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.

Take Advantage of AAA Membership Benefits and Discounts

The Automobile Club is a non-profit service organization with over 51 million members, including 6 million in Southern California.  If you are not already a member, you should consider becoming one.

Basic “classic” membership is $57 per year plus a one time $20 admission fee (as of August 2024). Membership provides for towing up to 7 miles, discounted rental cars, emergency fuel delivery, locksmith service, access to AAA offices and services, free maps and travel planning, etc. Upgraded plans (AAA Plus and AAA Premier) are available, with enhanced benefits, such as much longer towing bene

But where membership can really pay off are savings on products and services.  Here are a few that really stand out (updated August 2024...subject to change).

• Getting a AAA rate on hotels like Hilton, Hyatt, and Best Western can save you 5% or more on your rooms.

• AMC Theatre Black Tickets good for seats across the country for $11.95, which is a sizeable discount over prices at the theatre, like 40%. Also save on tickets at Regal and Cinemark theatres.

• $2 off admission to the Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena.

• Save over 40% on admission at Knott's Berry Farm.

• Up to 20% off when you purchase advance tickets to Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach at an AAA branch and 10% off at the gate or online.

• Save 30% on a 1-day general admission to Universal Studios Hollywood

• Save up to 60% off passes to Six Flags Magic Mountain.

• Save 5% at the gate at LEGOLAND California Resort and up to 20% off of tickets purchased in advance

• Save up to 60% on tickets to Sea World San Diego

• Planning on a multi-day visit to Disneyland? Save by buying passes at a AAA office

• 10% off food and non-alcoholic drinks at Dave & Buster’s

Hundreds more discounts listed on the AAA website. There's also a free AAA iPhone and Android app to find AAA discounts in your area.

So even if you don't think you'll need roadside assistance or towing, it could really pay off having a AAA membership.  Visit the Auto Club of Southern California website at www.calif.aaa.com/home.html for more information.

Erbes Road in Thousand Oaks Named After Early Settlers in the Conejo Valley

Courtesy of Thousand Oaks Library

calisphere.org/item/ark:/13030/c8w093ww

This is Elizabeth Opper Erbes. She is the mother of Ernest and Otto Erbes, who were early settlers in the Conejo Valley.

Otto (born in 1885, passed in 1959) owned a walnut orchard on what is now Erbes Road.

Estella Park on Erbes Road just south of Hillcrest is located on land donated to the city by Otto Erbes and his wife.

Erbes Road is a major north/south artery in the City of Thousand Oaks, stretching just over 5 miles, from Calle Zocolo, north of Olsen Road, on the north, to Thousand Oaks Boulevard on the south.

Olsen Road is also named after early Conejo Valley pioneer Nils Olsen. Olsen and four Norwegian compatriots purchased 650 acres of land from George Edwards in 1890.

Stay Cool in the Pool! Community Swimming Throughout Ventura County

Stay cool this summer and year-round at some of these community swimming pools, water parks and splash pads in Ventura County and surrounding areas. For updates and additions, contact us!

Conejo Valley (Conejo Recreation & Park District)

Community Pool at Cal Lutheran University Samuelson Aquatics Center is a year-round facility, offering recreational and lap swimming 7 days a week. Call 805.241.0894 or visit www.crpd.org. General admission is $4 ($3 for 62+ with ID). Water is heated up to 82 degrees year round.  www.crpd.org/aquatics.

Newbury Park High School Community Swimming Pool is at 456 Reino Road. Open during the summer only. Entry fee $4 per person. Call 805.498.6906 or visit www.crpd.org/facilities/community-pools.

Thousand Oaks High School Community Swimming Pool is at 2323 N. Moorpark Road is open during the summer only. Call 805.496.8564 or visit www.crpd.org/facilities/community-pools.

Conejo Valley/Agoura - Other

• Daland Swim School in Thousand Oaks offers group and individual lessons.

• Conejo Valley YMCA in Thousand Oaks heated indoor swimming pool open 7 days/week.

• Water Wings Swim School in Agoura Hills offers group and individual lessons

Children’s Splash Pad/Water Area at Oak Canyon Community Park, 5600 Hollytree Drive, Oak Park. Hours of operation are 10am to 7pm. 2024 Splash Pad season opens Saturday, May 25 and ends on Monday, September 2. Free of charge. 818.865.9304

Kids love the Interactive Fountain at Janss Marketplace.

Moorpark/Simi Valley

Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District offers a large community swimming pool at Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Avenue. Pool hours at www.rsrpd.org/recreation/aquatics.php but open rec hours are 1-3pm M-F 6/10 to 8/14 and 1-4pm Sat/Sun 6/8 to 9/8 . Admission $4 for ages 2 to 49 and $2 ages 50+.

Rancho Tapo Splash Pad

Childrens' Splash Pad Area at Rancho Tapo Community Park, 3700 Avenida Simi. Free. Opens Saturday, May 25, 2024 and closes on Monday, September 2nd. Hours are 11am to 2pm and 3-7pm daily. www.rsrpd.org/business_detail_T9_R45.php

Simi Valley Aquatics is available for swim lessons and birthday parties only.

Simi Valley Family YMCA heated indoor swimming pool open 7 days/week.

Camarillo/Oxnard

Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center offers an indoor swimming pool with eight swimming lanes, a one meter diving board, 65 foot spiral water slide and more. Pool heated between 81 and 83 degrees. Open Tues/Thur/Fri/Sat for recreational swim from 1:30-4pm 6/17 to 8/23. $4 for ages 4+, free to ages 3 and under and $3 ages 60+. Visit www.pvrpd.org/aquatics or call 805.987.8198. 

Camarillo Family YMCA swimming pool open Mon-Sat. Call 805.484.0423 or visit www.ciymca.org/locations/camarillo-family-ymca

There's a "Pop Jet Fountain" at The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard, on Town Center Drive in front of the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar and adjacent to Larsen's Grill.

Ventura and Up the Coast

Ventura Aquatic Center has a 25 meter recreational pool, 50 meter competition pool, playground pool, two slides, and more! Open swim free for age 2 and under, $10 for ages 3 and up. Visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/612/Aquatics or call 805.654.7511 for details. BEST TO RESERVE A SPOT IN ADVANCE AS CAPACITY IS LIMITED. Open swim schedule for summer 2024 (June 17-Aug 9) is 1-4:30pm Mon-Fri and 12:30-4pm Sat/Sun.

Casitas Water Adventure is open all summer on select days - the Lazy River, Mega Play Unit Structure with 2 water buckets and 5 slides (2 for children; 3 for teens/adults), Splash Pad and Lagoon. 2024 season runs from May 25 to August 13 (weekdays); September 14 (for weekends). Weekend morning sessions 10:30 am to 2 pm and afternoon sessions 3 to 6:30 pm. Weekday hours are 11am to 6pm.

Call 805.649.2233 or visit www.casitaswater.org/casitas-water-adventure to learn more and reserve a spot. Cost is $20 per person on weekdays and $23 for weekends. Free entry for under two years of age.

Ventura Family YMCA has 2 indoor heated swimming pools and is open 7 days/week.

Carpinteria Community Pool is located at 5305 Carpinteria Avenue. Day passes are $5 for 12 and under, $7.00 for ages 13-64, $5 for seniors. Recreational swimming on weekdays varies; Saturdays from 11am to 3pm. Visit carpinteriaca.gov/parks-and-recreation/carpinteria-community-pool for more information.

The Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center at Marina Park in Ventura is a U.S. Sailing Association certified facility for lessons in sailing, kayaking and navigation for all ages.

Other Places Around Town

The Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center located at 23400 Park Sorrento is open 7 days/week. $7 for adults, $4 for seniors $1 for kids under 13. (3 and under are free). Pool hours vary. Visit www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/community-services-parks-recreation/tennis-swim-center or call 818.222.2782. Pools heated to 82 degrees year-round.

The Splash Pad at De Anza Park at 3701 Lost Hills Road, Calabasas is usually open during the summer Mon-Fri 11am to 5pm

Malibu Community Pool at Malibu High School, 30215 Morning View Drive. Outdoor pool heated to 82 degrees. $3 per person. Visit www.malibucity.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Malibu-Community-Pool-7 or call 310.589.1933 for details.

The Fillmore Aquatics Center at 575 1st Street opens Memorial Day through Labor Day each year for recreational swimming Monday through Friday from 11:30am-3:45pm and Saturdays 10am to 4pm. More information and fees at www.fillmoreca.com/176/Parks-Recreation or 805.524.4902. 

And let's not forget the incredible BEACHES close by! CLICK HERE for links to over 40 public beaches throughout Ventura County, stretching north to Carpinteria and south to Malibu.

Water Parks Outside of Ventura County

Knott's Soak City in Buena Park (about 70 miles from Thousand Oaks)

Legoland California Water Park in Carlsbad (135 miles from Thousand Oaks)

Raging Waters Water Park in San Dimas (75 miles from Thousand Oaks)

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Valencia (50 miles from Thousand Oaks)

Hansen Dam Aquatic Center in Lakeview Terrace with a large pool, cabanas and two water slides. 

The Twin Ponds Conservation Area in the Conejo Open Space is Protected Land

The Twin Ponds Conservation Area in Dos Vientos is part of the open space lands of the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency and is protected by a conservation easement to the California Department of Fish and Game.

July 2014

January 2015

May 2016

The ponds were originally constructed in the 1920s as part of the irrigation system for agricultural and cattle ranching operations at Dos Vientos Ranch. Today they serve as important habitat for Two Striped Garter Snakes and larger animals such as deer, bobcat, coyote and mountain lions that depend on a reliable source of water. Migrating waterfowl are occasionally abundant, especially in winter.

COSCA and Fish & Game ask that we enjoy this scenic area but protect the ponds for the future and ask that we do not enter the water or allow dogs/horses to enter the water, disturb or remove any animal or plant or place any plants or animals, including fish, into the ponds.

To explore the ponds, take the Vista Del Mar Trail from one of several access points in the Dos Vientos area, including the corner of Via Ricardo and Via Rincon and the corner of Rancho Dos Vientos and Via El Cerro. This is a fun little hike to take the kids on and the ponds are only about a mile from the Via Ricardo/Via Rincon trailhead.

Twin Ponds? What ponds? The ponds are completely dried up as of August/September 2016.

January 2024

Late March 2024 - looking great!

Map From Westlake Master-Planned Community Brochure from 1968

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In 1968, the American-Hawaiian Land Company, a division of American-Hawaiian Steamship Company, was developing the Westlake master-planned community, "the new city in the country."

At the time, 2,500 people lived in Westlake. The Ventura County sections of Westlake were annexed into the City of Thousand Oaks in 1968 and 1972. The Los Angeles County section of Westlake was incorporated as the City of Westlake Village in 1981. Some notable items from this 1968 map from a Westlake brochure:

1. "El Conejo Blvd." was later changed to Thousand Oaks Blvd.

2. Westlake Plaza did not exist at the time, though you can see "Future Town Center."

3. What is now Westlake Village Inn, Mediterraneo and Stonehaus back then was the Westlake Motor Hotel, Westlake Inn restaurant and Chauncey's Coffee House.

4. Last, but not least, there was no Costco in the original planned community map.

More information about the City of Westlake Village boundary lines at THIS LINK.