courts

• Pitts Ranch Park, 1400 Flynn Road - 2 courts

• Valle Lindo Park, 889 Aileen Street - 5 lighted courts

• Springville Park, 801 Via Zamora: 3 lighted courts

Oxnard

• Carty Park, 3900 South F Street - 1 court

• College Estates Park, 1400 Gary Drive - 1 court

• Community Center West Park, 801 Hobson Way - 8 lighted courts

• East Park, 351 Indus Place - 1 court

• Fremont Tot Park, 1130 North M Street - 2 courts

• Lemonwood Park, 2055 East San Mateo Place - 2 courts

• Marina West, 1300 South Novato Drive - 2 courts

• Orchard Park, 2130 Edelweiss Street - 1 court

• Peninsula Park, 3333 South Peninsula Road - 2 courts

• Rio del Mar Elementary, 3150 Thames River Drive - 1 court

• Rio Lindo Park, 841 Blanca Street - 1 court

• Sea Air Park, 2011 Ninth Street - 2 courts

• Seabridge Park, 3900 LMD, W. Wooley - 2 courts

• Via Marina Park, 3301 Keel Way - 1 court

• Wilson Park, 350 North C Street - 1 court

Ventura

www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1774/Tennis-Pickleball

• Camino Real Park & Tennis Center, Dean Drive and Varsity Street - 8 courts

• Harry A. Lyon Park, DeAnza Drive at Cameron Street - 3 courts

• Juanamaria Park, Loma Vista Road and Kimball Road - 2 courts

Simi Valley

• Rancho Madera Community Park, 556 Lake Park Drive - 6 courts

• Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Avenue - 8 courts

• Rancho Tapo Community Park, 3700 Avenida Simi - 4 courts

Moorpark

• Arroyo Vista Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road - 8 courts

• Mammoth Highlands Park, 7000 Elk Run Loop - 1 court

• Miller Park, 4530 Miller Parkway - 2 courts

• Tierra Rejada Park, 11900 Mountain Trail Street - 3 courts

Ojai

• Libbey Park, Downtown Ojai - numerous courts

• Soule Park, 1301 Soule Park Road - 1 court

Port Hueneme

• Moranda Park, 200 Moranda Parkway - 8 courts

Tennis courts at Borchard Park in Newbury Park are nicely maintained.

Hiking and Exploring in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park

Entrance to Rancho Sierra VistaSatwiwa at Lynn Road and Via Goleta in Newbury Park

Located on the western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is accessible in Newbury Park at the intersection of Lynn Road and Via Goleta. This area spans from Potrero Road on the north and connects to Point Mugu State Park on the south.

Ranching in the area dates back to the early 1800s, when Spanish soldiers were granted 48,672 acres of land, "Rancho El Conejo," which through the years was subdivided and sold to other landowners. One of these ranchers was Carl Beal, who in 1937 named the area Rancho Sierra Vista "Mountain View Ranch." The last private landowner in the area was Richard Danielson, whose family farmed and ranched the area for 32 years. Danielson donated 5,585 acres of the ranch to the State of California, which became part of Point Mugu State Park, and sold 850 acres, including the horse ranch, to the National Park Service in 1980.

Sign at Danielson Monument accessible via Danielson Road/Old Boney Trail.

The Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area is a bike/horse free area within Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa of roughly 60 acres. Located on the northwest corner of this area, just a short walk from visitor parking, is the Satwiwa Native American Culture Center.

The Culture Center is staffed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. most weekends with a park ranger or other staff. It is a small building that also hosts a variety of educational Chumash and wildlife items. NPS BROCHURE AND TRAIL MAP

Learn more about RSV at www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/rsvsatwiwa.htm.

The area is a popular destination for hikers with a variety of well maintained trails. Note, however, that bicycles and horses are not allowed in the "Satwiwa Natural Area" section (see map below).

Map excerpt courtesy of National Park Service.

The Satwiwa Loop Trail is an easy, 2 mile trail that starts at the Culture Center through grasslands, past the old windmill and back around, with several extensions for those looking to do a little more.

There's the Lower Loop Trail and the Upper Loop Trail that is a bit of a zig-zaggy trail with wooden footings placed by volunteers to help hikers navigate. The Upper Loop Trail runs past the "Old Windmill" pictured below.

Satwiwa Lower Loop sign at intersection of Danielson Road trail.

The old windmill at the northeast corner of the Satwiwa Loop Trail (Upper Loop). (Windmill was knocked down by high winds in December 2016 and is still down as of MAY 2024).

You can also park at the Wendy and Potrero trailhead and walk to the Culture Center via the Wendy Trail, about a mile each way.

Wendy Trail trailhead at the intersection of Wendy and Potrero in Newbury Park

It is pretty dry in here most of the year but after the winter/spring rains, the green stages a comeback.

Another trail to explore is the 1 mile Ranch Overlook Trail that takes you from just west of the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, up a hill (where you can indeed look down toward the old ranch area, parking area and restrooms) to the main entrance and to the Palomino Trail in the Rancho Potrero Open Space.

Ranch Overlook Trail

One of my favorite trails in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail. This challenging, fairly steep trail branches off from the Satwiwa Loop Trail on the southeast, past the bench at the Upper Sycamore Canyon Overlook, via the Boney Mountain Trail/Danielson Road.

The popular bench at Upper Sycamore Canyon Overlook. Photo taken April 4, 2014, approximately 11 months after the devasting Springs Fire of 2013.

Roughly 700 feet past the Upper Sycamore Canyon bench is a juncture where you can either veer right into Point Mugu State Park and the Boney Mountain Wilderness, where you can walk down, over a stream (or a dry stream bed as the case may be), towards the popular "waterfall" (which in recent years has been not much more than a trickle) and the Danielson Monument. CLICK HERE for details.

If you veer left at the juncture, you'll see the Hidden Valley Overlook trail sign.

The trail is steep and rocky and reaches an end point in about half a mile. If you are up to the challenge, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of Newbury Park, the Channel Islands, Sycamore Canyon and Boney Mountain.

Views from halfway up the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail towards the Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area

At the end of the trail is the Hidden Valley overlook, where you will be able to peek into the not-so-hidden-anymore Hidden Valley and its peaceful ranches. As a final reward for your effort, it's all downhill the way back. Be sure to wear solid hiking shoes as the trails are a bit technical.

Peek at Hidden Valley at the end of the Hidden Valley Overlook Trail.

View of Santa Cruz Island, one of the Channel Islands, from Hidden Valley Overlook trail

To learn more, visit the Anthony C. Beilenson Visitor Center at 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas or visit www.nps.gov/samo or call 805.370.2301.

Dogs are allowed in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet. But please, pick up after your pet. Dogs are not allowed in the Point Mugu State Park / Boney Mountain Wilderness back country trails, though they are allowed on paved roads, such as the Big Sycamore Canyon Trail road.

The Pedestrian Tunnel Under Avenida De Los Arboles in Thousand Oaks

There's a pedestrian tunnel that connects the Wildflower Playfield on Avenida De Los Arboles at Canna Street that goes underneath Arboles to Wildwood Neighborhood Park.

At the west end of Wildwood Neighborhood Park is a trail that will take you into Wildwood Park, and from there, you can either loop around back to the main Wildwood Park trailhead at the west end of Arboles, or turn back the way you came.

Wildwood Neighborhood Park was home to the original Wildwood Fort, built in 1967, but torn down in 2009 due to deterioration. New playground equipment was installed in 2021. There is also a playground across the street at Wildflower Playfield, along with restrooms at both parks. More info at www.crpd.org.

Playground at Wildwood Neighborhood Park