Things to Do Around Ventura County When It's Really, Really Hot Outside

It's sure hot out here! What's there to do around town that will cool me off!? Looking for things to do when its really, really HOT outside!? This list of mostly indoor activities is somewhat random in order so take a close look and you'll find something cool to do in and around Ventura County.

Community Pools, Splash Pads and Water Parks in Ventura County

Conejo Valley/Agoura Hills/Oak Park

• Hitting Zone Indoor Batting Cages in Westlake Village

• All-Stars Athletics Indoor Batting Cages in Newbury Park

• Build-a-Bear Workshop at The Oaks Mall

• We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym in Agoura Hills

• Kids World Indoor Playground in Oak Park

• Chuck E. Cheese's in Thousand Oaks

• Monarchs Gym in Newbury Park and Agoura

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center in Thousand Oaks

• The Oaks Mall Indoor Play Area (up to age 5)

• Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing in Thousand Oaks

• The Arterie Art Studio in Thousand Oaks

• Open Gym at Conejo Recreation & Park District Facilities

• Sky Zone Thousand Oaks

• 101 Escape Rooms in Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks

• K1 Speed Indoor Go Kart Racing and Arcade in Thousand Oaks

• The Mighty Axe in Thousand Oaks

• Play Out Loud Indoor Playground in Agoura Hills

• Jumpify Indoor Playground at The Oaks Mall

• YES FACTORY in Agoura Hills

Camarillo/Oxnard/Ventura/Ojai/Port Hueneme

• Ventura Harbor Village

• Golf N' Stuff in Ventura

• Jump 'n Jammin Children’s Entertainment Center

• Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Ventura

• Red Door Escape Room at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard

• Lakeshore Learning Free Crafts on Saturdays in Ventura

• Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center in Ventura

• Skating Plus Roller Rink in Ventura

• Pacific View Mall Kids Club in Ventura

• Firefly Ceramics in Ventura

• The Ultimate Escape Rooms at Ventura Harbor Village

• Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing in Ventura

• Bee Fun Zone at the U.S. Seabee Museum in Port Hueneme

Moorpark/Simi Valley/Fillmore

• LA Kings Iceoplex Ice Arena in Simi Valley

• Imagymnation Gymnastics Center in Simi Valley

• The arcade at Big Z Family Fun Center in Simi Valley

• Lazertag Axtreme in Simi Valley

• Rockin' Kids Play Center at the Simi Valley Town Center (ages 0-6)

• The Ronald Reagan Library and Museum in Simi Valley

• As You Wish Pottery Painting Place in Simi Valley

• Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum in Simi Valley

Other Locations and Activities

• Museum of Santa Barbara Sea Center

• MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation in Santa Barbara

• Over 50 museums in Ventura County

• 150 movie screens around Ventura County

• Over 40 local area public beaches from Carpinteria to Malibu

• Ventura County bowling alleys

• 17+ libraries in the Ventura County area

• Ventura County shopping malls

• Color Me Mine Ceramics Studio in Calabasas

These are just a sampling of the various activities and events in Conejo Valley Guide, so make sure to explore and find something fun to do!

Tell Me a Little Bit About Newbury Park

Newbury Park is a community located in the western portion of Thousand Oaks. Most of Newbury Park became part of Thousand Oaks by community vote sometime in the 1960s and 1970s. Thousand Oaks became a city in October 1964.

A view of Newbury Park from Boney Peak in October 2021. (Feet Model: Conejo Joe)

Egbert Starr Newbury (Photo Courtesy Conejo Valley Historical Society)

Newbury Park is named after Egbert Starr Newbury, who owned thousands of acres of land in the Conejo Valley after moving to California from Michigan for health reasons in 1871.  Newbury was one of the three largest Conejo Valley landowners of his time. He and his wife Fannie became the first postmasters in the Conejo Valley in 1875.  The post office was located in a small compound near their house, which was located at the current location of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. 

The other major landowners at that time were John Edwards, who owned much of the current Newbury Park/Thousand Oaks area north of the 101, and Howard Mills, who owned much of what today is Westlake Village and Hidden Valley.

Edwards sold 10,000 acres of what is now central Thousand Oaks to Edwin and Harold Janss in 1893.  The Janss Corporation also bought thousands of acres of land in Newbury Park (Friedrich, Running Springs and Borchard Ranches) in 1962. 

There were efforts to incorporate Newbury Park in 1961 and 1963 that failed due to a lack of sufficient votes.

Over a 30 month period beginning in the Fall of 1876, only 6 inches of rain fell in the Conejo Valley.  This drought brought devastation to landowners, most of whom lost their crops and livestock and had to sell at a loss or went bankrupt.  The Newburys were no exception; they moved back to the midwest in 1877.  Egbert fell ill to pneumonia in 1880 and passed away at the young age of 36.

The Newburys lived here only six years, so why is it still called Newbury Park? Because the name of the Newburys' post office never changed! The Newbury Park Post Office has changed locations a number of times (including 1602 Newbury Road from May 1968 until it moved to its current location at 3401 Grande Vista Drive in 2013). So the Newbury name and legacy live on here in the Conejo Valley.

Horse tied to a sign indicating the Newbury Park Post Office, in 1909. The location was near modern-day Lynn Ranch. (Courtesy of the Thousand Oaks Library Local History Photo Collection).

Sources: "The Conejo Valley - Old and New Frontiers" by Carol A. Bidwell and "The Newburys of Newbury Park" by Miriam Sprankling

But wait...there's more to Newbury Park! Casa Conejo is also part of the Newbury Park community but is not an incorporated part of Thousand Oaks. It is considered a census-designated place in Ventura County, with its own Municipal Advisory Council. Casa Conejo is the first planned community in Newbury Park and was built in the early 1960s. It is has an area of .5 square mile and is bound by Borchard to the South, Old Conejo Road to the North, Jenny Drive (East of Newbury Park High School) to the West and Sequoia Middle School to the East.

TELL ME ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE STREET NAMES IN THE CASA CONEJO NEIGHBORHOOD

Interested in historical pictures of the area going back to the 1950s?  Click here to read about the work of prolific Conejo Valley photographer, Ed Lawrence. 

Click here for a history of Thousand Oaks. Thousand Oaks is over 56 square miles and Newbury Park represents about 40% of that square footage. Thousand Oaks was incorporated as a city on October 7, 1964.

Three dozen or so things to do in Newbury Park

Another three dozen or so kids' activities in Newbury Park

Yet another three dozen or so sports and fitness activities in Newbury Park

What Happens When You Turn 18 in the State of California?

Age 18 in the United States is considered the "age of majority" and is a major milestone.

Age 18 has been the age of majority since the 26th Amendment, signed into law by President Nixon in July 1971. Historically the age of majority was 21, but when Franklin D. Roosevelt lowered the military draft age to 18 during World War II, there was a push to align the voting age with the military draft age.

So what changes when you turn 18? The State Bar of California previously published a nice guide for teenagers to help better understand how their rights and responsibilities change at age 18.

Here's a summary of these rights and responsibilities, excerpted from the California Lawyers Foundation booklet (updated in 2021), “When You Turn 18 - A Legal Survival Guide” (pdf file) (Spanish language version):

1. Enter into binding contracts - for example, leases, opening bank accounts and applying for loans (of course, to obtain the loan, you may still need a co-signer).

2. Buy or sell property, such as real estate and stock.

3. Marry without written consent of parents or guardian.

4. Sue or be sued.

5. Compromise, settle or arbitrate a claim.

6. Make or revoke a will.

7. Inherit property outright.

8. Vote in federal, state and local elections. (Since 2016, 16 and 17 year olds may pre-register to vote at age 18.)

9. Consent to all types of medical treatment.

10. Join the military without parental consent. Male U.S. citizens or immigrants living in the U.S. generally must register with the Selective Service System within 30 days of turning 18. (Females are not currently not required to register for the draft.)

11. Get a job without a special work permit.

12. Serve jury duty.

13. Be subject to more serious consequences for breaking the law.

14. Prior to June 9, 2016, you could buy tobacco products. The law changed, however, and now you have to wait until you are age 21. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaping products.

15. At age 18 you can give blood without parental consent in California (written parental consent is required for 16 and 17 year olds).

16. At age 18 you may become an organ donor without parental consent. www.organdonor.gov/about/donors/child-infant.html

17. Apply for credit in your own name, though you will likely need to show proof of income or have a co-signer.

18. You can get a tattoo at age 18 and can do so without parental consent. You cannot get a tattoo under the age of 18. It is a misdemeanor to give or even offer to give a tattoo to someone under the age of 18 in California. (PC 653)

19. You can get a piercing without parental consent at age 18.

20. You can file a petition to change your name at age 18.

21. You can play the Lottery at age 18 in most states (except Iowa and Louisiana - party poopers).

22. In California and most states (except Arizona, Iowa, Nevada and Texas), you can bet on horse races (e.g. pari-mutuel betting).

23. You can play charity bingo at age 18 in California.

What you still cannot do:

1. Purchase tobacco products, e-cigarettes and vaping products (mentioned above). You must be age 21. In fact, federal law changed in December 2019 to require all states to change the minimum age for tobacco purchases to 21.

2. Purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. The minimum age for drinking in all states is 21.

   Some states have minor (so to speak) exceptions to the age 21 requirement. In Kansas, under 21 may drink “cereal malt beverages” under parental supervision on their own property. What is a cereal malt beverage? A beverage with no more than 3.2% alcohol by weight produced by fermentation, not by distillation. Coors Light has 4.2% alcohol as a comparison. The states of Alaska, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Ohio and Wisconsin have exceptions that allow individuals under age 21 to drink when parents or guardians are present. If you are 18 and really want to drink, the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands allow legal drinking, unencumbered by the presence of parents, at age 18.

3. You cannot sell or serve alcoholic beverages for consumption on-premises until you are age 21. However, it is allowable for someone 18 to 21 to serve alcoholic beverages to consumers in a restaurant along with food for consumption on premises.

For more information about the “When You Turn 18: A Legal Survival Guide” publication and/or to request physical copies of the booklet at calawyersfoundation.org/our-work.

Several Dozen Things to See and Do in the City of Oxnard

The City of Oxnard was incorporated on June 30, 1903. Covering an area of just over 39 miles, of which 70% is land, Oxnard is the most populous city in Ventura County, with nearly 208,000 residents in 2016.

Oxnard's namesake is Harry T. Oxnard, who opened a beet factory in 1899 and taught local farmers the ins and outs of growing sugar beets. The land for the factory was purchased from Thomas S. Rice (of Rice Avenue fame) and the first plant manager was Major J. A. Driffill, who later became mayor.

There's plenty to see and do in Oxnard, and we've summed up some of our favorite activities below.

Great beaches in Oxnard include Mandalay Shores, Hollywood Beach and Silver Strand Beach, which are highlighted at THIS LINK.

Speaking of beaches, Oxnard Beach Park is a nice park with a pirate-themed, accessible playground area, large grassy area, restrooms and quick access to the beach.

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum located at the Channel Islands Harbor is home to world class maritime art, ship models and other maritime items. Open Thursday through Monday from noon to 4pm. Admission is free the 3rd Thursday of the month.

Channel Islands Harbor is a great place to beat the heat with the family, offering a variety of activities, such as fishing trips, boat cruises, eateries, water sports, shopping and special events year-round.

Oxnard Beach Park

There's a nice bike path in Oxnard that takes you from Oxnard Beach Park to Channel Islands Harbor that we enjoy from time to time.

The Henry T. Oxnard Historic District is located on F and G Streets, between Palm and 5th Streets. The area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Most of the 144 historic homes and buildings in the area were built before 1925 and includes Mission/Spanish revival, bungalow/craftsman and Colonial Revival architecture.

A great time to check out the Historic Oxnard District is during the two weeks preceding Christmas each year, when dozens and dozens of residents decorate their homes in lights and holiday decor for Christmas Tree Lane.

The Oxnard Performing Arts Center hosts concerts, musicals, speakers and other performances year-round. At over 1,600 seats, it is one of the largest venues in Ventura County and is a performance venue for the New West Symphony.

The Collection at RiverPark is an outdoor shopping center located on the northeast side of the 101 between the Oxnard and Vineyard exits. The 650,000 sq ft center includes a combination of entertainment, retail, restaurants, open space with fountains, parks and playgrounds and quality art. Activities at The Collection include The Painted Cabernet, Color Me Mine Ceramics Studio, Century RiverPark Movie Theater and Levity Live Comedy Club, Jump ‘n Jammin Children’s Entertainment Center, Red Door Escape Room and Bowlero.

Swing for the fences at Who's on First Batting Cages in Oxnard. What's on second? I don't know's on third. Who? First base.

Hollywood Beach

River Ridge Golf Course is a public golf course offering two 18-hole courses as well as footgolf!

Skateboarders and in-line skaters are on a roll at the City of Oxnard Bedford Pinkard Skate Park near Channel Islands High School. Pinkard is a former City Council member who was a supporter of many youth and community programs.

First Thursdays Food Trucks at Plaza Park in Oxnard is a popular gastronomic destination.

The Elite Theatre Company, located at Fisherman's Wharf at Channel Islands Harbor, Fisherman's Wharf, is host to musicals, plays, comedies and more.

The Dallas Cowboys have held Summer Training Camp for a number of years at River Ridge Fields at Oxnard's Marriott Residence Inn. Practices and scrimmages taking place in August are open to the public and free of charge. Check for updates at www.dallascowboys.com/trainingcamp.

Compilation of Public Beaches Spanning From Oxnard to Hueneme to Malibu

In a separate post, we highlighted beaches ranging from Carpinteria down south to the beaches at the Ventura Harbor. This is the 2nd installment of local area beaches that stretch from McGrath State Beach on down to the beaches gracing Malibu. We hope these compilations prove useful in guiding you to all the oceanfront fun Ventura County and adjacent areas have to offer!

Additionally, here's a compilation of beaches in the Santa Barbara area (excluding Carpinteria).

McGrath State Beach is currently open for day use and trails, but there are no facilities or parking available. Camping is not open as of June 2021. Visit parks.ca.gov/?page_id=607 or call 805.968.1033 for more information.  McGrath has 2 1/2 miles of beach available. Swimming, surfing, and water sports are discouraged because of rip currents. McGrath is 5 miles south of Ventura off the 101 freeway via Harbor Boulevard.

Mandalay State Beach is 94 acres of undeveloped beachfront land located south of Reliant Energy's Mandalay Generating Station. The natural sand dunes and the wetlands ecosystem are recognized for their important natural value and houses several threatened bird species. This is a passive, natural open space park with no support facilities. The sandy ocean beach and adjacent coastal dunes are available for public day use only. The beach is managed by the County of Ventura on behalf of the California State Parks Department. Located at the corner of Harbor Boulevard and 5th Street in Oxnard. Visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=609. No dogs allowed.

‘ololkoy Beach Park (formerly Oxnard Beach Park) has one of the best kids play areas around town, restrooms, lots of grass, and easy access to miles and miles of beach. The park is located at 1601 S. Harbor Boulevard. visitoxnard.com/directory/oxnard-beach-park

Oxnard Beach Park looking towards the beach.

Hollywood Beach is a great spot for swimming, sunning and viewing the Channel Islands. Free public beach volleyball courts, public restrooms on the north end of the beach, on-street parking and lifeguards on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Located right next to Channel Islands Harbor off of Harbor Boulevard. Dogs are allowed at Hollywood Beach on leash before 9am and after 5pm. West-facing beach means it’s great for catching the sunset!

Hollywood Beach

Silver Strand Beach is a 1 mile long beach near Channel Islands Harbor, about 150 yards in width. It is capped by north and south jetties, both of which have small parking lots; one next to San Nicholas Avenue (at Ocean Drive), the other next to Sawtelle Avenue. Free parking from sunrise to sunset with limited restroom facilities. This is a sandy bottom beach break which may have rip tides and an undertow, so be careful. Dogs on leash allowed before 9am and after 5pm. Lifeguards on duty daily during summer months. Accessed via S. Victoria Avenue. Visit visitoxnard.com/things-to-do/beaches/silver-strand-beach for more information.

There's a Kiddie Beach Park off of S. Victoria Avenue at Sunset Drive with available parking, restrooms and benches. It is a small sliver of sand that fronts the south end of Channel Islands Harbor and thus does not face ocean waves.

Hueneme Beach Park is a 50 acre area with picnic tables, barbecue pits, walking paths, a fishing pier, sand volleyball courts, Surfside Seafood snack bar, lifeguards and restrooms. Beach parking lots and Surfside Drive parking available for a fee. No dogs allowed. Visit www.ci.port-hueneme.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=926 for more information. Located at 550 E. Surfside Drive, Port Hueneme. 

Ormond Beach is a 1,500 acre area composed of agriculture, industry and wetlands. A two mile long beach extends from Port Hueneme on the north to Naval Base Ventura County on the south. This is one of the few areas in southern California with an intact dune transition zone marsh system, hosting over 200 migratory bird species. The California Coastal Conservancy is restoring these wetlands. A bit off the beaten path, it is probably more geared towards bird watchers and hikers. Get there via Hueneme Road, going south on either Perkins Road on the north and Arnold Road on the south.

Naval Base Ventura County occupies roughly 6 miles of oceanfront space between Ormond Beach on the north and Point Mugu State Park on the south. This space is not accessible by the general public. However, there are periodic opportunities for civilians to catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean from NBVC during organized events open to the public.

Mugu Beach is the first publicly accessible beach area south of Naval Base Ventura County off of PCH, located adjacent to the prominent Mugu Rock. For the most part this is the most quickly accessible beach to Camarillo and Conejo Valley residents. There is paid parking ($12 last time I was there) as well as parking available on PCH. Popular with fisherman. One thing to be aware of here is that there is a significant undertow. If you bring the little ones, best to stay out of the water or just be extra careful.

South of Mugu Rock there is also some beach that is accessible with plenty of parking on PCH. No facilities and not a lot of beach, but beautiful views and a quick place to explore.

Thornhill Broome Campground and Beach is also part of Point Mugu State Park, located a mile or two south of Mugu Beach. This is a campground right on the beach with a capacity for about 60 or so RVs. But of course you can visit for the day for a parking fee. Plenty of parking also available on PCH. Porta-potties available. Dogs are allowed around here as long as they are on a leash (and paleeeze...pick up after them).

Across the street on PCH is a gigantic, steep sand dune that I've always found to be interesting. Learn more about that sand dune here.

Unusually large sand dune on the east side of PCH across from Thornhill Broome Campground

Sycamore Cove is at the southernmost beachfront portion of Point Mugu State Park. Point Mugu State Park features 3.6 miles of ocean shoreline (Sycamore Cove to Mugu Beach), with rocky bluffs, beaches, sand dunes, rugged hills and uplands, two major river canyons and wide grassy valleys dotted native trees.

Sycamore Canyon Campground across PCH from Sycamore Cove has 58 campsites. For a challenge, ride or hike down through Sycamore Canyon from Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park. You'll most likely have to pay to park here (most recently $12 for day use) as there are not many spots on PCH available on the south side...watch out...there are no parking signs all over the place.

Sycamore Cove Beach has a number of picnic benches shaded by trees and is thus a popular spot on summer weekends for the BBQ crowd as well as with the campers from the campground on the other side of PCH. Located at 9000 Pacific Coast Highway. Visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=630.

Trees shade the picnic tables at Sycamore Cove Beach

In the 3.3 mile stretch of PCH between Sycamore Cove Beach and County Line Beach (below) there are three or four places where you can park on PCH and access the beach.

One of these beaches I refer to as Call Box 1-35 Beach, about a mile southeast of Sycamore Cove Beach. This is not the official name of this beach in the unincorporated section of Ventura County northwest of Malibu city limits. But since the dilapidated staircase leading down to the beach is next to this call box, it seems appropriate. The address is approximately 9649 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu (yes, technically not Malibu, yet in Google maps the address says Malibu).

About half a mile southeast of Call Box 1-35 is Call Box 1-27 Beach, which I also refer to as 26 Steps Beach. 26 Steps Beach is approximately 1.9 miles northeast of County Line Beach (see below) and 1.5 miles southwest of Sycamore Cove Beach (see above), at approximately 9999 PCH, just west of Deer Creek Road. I made up the name 26 Steps Beach because there is a well-worn, tagged up staircase that leads you from your parked car on PCH near the 1-27 Call Box sign to the beach. This is not a bad little section of beach that rarely has many people. No restrooms. Parking is free on PCH.

County Line Beach is located across the street from the iconic Neptune's Net, 3 miles south of Sycamore Cove at 42505 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Lots of surfers and places to explore. Park on PCH. Watch out for bikers...there can be hundreds of them hanging out here on many a weekend. There are outer reefs for scuba diving that have an abundance of sea life. Activities include diving, surfing, and tide pools. No lifeguards on duty. There are a few porta-johns here. Technically, County Line Beach is located in Solromar, an unincorporated community in Ventura County - but they use the Malibu zip code so hey, it’s ok to say it is in Malibu.

Before the main Leo Carrillo State Beach area while heading south on PCH is the Leo Carrillo State Park Staircase Beach area. There’s a California State Parks parking lot at 40000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Parking is available for approximately 50 cars. There’s a moderately narrow trail that takes you down to the beach, which is also a fairly narrow beach with lots of rocks. You can also walk to this beach from the main Leo Carrillo Beach. Dogs allowed on leash.

Leo Carrillo State Park Staircase Beach parking lot.

Leo Carrillo State Park has 1 1/2 miles of beach for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing and beach combing; one of our favorites for exploring sea caves, rocks and tidepools. Located at 35000 West Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, Leo Carrillo is about 1 1/2 miles south of County Line Beach. On the north side of PCH, there are 135 campsites in over 2,500 acres. Visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=616 or call 805.488.1827. Dogs on a leash are allowed in day use areas, campground and north beach (north of lifeguard tower 3). Dogs are not allowed on back country trails or south beach (south of lifeguard tower 3). Park on PCH or in the state lot ($12) and take the tunnel under PCH to the beach. More details on how to get to Leo Carrillo from the 101 freeway at this link.

Nicholas Canyon County Beach is one mile east of Leo Carrillo at 33850 Pacific Coast Highway. Great beach where you can hang out, fish, picnic, surf and more. About 150 parking spaces available. Generally $10 to park on summer weekends, or park on PCH. More info at beaches.lacounty.gov/nicholas-canyon-beach. Restrooms available.

A view of Nicholas Canyon County Beach, just a mile east of Leo Carrillo.

Located between Leo Carrillo and Point Dume State Beaches, Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach is made up of a number of cove or cliff-foot strands known as "pocket beaches" along the west end of Malibu, including El Pescador, La Piedra and El Matador. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=633 Dogs are not allowed on state beaches.

El Pescador State Beach is 1.4 miles east of Nicholas Canyon at 32900 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Steep, uneven stairs lead to about 10 acres of narrow, sandy beach. It is just east of Decker Canyon, the curvy, steep road that takes you up to Hidden Valley/Westlake Village. Dogs are not allowed on state beaches. Limited parking is available (fees vary) or park on PCH. Small, secluded beach. When the tide is not too high, you can trek you way east towards La Piedra Beach and back.

Porta-potty available. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=633.

Sign on PCH east of Decker Canyon Road, prior to El Pescador State Beach to the west of it.

La Piedra State Beach is .3 miles east of El Pescador at 32700 Pacific Coast Highway. A fairly long hiking path (may be a bit challenging for those lugging a lot of stuff) leads to 9 acres of narrow, sandy beach. Dogs are not allowed on state beaches. Limited parking available for a fee (which vary) or park on PCH. Porta potty available. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=633.

El Matador State Beach is .3 miles east of La Piedra at 32350 Pacific Coast Highway, just east of where Encinal Canyon Road intersects with PCH. A dirt path, then dozens of stairs, leads to 18 acres of narrow, sandy beach with stunning, rock formations and caves.

Dogs are not allowed on state beaches.  There is a parking lot with room for 25 or so cars where you can pay $3/hour or $10 for all day (as of July 2023).  You can also park on PCH, but on the north side...for whatever reason parking is prohibited on the south side of PCH. This means you have to cross PCH, which can be a challenge. There are porta-potties available. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=633

Stunning rock formations at El Matador State Beach.

Lechuza Beach in Malibu, a mile east of El Matador State Beach, is maintained by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. It is a small, sandy beach with beautiful rock formations and views up the coast. Accessible via the northeast end of Broad Beach Road.  More information and specific access points at mrca.ca.gov/parks/park-listing/lechuza-beach. Dogs not allowed on the beach.

Zuma Beach is located at 30000 Pacific Coast Highway about 3.5 miles east of El Matador. With 1.8 miles of beach, Zuma is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Los Angeles County, Zuma is known for its long, wide sands and excellent surf. Plenty of facilities, including several food stands, restrooms, showers, volleyball, etc. Plenty of street parking on PCH and over 2,000 parking spaces (currently $8 weekdays and $15 weekends). Visit beaches.lacounty.gov/zuma-beach for more information. Zuma is known for riptides, so do be careful out there.

NOTE: Fires, including BBQs, are not allowed on any beach in Malibu; the exception is that fires may be allowed in designated spots at some state beaches. Dogs not allowed on the beach also.

Zuma Beach

Point Dume State Beach is a 63 acre promontory that juts out into the Pacific and features headlands, cliffs, rocky coves and vast beach access for swimming, surfing, scuba diving and fishing. Westward Beach borders Zuma Beach at Zuma's south side. There is plenty of parking on Westward Beach Road, which parallels Westward Beach. To the southeast of Westward Beach is a small 300 foot or so beachfront area called Pirate's Cove Beach (which due to its seclusion was once used as a nude beach).

At the end of Westward Beach Road (WBR), access to the protected 34-acre Point Dume Natural Preserve begins from the cul-de-sac. A gradual ascending trail leads to an ancient coastal bluff sand dune with spectacular views...we've seen whales, seals and dolphins over here. A stairway from the east side of the bluff-top preserve allows access to a more isolated beach and tidepools (look but don't touch). Location/Directions: Take Kanan south to PCH and turn right. WBR is over the rise, at the foot of the hill. Park free on WBR or pay a fee at Westward Beach lot. No restrooms at the Preserve but some can be found on WBR. Call 310.457.8143 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=623 for more information.

NOTE: Dogs are not allowed on trails in the Point Dume Natural Preserve or on the beach.

Looking down on the beach at Point Dume

Paradise Cove Beach is located at 28128 Pacific Coast Highway, accessed via Paradise Cove Road. Parking (as of June 2023) is $10 ($15 weekends/holidays) for if you spend up to 4 hours at the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe (and spend at least $30 there) or $45/$65/day (weekdays/weekends) if you park there just for the beach. Or, you can park on PCH and walk there. There are restrooms, cabanas, lounge chairs and chairs for rent, and a small pier. Visit www.paradisecovemalibu.com.

Escondido Beach is a short, narrow strip of beach accessible just west of Geoffrey's Malibu via a long stairway at 27420 PCH or near the corner of Escondido Beach Road and Malibu Cove Colony Drive. Look for access signs. No dogs allowed. No facilities.

Dan Blocker Beach is located at 26000 Pacific Coast Highway (between Solstice Canyon and Corral Canyon Roads. A sandy, narrow beach that draws surfers and scuba divers. Limited free roadside parking. Restrooms are available. Corral Canyon (trail map HERE) is located across the street at 25623 PCH. The trailhead is on the north side of PCH next to Malibu Seafood restaurant. The beach can be accessed from via a seasonal trail under PCH. 310.305.9546

On June 14, 2016, a new beach stairway access was completed at 24038 Malibu Road. Very little parking available there and no facilities at the beach. Read more at THIS LINK.

Malibu Beach is a 167 acre beach at 23050 and 23200 Pacific Coast Highway that includes Malibu Lagoon, Malibu Lagoon Museum and the Malibu Pier. Malibu Surfrider Beach next to the pier is quite popular with local surfers. Parking available for a fee, or park on streets surrounding Malibu Country Mart and walk across PCH at the signaled crosswalk at Cross Creek Road.

Malibu Surfrider Beach viewed from the Malibu Sportfishing Pier

Perhaps the most expensive strip of beach in the world is Carbon Beach, which stretches about a mile and a half between the Malibu Pier and just east of Carbon Canyon Road. This wide beach is a beautiful strip of sand, but public access points can be challenging to find and parking can be a challenge. Learn specifics at THIS LINK but specifically, the public accessway points are at 22670 PCH, 22466 PCH and 22126 PCH. No restrooms and no dogs allowed at this beach.

Las Tunas Beach is located at 19444 Pacific Coast Highway, about 4 1/2 miles east of the Malibu Pier. It is a narrow beach beneath the bluffs that holds a special attraction to surf casters. Free parking lot. Located between Tuna Canyon and Las Flores Canyon Roads.

And there's more...the California Coastal Commission Shoreline Public Access Program helps maximize public access to the beach along the California coast. When you see one of those "Coastal Access" signs, that means you can get to the beach. More on the program at www.coastal.ca.gov/access/accndx.html. The L.A. County Dept of Beaches and Harbors has published Malibu beach accessways at file.lacounty.gov/dbh/cms1_151453.jpg, including 11 accessways on PCH, Malibu Road and Broad Beach Road. But if you do check them out, be mindful of those who live there!

Car and Motorcycle Clubs in Ventura County

Ventura County covers over 2,200 square miles, including 1,854 miles of land. Highways in Ventura include State Routes 1, 23, 33, 118, 126 and 125 and U.S. Highway 101. That's a lot of miles to cover and we love our cars...as evidenced by these local car and motorcycle clubs in and around Ventura County!

• Cal Coast Riders Club of Ventura and Santa Barbara

• California Central Coast Region of Porsche Club of America

• Central Coast British Car Club in Ventura

• Ventura County Model A Ford Club

• On the Rocks 4 Wheelers in Conejo Valley

• Red Line Corvettes Club in Thousand Oaks

• Simi Valley Corvette Club

• United Car Clubs Ventura County

Looking for local social and hobby clubs? Click here!

Eateries in the Conejo Valley Where You Can Eat Past 9:30PM

You’re hungry. It’s past 9pm. Driving through the Conejo Valley - the communities of Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills and Oak Park - and you can’t seem to find a place to grab a bite to eat. Well, we can help you out with this list of eateries in the Conejo Valley that serve food on some or all nights until 10pm and beyond.

(The information below can change at any time. Links to websites and phone numbers are provided so you can confirm directly with the eatery. This compilation does not indicate the other nights of the week these eateries are open as we’re focusing on late night options only.)

Eateries Open Past 9:30pm 3 or More Nights a Week

Anarbagh Westlake Village at 30853 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. is open nightly until 10pm. www.anarbaghwestlakevillage.com (818) 991-2128

Angry Chickz at 593 N. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks is open until 11pm nightly. www.angrychickz.com/locations/thousand-oaks-ca (805) 373-0037

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse at 3955 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Westlake Village is open until midnight nightly. www.bjsrestaurants.com/locations/ca/westlake-village (805) 497-9393

Boney Mountain Pizza Co. at 722 Wendy Drive in Newbury Park is open until 10pm Tuesday through Saturday. www.boneymountainpizzaco.com (805) 498-6511

Buca di Beppo at Janss Marketplace is open until 10pm on Thurs and 11pm on Fri/Sat nights. locations.bucadibeppo.com/us/ca/thousand-oaks/205-n-moorpark-rd (805) 449-3688

Cafe Rio at 595 N. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm nightly. www.caferio.com/locations/thousand-oaks (805) 329-4111

Chili’s at 1700 Newbury Road, Newbury Park, is open until 10pm Sun through Thur and 11pm Fri/Sat. www.chilis.com/locations/us/california/thousand-oaks/newbury-park (805) 214-9947

Crawford’s Social in the Westlake Plaza at the corner of Westlake Blvd and Agoura Road, is open until 11pm Monday through Thursday, midnight Friday/Saturday and 10pm Sunday. www.crawfordssocial.com (805) 510-0105

Cronies locations, including Agoura Hills and Newbury Park, are all open until 10pm seven nights a week. cronies.com/locations

Crown and Anchor at 2891 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard is open until 11pm Mon-Wed, midnight on Thu, 1:30am on Fri/Sat and 10pm Sun. crownnanchor.com (805) 497-0070

Crumbl Cookies in Newbury Park is open until 10pm Mon-Sat and Westlake Village is open until 10pm Mon-Thu and midnight Fri/Sat for late night cookie cravings. crumblcookies.com

Dave & Buster’s at Janss Marketplace has a kitchen that is open until 11:10pm nightly. www.daveandbusters.com/us/en/about/locations/thousand-oaks (805) 857-7800

Farfalla Trattoria at The Promenade at Westlake Village is open until 10pm nightly. www.trattoriafarfalla.com/location/westlake-village (805) 497-2283

Fatburger & Buffalo’s Express at 650 N. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks is open until 2am Fri-Sat nights. locations.fatburger.com/ll/US/CA/Thousand-Oaks/650-N-Moorpark-Rd_ (805) 370-8220

Finney’s Crafthouse at 982 S. Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village is open until 10pm nightly. www.finneyscrafthouse.com/westlake-village (805) 230-9950

Fresh Brothers Pizza at The Promenade at Westlake is open until 10pm Thu-Sun. www.freshbrothers.com/locations/westlake-village (805) 777-8448

Hot Motha Clucker Thousand Oaks at 1610 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd is open until midnight Mon-Sat. www.yelp.com/biz/hot-motha-clucker-thousand-oaks (805) 371-6888

IHOP is open until 10pm Sun-Thu and 3am Fri/Sat at its Agoura Hills location on Kanan Road at the 101. restaurants.ihop.com/en-us/ca/agoura/breakfast-5031-kanan-rd-735 (818) 991-4957

Janchi Korean BBQ at Janss Marketplace is open until 10pm Monday through Thursday through Saturday. janchibbq.com (805) 370-1777

La Esquina Mexican Grill next to Slice House at 3297 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. is open until 10pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. thecornermexicangrill.com (805) 371-5333

Lal Mirch Indian Restaurant at 5146 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills is open daily until 10pm. lalmirchagourahills.com (818) 532-7532

Lazy Dog Cafe at The Oaks mall is open until 11pm Sun through Thu and midnight Fri/Sat. www.lazydogrestaurants.com/locations/thousand-oaks-ca (805) 449-5206

Mastro’s at 2087 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm nightly. www.mastrosrestaurants.com/location/mastros-steakhouse-thousand-oaks (805) 418-1811

Mod Pizza Newbury Park at 1015 Broadbeck Drive is open until 10pm Sun-Thu and 11pm Fri/Sat. locations.modpizza.com/usa/ca/thousand-oaks/1015-broadbeck-dr (805) 214-7010

Olive Garden at The Oaks mall is open until 10pm Sun-Thu and 11pm Fri/Sat. www.olivegarden.com/locations/ca/thousand-oaks/thousand-oaks/4402 (805) 777-1744

Pedals & Pints Brewing Co. at The Oaks mall is open until 10pm Tue-Thu, 11pm Fri and midnight on Sat. www.pedalsandpintsbrewing.com (805) 551-0547

Phil’s at 3316 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks is open until 11pm nightly. www.phils1000oaks.com (805) 371-7773

Pieology Thousand Oaks at Janss Marketplace is open until 11pm Sun to Thurs and midnight Friday/Saturday. pieology.com/pizza-near-me/?rest_id=pieology-thousand-oaks (805) 660-4527

Sunset Terrace Restaurant & Lounge in the Janss Marketplace at 235 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks is open until 2am nightly. sunsetterracerestaurant.com (805) 497-4847

Tarantula Hill Brewing Company at 244 Thousand Oaks Blvd is open until 10pm Monday to Wednesday, 11pm Thursday, and 1am Friday/Saturday. www.tarantulahillbrewingco.com

The Cheesecake Factory at The Oaks mall is open until 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 11pm Friday/Saturday. locations.thecheesecakefactory.com/ca/thousand-oaks-29.html (805) 371-9705

The Tipsy Goat at 159 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks is open until 2am nightly. tipsygoat.com (805) 494-9996

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery at 1345 Thousand Oaks Blvd is open until 11pm Monday/Tuesday and midnight Wednesday through Sunday nights. tiltedkilt.com/locations (805) 777-7418

Toppers Pizza Place at 1416 N. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm Sun-Thurs and 11pm Fri/Sat. www.topperspizzaplace.com (805) 495-4444

Twisted Meats, which opened in the Walmart Neighborhood Market center at 520 N. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park, is open until midnight Monday through Saturday nights. www.twisted-meats.com (805) 558-7674

Ubatuba Acai at 1655 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm nightly. www.ubatubaacai.com/locations (805) 444-9525

Winners Pizza at 1805 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd is open until 9:30pm Sunday, 11pm Monday through Thursday, 11:30pm Friday and 11pm Saturday. winnerspizza.com (805) 379-4212

Eateries Open Past 9:30pm Only Friday/Saturday Nights

Bad Ass Street Tacos at 2951 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights. www.badassstreettacos.com (805) 370-8226

Basta Restaurant at the Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights. www.bastaagoura.com (818) 865-2019

California Pizza Kitchen at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat. www.cpk.com/locations/california-pizza-kitchen-lakes-at-thousand-oaks (805) 777-1778

Denino’s Pizzeria at 1710 Thousand Oaks Blvd is open until 10pm Fri/Sat nights. www.deninosthousandoaks.com (805) 371-7105

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co at 30770 Russell Ranch Road in Westlake Village is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights. www.figmtnbrew.com/westlake-village (818) 874-1305

Freda’s Pizza at 3835 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Westlake Village is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights. www.fredaspizza.com (805) 852-5260

Islands Restaurant Newbury Park at 935 Broadbeck Drive is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights. www.islandsrestaurants.com/locations/newbury-park (805) 498-7481

Made in Italy Bistro at 3825 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights. www.madeinitalybistro.com (805) 370-8667

Nick the Greek at 39558 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights. www.nickthegreek.com/westlakethousandoaks (805) 551-0162

Paul Martin’s American Grill at The Promenade at Westlake is open Fri/Sat nights until 10pm. paulmartinsamericangrill.com/locations/westlake-village-restaurant (805) 373-9300

Plata Taqueria & Cantina at the Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills is open until 10pm on Friday/Saturday nights. www.eatplata.com (818) 735-9982

Plata Cocina Mexicana (sister eatery of Plata Taqueria & Cocina in Agoura Hills) opened at The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks on August 24, 2024. www.eatplata.com Unconfirmed at this point but we suspect Friday/Saturday hours will be consistent with the Agoura location.

Selvin’s Restaurant + Lounge, which opened in June 2024 at the Palm Garden Hotel, 495 N. Ventu Park Road, Thousand Oaks, is open until 10pm Monday through Thursday, midnight on Friday/Saturday and 9pm on Sunday nights. www.selvins.com (805) 864-1164

Shake Shack at The Promenade at Westlake is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights. shakeshack.com/location/westlake-village-ca (805) 309-5941

Slice House Thousand Oaks at 3297 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd is open until 10pm Fri/Sat nights. slicehouse.com/thousandoaks (805) 888-8780

Spumoni Italian Cafe at 1714 Newbury Road, Newbury Park is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights. www.spumoninewburypark.com (805) 499-6200

Sushi Su Agoura Hills at 5015 Cornell Road is open until 10pm on Friday/Saturday nights. sushisuagoura.com (818) 865-8622

Tavern 101 Grill & Tap House at 28434 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills is open until 10pm Fri/Sat nights. www.tavern101agoura.com/location/tavern-101-grill (818) 991-7227

Tavern Tomoko & Ladyface Brewery at 29281 Agoura Road is open until 10pm on Friday/Saturday nights. www.taverntomoko.com (818) 477-4566

The Cliffdiver at 720 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights. www.facebook.com/cliffdivermalibu (805) 370-1585

The Latigo Kid at 5617 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills is open until 10:30pm on Fri/Sat nights. www.facebook.com/TheLatigoKidMexicanRestaurant (818) 889-1195

The Stand Westlake Village at 966 S. Westlake Blvd is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights. www.thestand.com/location/westlake-village (805) 277-2772

The Stonehaus at 32039 Agoura Road, Westlake Village is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights. the-stonehaus.com

Tiki Taco at 398 N. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm on Fri/Sat nights. tikirestaurantbeachbar.com (805) 494-8454

101 North Eatery & Bar at 30760 Russell Ranch Road, Westlake Village is open until 10pm Fri/Sat nights. www.101northeateryandbar.com (805) 852-1588

Fast Food Places in the Conejo Valley Open Past 9:30pm

Chick-fil-A locations are open until 10pm Mon-Sat in Westlake Village and 11pm Mon-Sat in Thousand Oaks. www.chick-fil-a.com/locations

Del Taco Newbury Park at 591 N. Ventu Park Road is open 24 hours locations.deltaco.com/us/ca/newbury-park/591-n-ventu-park-rd

Domino’s locations in Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks (2), Westlake Village and Calabasas are open until 10pm and beyond daily. www.dominos.com

El Pollo Loco is open until 11pm nightly in Thousand Oaks, 10pm nightly in Newbury Park, and 10pm Monday to Saturday in Agoura Hills. restaurants.elpolloloco.com/ca

Farmer Boys Newbury Park at 1057 Academy Drive is open until 10pm Sun-Thu and 11pm Fri/Sat. www.farmerboys.com/locations/thousand-oaks-academy-dr

In-N-Out Burger Newbury Park at 1550 Newbury Road is open until 1am daily (1:30am Fri/Sat). locations.in-n-out.com/58-Newbury-Park

In-N-Out Burger Westlake Village at 30780 Russell Ranch Road is open until midnight daily (12:30am Fri/Sat). locations.in-n-out.com/297-Westlake-Village

Jack in the Box - it’s what’s for a very late snack in Thousand Oaks (open until 3am Tue-Sat and 2am Sun/Mon), Newbury Park (open until 12:30am Mon-Thu, 2:30am Fri/Sat and midnight Sun) and Agoura Hills (24 hours). locations.jackinthebox.com

Kentucky Fried Chicken at 3605 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm nightly. locations.kfc.com/ca/thousand-oaks/3605-e-thousand-oaks-blvd (805) 495-0553

Little Caesars Pizza at 1744 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks is open until 10pm Sun-Thu and 11pm Fri/Sat. littlecaesars.com/en-us/store/9070 (805) 230-2181

McDonald’s drive-thrus in Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks (2) are open until 11:30am, Newbury Park until midnight and Agoura Hills until 1am (4am Thu, 24 hrs Fri). www.mcdonalds.com

Pizza Hut at 75 S. Rancho Road in Thousand Oaks is open until midnight Sun-Thu and 1am Fri/Sat. www.pizzahut.com (805) 371-3700

Taco Bell locations in Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks (2) and Agoura Hills are open until 1am daily. www.tacobell.com/locations

Wendy’s locations in Newbury Park (2790 W. Hillcrest Drive) and Westlake Village (5788 Lindero Canyon Road) are open until midnight daily. www.wendys.com

Wingstop at Janss Marketplace is open until 1am nightly for your chicken wing eating pleasure. www.wingstop.com (909) 762-0058

CONTACT US for additions, updates or corrections.