30 Amazing Things to Do in Santa Clarita
Located just north of Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, California, is a vibrant destination offering a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. Known for its beautiful open spaces, family attractions, and thriving arts scene, the city combines natural beauty with urban convenience. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic hiking and biking trails in areas like Placerita Canyon and Towsley Canyon, while thrill-seekers head to the world-famous Six Flags Magic Mountain for some of the best roller coasters in the country.
Santa Clarita also offers a strong sense of community, reflected in its charming Old Town Newhall district, which features unique shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. For those interested in history, local museums and historic sites highlight the city’s rich past. Golf courses, wineries, and seasonal events add even more options for visitors looking to relax or experience something new.
Thanks to its year-round pleasant weather and convenient location near major Southern California attractions, Santa Clarita serves as an ideal base for a weekend getaway or an extended stay. This guide covers the best things to do in Santa Clarita, helping you plan a trip that balances adventure, culture, and relaxation.
1. Six Flags Magic Mountain
📍 Location: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
Fun Fact: Six Flags Magic Mountain holds the world record for the most roller coasters in a single park — with 20 coasters and counting.
Located in Valencia, Six Flags Magic Mountain is known as the “Thrill Capital of the World,” boasting 260 acres of adrenaline-pumping fun. This renowned amusement park opened in 1971 and holds the world record for the most roller coasters (20+) in a single park. Iconic coasters like Twisted Colossus, X2, Goliath, and Wonder Woman: Flight of Courage challenge even the bravest riders. Families will also find gentler rides and kid-friendly areas (e.g. Bugs Bunny World) among the 100+ rides and attractions. Seasonal events such as Fright Fest (Halloween) and Holiday in the Park add year-round variety.
2. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
📍 Location: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355 (next to Magic Mountain)
Fun Fact: Hurricane Harbor’s Bonzai Pipelines launch riders through a trapdoor at the top — a near free-fall drop into the water.
Right next door to Magic Mountain is Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a 22-acre water park perfect for cooling off on warm days. The park features pulse-pounding water slides (like the six-story Tornado funnel slide and the towering Black Snake Summit tubes) as well as relaxing attractions. Float down the lazy river, catch waves in the large wave pool, or let little ones splash in kid-centric zones like Castaway Cove and Splash Island. With over 20 slides and water attractions, there’s something for all ages.
3. Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park
📍 Location: 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91390
Fun Fact: Vasquez Rocks has been featured in dozens of films and TV shows — from Star Trek to The Flintstones — thanks to its otherworldly rock formations.
A short drive northeast of central Santa Clarita, Vasquez Rocks offers a dramatic desert landscape recognizable from numerous movies and TV shows (Star Trek, Friends, New Girl, etc.). Jagged sandstone rock formations jut out of the earth at striking angles, creating a playground for hikers, climbers, and photographers. You can hike several well-marked trails around the iconic rocks and even scramble up the formations for sweeping views of the Santa Clarita Valley. Park rangers sometimes lead guided nature walks, explaining the area’s geology, flora, and fauna.
4. Placerita Canyon Natural Area & Nature
📍 Location: 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91390
Fun Fact: Vasquez Rocks has been featured in dozens of films and TV shows — from Star Trek to The Flintstones — thanks to its otherworldly rock formations.
Nestled in the hills on Santa Clarita’s east side, Placerita Canyon is a lovely state park and nature center rich in local history and ecology. This is where the Oak of the Golden Dream stands – the site where gold was first discovered in California in 1842, pre-dating the Gold Rush. The park offers miles of hiking trails through chaparral and oak woodlands, suitable for all skill levels. Stop by the Nature Center to see educational exhibits and small live animals, or join a naturalist-led hike to learn about native plants and wildlife. It’s an immersive experience in local flora and fauna and a fantastic spot for families to connect with nature.
5. William S. Hart Museum and Park
📍 Location: 24151 Newhall Ave, Newhall, CA 91321
Fun Fact: The William S. Hart Museum preserves the former ranch home of the silent film cowboy legend — including his collection of Native American artifacts and Western art.
William S. Hart Park in Newhall is a blend of Hollywood history and natural beauty. The centerpiece is the William S. Hart Mansion, a Spanish Colonial Revival style home built in 1910 for silent film cowboy star William S. Hart, now preserved as a museum of Western art, movie memorabilia, and personal collections. Free guided tours of the furnished mansion run on the hour, offering a glimpse into early Hollywood and Western film lore. The surrounding 265-acre park features hiking trails, picnic spots, a large barnyard, and even a small herd of bison descended from animals gifted by Walt Disney decades ago.
6. Old Town Newhall
📍 Location: Main St, Newhall, CA 91321
Fun Fact: Old Town Newhall is one of Santa Clarita’s oldest neighborhoods — once a key stop along the old Butterfield Overland Mail Stagecoach route.
Stroll down Main Street in Old Town Newhall to experience Santa Clarita’s revitalized historic district, which feels like stepping back in time. Old Town Newhall celebrates its Western roots with the Walk of Western Stars (sidewalk plaques honoring Western film legends) and vintage storefronts, while also offering modern entertainment and dining. You’ll find boutique shops, art galleries, wine bars, and theaters along the strip. Don’t miss the weekly Old Town Newhall Farmers Market on Saturday mornings and the occasional Thursday night SENSES Block Party (a lively themed street festival). The area is also home to the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society and the William S. Hart Pony Express Museum, which provide insight into local lore. Each spring, Old Town hosts the annual Cowboy Festival, bringing music, food, and Old West reenactments to town.
7. Gibbon Conservation Center
📍 Location: 19100 Esguerra Rd, Saugus, CA 91350
Fun Fact: The Gibbon Conservation Center houses the largest group of gibbons in the Western Hemisphere — all dedicated to species preservation.
The Gibbon Conservation Center is a hidden gem for animal lovers – a 10-acre sanctuary dedicated to the research and preservation of highly endangered gibbon apes. Tucked away in a rural part of Santa Clarita, it’s home to more than 40 gibbons representing several species, known for their enchanting morning songs. Visitors can book a guided tour on weekends to observe these small apes swinging about their enclosures and hear experts explain their behaviors, conservation status, and the center’s breeding successes. It’s a unique chance to see gibbons up close, as this center holds one of the largest collections of gibbons in the Western Hemisphere.
8. The Gentle Barn
📍 Location: 15825 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country, CA 91390
Fun Fact: The Gentle Barn rescues farm animals from abuse and teaches visitors about kindness through hands-on animal interaction.
The Gentle Barn is a heartwarming farm sanctuary where visitors can cuddle cows, feed carrots to horses, and interact with rescued farm animals. Home to over 170 animals rescued from abuse or neglect, this non-profit sanctuary provides a safe haven for cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, and more. On Sundays (the main public visiting day), you can take a tour of the barnyard, brushing the cows, giving pigs tummy rubs, and hearing inspiring rescue stories about each animal. It’s an educational and therapeutic experience especially great for children – teaching kindness and compassion toward animals.
9. Central Park
📍 Location: 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91350
Fun Fact: Central Park isn’t just a sports hub — it’s home to Concerts in the Park, Santa Clarita’s biggest free outdoor summer music series.
Central Park is the City of Santa Clarita’s crown jewel of community parks – a 130-acre expanse of open fields, sports facilities, and playgrounds at the center of town. It’s a popular spot for picnics, pickup soccer and basketball games, jogging, and dog walking. The park features multiple sports fields, a fitness zone, an accessible playground, and walking trails that loop the lawns (about 3 miles of pathways). Central Park is also known for hosting large-scale events, including the free “Concerts in the Park” series every summer, where thousands gather on the grass for live music under the stars.
10. Santa Clarita Aquatic Center
📍 Location: 20850 Centre Pointe Pkwy, Canyon Country, CA 91351
Fun Fact: The Aquatic Center includes three pools — one Olympic-sized — and offers diving boards, water slides, and swim competitions year-round.
When the Southern California sun is blazing, the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center is the perfect place to cool off. This city-run complex features multiple pools and water play areas: a 50-meter Olympic competition pool, a 25-yard diving pool, and a shallow leisure pool with a twisting water slide and spray features. It’s essentially a mini water park for the community, complete with a zero-entry “beach” pool for young children and water umbrellas to play under. The Aquatic Center offers recreational swim hours for the public, as well as lap swimming, swim lessons, and diving classes. In the summer months, it’s a hub of family fun and a great way to beat the heat.
11. Mountasia Family Fun Center
📍 Location: 21516 Golden Triangle Rd, Canyon Country, CA 91350
Fun Fact: MB2 Entertainment blends classic arcade games, mini-golf, bumper boats, axe throwing, and go-kart racing — all under one roof.
Mountasia, recently revamped as MB2 Entertainment, is an all-in-one stop for family fun and games. This entertainment center offers a mix of indoor and outdoor attractions in Santa Clarita: zoom around the go-kart track, battle friends in laser tag, putt your way through the whimsical 18-hole miniature golf courses, or bump around in the bumper boats pond. Inside, there’s a large video arcade with modern and classic games, a bowling alley, billiards, and more. For adrenaline, try the rock climbing wall or new high-speed electric go-karts (added by MB2). It’s the kind of place where kids, teens, and adults can easily spend a few hours playing and bonding.
12. Westfield Valencia Town Center
📍 Location: 24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA 91355
Fun Fact: Westfield Valencia isn’t just for shopping — it features a rooftop patio, luxury theaters, and seasonal outdoor events.
Westfield Valencia Town Center is Santa Clarita’s premier shopping mall and lifestyle center, offering a variety of retail, dining, and entertainment in one location. The complex includes an indoor mall with over 150 stores (from popular brands to specialty boutiques) and an attractive outdoor section called “The Patios,” which features landscaped walkways, fountain courtyards, and al fresco restaurants. It’s not just a shopping hub – there’s a Regal movie theater, a family fun play area, and frequent live entertainment or events hosted in the common areas. From fashion and electronics to a quick bite or fancy dinner, Town Center has something for everyone.
13. Mentryville Park
📍 Location: 27201 Pico Canyon Rd, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
Fun Fact: Mentryville was a booming 19th-century oil town — today it's a ghost town you can walk through, complete with abandoned homes and a historic schoolhouse.
Step back into California’s oil-boom history with a visit to Mentryville, a real 19th-century oil town turned ghost town nestled in Pico Canyon. Founded in the 1870s by oilman Charles Mentry, Mentryville was the site of California’s first commercially successful oil well (Pico No.4, struck in 1876). Today, the park preserves a few surviving structures of the abandoned town: the old Mentryville Schoolhouse, a 13-room superintendent’s house (Charles Mentry’s home), and a barn. These weathered buildings and relics of the oil era give visitors a glimpse of pioneer life. You can wander among the buildings (peeking in windows at antique furniture) and imagine the once-bustling community, or hike further up the canyon to see remnants of oil equipment along the trail.
14. Tesoro Adobe Historic Park
📍 Location: 29350 Avenida Rancho Tesoro, Valencia, CA 91354
Fun Fact: Tesoro Adobe was built by cowboy actor Harry Carey in the 1920s and served as a backdrop for many early Western films.
Tucked in the Tesoro Valencia neighborhood, Tesoro Adobe Historic Park is a slice of Hollywood history in a peaceful park setting. This was once the ranch of Harry Carey, a famed silent-era Western film star, who built the adobe home and ranch buildings in the 1920s and 30s. Notably, movie legends like Gary Cooper and John Wayne were known to visit and film here. Today, the park preserves Carey’s charming adobe ranch house, bunkhouse, and outbuildings amidst grassy fields and heritage oak trees. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to see the exteriors of the adobes (and interiors during limited open-house hours or tours) and enjoy the picnic areas and short nature trails that wind through the property.
15. St. Francis Dam Disaster Site
📍 Location: San Francisquito Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91390
Fun Fact: In 1928, the St. Francis Dam collapsed in one of California’s worst disasters, killing over 400 people — remnants of the dam still sit eerily in the canyon.
For a somber but historically significant outing, venture to the site of the St. Francis Dam in San Francisquito Canyon. This is the location of one of California’s worst disasters: in 1928, the St. Francis Dam collapsed, releasing a massive flood that killed over 400 people downstream. Today, the dam’s crumbled remains lie in ruins scattered along the canyon – huge chunks of concrete amid the brush serve as a memorial to the tragedy. A guided hiking tour (offered by the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society on select dates) is the best way to visit, as guides will lead you to points of interest like the preserved wing dike and explain how the disaster unfolded. You’ll also learn about famed engineer William Mulholland’s role and the dam’s lasting impact on dam safety laws.
16. Quigley Canyon Open Space
📍 Location: Trailhead at Cleardale Ave, Newhall, CA 91321
Fun Fact: Quigley Canyon has over 160 acres of trails perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and spotting local wildlife like coyotes and hawks.
Quigley Canyon offers 160 acres of rolling hills and oak groves for those seeking a peaceful retreat into nature not far from the city. This open space area contains over 4 miles of multi-use trails, welcoming hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Trails wind through chaparral-covered hills and shady canyons; some routes are easy for beginners, while others climb to ridgelines with rewarding views. As you explore, you might stumble upon reminders of the past – Quigley Canyon has old oil equipment and even a few movie set remnants hidden off the paths (the area was once used for filming, as many spots in Santa Clarita have been). It’s a lesser-known spot to commune with nature and enjoy quiet trails.
17. Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon
📍 Location: 24255 The Old Rd, Newhall, CA 91321
Fun Fact: Towsley Canyon’s twisting trails wind through ancient oak forests and dramatic narrows carved by centuries of flash floods.
Edwin (Ed) Davis Park, commonly known as Towsley Canyon, is another fantastic spot for outdoor enthusiasts in Santa Clarita. Part of the Santa Clarita Woodlands Preserve, Towsley Canyon offers a beautiful loop hike (~5 miles) that takes you through chaparral hills, a narrows-like slot canyon, and up to panoramic vistas of the Santa Susana Mountains. The canyon is notable for its geological features – you’ll see sandstone formations, marine fossils embedded in rocks, and even tar seeps (a reminder of the oil that once flowed here). In the spring, a creek runs through the canyon and there’s a small seasonal waterfall. It’s also a good bird-watching locale. The park has a picnic area at the entrance and a nature trail for shorter walks.
18. Santa Clarita Public Art Tour
📍 Location: Multiple locations across Santa Clarita
Fun Fact: Santa Clarita's public art collection features over 30 large-scale sculptures and murals — from whimsical parks to sleek city installations.
One delightful aspect of Santa Clarita is its commitment to public art – the city is like an open-air gallery with sculptures, murals, and installations dotting many parks and street corners. From the whimsical steel sculptures along the paseos (walking paths) to the monumental art pieces like “Western Walk of Stars” and the “Veterans Historical Plaza” sculptures in Newhall, there’s plenty to see. You can pick up a self-guided Public Art map from the city or download it, then take a driving or walking tour to discover these creations. Highlights include the “Road Trip” mural in Old Town Newhall, the “Imagateway” art installation at the mall, and the “Rainbow Bridge” sculpture near the Centre Pointe area, among many others. It’s a great way to explore different parts of the city while enjoying art for free.
19. Santa Clarita Philharmonic
📍 Location: Concerts at various venues in Santa Clarita
Fun Fact: The Santa Clarita Philharmonic is made up of volunteer musicians who bring classical music to the community with free performances.
The Santa Clarita Philharmonic is a community orchestra that showcases the musical talents of the Santa Clarita Valley. Their mission is to bring classical music to local audiences for free or very low cost. Throughout the year (typically fall through spring), the Philharmonic presents concerts featuring symphonic classics, pops repertoire, and occasionally guest soloists. Performances are often held at venues like the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center or local colleges/high schools. The orchestra is composed of professional, semi-professional, and student musicians from the area, all volunteering their time. It’s a wonderful cultural experience for music lovers and an opportunity to enjoy live orchestral music without trekking to Los Angeles.
20. Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
📍 Location: 32132 Castaic Lake Dr, Castaic, CA 91384
Fun Fact: Castaic Lake supplies drinking water to parts of Los Angeles but is also a prime spot for boating, jet skiing, fishing, and camping.
Just north of Santa Clarita lies Castaic Lake, a vast reservoir and recreation area offering a plethora of outdoor activities. The lake is split into two parts: the Upper Lake (a large reservoir for power boating, jet skiing, sailing, and fishing) and the Lower Lake Lagoon (a smaller lake with swim beaches, picnic areas, and non-motorized boating). Surrounding the water are over 11,000 acres of parkland and open space with campgrounds, hiking trails, and shoreline for relaxing. On a hot day, Castaic Lake is an oasis for swimming and water play; in cooler months, it’s a peaceful spot to hike or cast a fishing line (the lake is stocked with bass, trout, and catfish). The scenery – blue water against a backdrop of rolling hills – is especially pretty at sunset.
21. Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons
📍 Location: 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Valencia, CA 91355
Fun Fact: The PAC hosts Broadway tours, symphonies, comedy shows, and student productions — all inside a stunning 900-seat theater.
On the College of the Canyons campus in Valencia, the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) is a modern 886-seat theater that hosts a wide variety of music, dance, and theater performances throughout the year. From touring professional shows and notable comedians to COC’s own music ensembles and theatrical productions, the PAC offers top-tier entertainment with excellent acoustics and sightlines. Audiences consistently praise the venue’s intimate feel – there’s not a bad seat in the house. Past shows have ranged from classical concerts and ballet to Broadway musical revivals and celebrity speakers. It’s a cultural gem for the community, drawing both local and international talent.
22. Gilchrist Farm
📍 Location: 30116 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91390
Fun Fact: Gilchrist Farm offers goat yoga, horseback riding, pumpkin patches, and old-fashioned farm life just minutes from the city.
Gilchrist Farm is a working farm in the Santa Clarita Valley that opens its barnyard to visitors for a charming dose of country life. On weekends (especially Saturdays year-round), families can drop in for pony rides, a petting zoo, wagon rides, and seasonal crafts. Kids can cuddle goats and bunnies, feed chickens, and even try milking a goat during special demonstrations. Throughout the year, Gilchrist Farm hosts seasonal events like a Pumpkin Patch in fall (with a corn maze and pumpkin picking) and a Spring Fling (with baby animal encounters). They also offer workshops in traditional skills – think soap making, cheese making, blacksmithing – providing a hands-on taste of farm life. It’s a wholesome, fun outing especially suited for families with young children.
23. Pulchella Winery Tasting Room
📍 Location: 24261 Main St, Newhall, CA 91321
Fun Fact: Pulchella Winery is owned by two local families and specializes in bold, small-batch wines crafted from Paso Robles grapes.
Santa Clarita has a budding wine scene, and Pulchella Winery leads the pack with its stylish tasting room in Old Town Newhall. Founded by two local wine enthusiasts in 2006, Pulchella focuses on handcrafted wines using grapes from Paso Robles and other California regions. Their intimate tasting room on Main Street is a great place to unwind – you can sample a flight of their current releases, which often include robust red blends, Zinfandels, Syrahs, and unique varietals. The winemakers are often on hand and happy to chat, making it a personalized experience. The ambiance is warm and rustic-chic, fitting right in with the Old Town vibe.
24. Local Craft Breweries & Brewpubs
📍 Location: Various — including Telco Brewery, Pocock Brewing Co., and Brewery Draconum
Fun Fact: Santa Clarita’s craft beer scene has exploded in the last decade, with local brewers winning awards at major festivals across California.
Beer lovers will be pleased to find that Santa Clarita boasts a lively craft beer scene with several notable breweries and brewpubs. Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co. in Valencia is a pioneer – brewing award-winning beers for over 20 years and pairing them with great food and desserts. Their core beers (like the Howlin’ Hefeweizen or Desperado IPA) are local staples. In addition, you can visit Pocock Brewing Company (a family-run brewery with a spacious tasting room and fun weekly trivia nights), Telco Brewery, or Draconum in Newhall (which is a brewpub featuring house beers and a full gastropub menu). Each offers a laid-back atmosphere to sample local suds. At Newhall Refinery and The LOCAL Pub & Grill, you’ll also find a curated selection of regional craft beers if you prefer a variety of taps in one spot.
25. Live Theater in Old Town Newhall
📍 Location: 24266 Main St, Newhall, CA 91321
Fun Fact: Canyon Theatre Guild has been a cornerstone of the local arts scene for over 40 years — offering everything from Shakespeare to musicals.
Santa Clarita’s Old Town Newhall is an arts hub, and at its heart are two venues for live theater and performances: the Canyon Theatre Guild (CTG) and The MAIN. The Canyon Theatre Guild has been producing community theater since 1970, delivering high-quality plays and musicals that delight local audiences. Their playhouse on Main Street is a charming, intimate theater where you can catch classic productions, family-friendly shows (they often do a yearly holiday play or summer musical), and occasional edgier fare – all featuring talented local actors. Just down the street, The MAIN is a black-box theater space that hosts more experimental theater, one-act festivals, comedy nights, and music performances. Together, they ensure there’s always a show to see in Old Town.
26. Farmers Markets
To truly experience the local flavor of Santa Clarita, spend a morning at one of the area’s farmers markets. The city hosts four weekly market with the most popular being:
Old Town Newhall Farmers Market
Saturdays 8:30 am-1:00 pm at the Newhall Library parking lot. Dozens of California farmers and specialty food vendors set up booths with the freshest seasonal fruits and vegetables (many organic), artisanal breads and baked goods, farm-fresh eggs, honey, cheeses, flowers, and more. You can chat with growers about how and where the produce was grown and sample items like juicy peaches or handmade tamales.
Santa Clarita (VCC) Farmers Market
Sundays 8:30 a.m.- noon at College of the Canyons parking lot. This long-running market (over 25 years in operation) similarly offers a cornucopia of produce, artisanal foods, and some craft items. It’s a great place to grab breakfast from a food stand (crepes or breakfast burritos, anyone?) and coffee, then shop for groceries for the week.
Other weekday markets include a smaller Wednesday evening market in Canyon Country and a Sunday morning market in the FivePoint Valencia area.
27. Arcane Escape Rooms
📍 Location: 25876 The Old Rd, Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
Fun Fact: Arcane Escape Rooms are known for movie-quality set designs and mind-bending puzzles — some rooms even change based on how players perform.
For a unique indoor adventure, try Arcane Escape Rooms – one of Santa Clarita’s top-rated escape room venues. Escape rooms are immersive, themed experiences where your group has 60 minutes to solve puzzles and find clues to “escape” or complete a mission. Arcane offers several highly imaginative scenarios; one standout is “The Ghost of Mentryville”, which is inspired by the local ghost town and praised for its cinematic quality and clever puzzles. You and your team might find yourselves in an old haunted house setting, unraveling the mystery of Mentryville’s last resident. Other rooms at Arcane include a magician’s study and a steampunk airship adventure. The production values – from props to sound effects – and the engaging storylines make it a blast for friends, families, or date night.
28. Concerts in the Park
📍 Location: Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91350
Fun Fact: Santa Clarita’s Concerts in the Park series has been running for over 30 years, drawing thousands each weekend for free live music under the stars.
During summer, one of the most enjoyable local experiences is Concerts in the Park, a series of free outdoor concerts held every Saturday evening in July and August at Central Park. Each week features a different band or artist, often high-quality tribute bands or up-and-coming regional acts covering genres like classic rock, 80s hits, country, or R&B. The music kicks off around 7:00 PM, but many locals arrive early to set up blankets and lawn chairs, turning the event into a big community picnic. Food trucks and vendors line the park selling kettle corn, BBQ, funnel cakes, and more, adding to the festive vibe. As the sun sets and music fills the warm night air, you’ll see families dancing, kids playing, and neighbors mingling – it’s Santa Clarita summer at its best.
29. Sand Canyon Country Club
📍 Location: 27734 Sand Canyon Rd, Canyon Country, CA 91387
Fun Fact: The Sand Canyon course was designed by PGA legend Jack Nicklaus’ top design team — offering sweeping views of the Angeles National Forest.
If golf is your game, head to Sand Canyon Country Club (formerly Robinson Ranch) for a day on the links in a gorgeous setting. This 27-hole golf course is tucked against the scenic Angeles National Forest, offering both mountain and valley course layouts that challenge and delight golfers of all skill levels. The course is known for its well-maintained fairways, changes in elevation, and strategic bunkers and water features that come into play. Even if you’re not golfing, the 25,000-square-foot clubhouse is a draw – it houses a bar & grill with a pleasant outdoor patio where you can enjoy a meal or drink with panoramic views of the greens and surrounding hills. The club has a pro shop and offers lessons, making it a great place for enthusiasts or those looking to learn.
30. Original Saugus Café
📍 Location: 25861 Railroad Ave, Saugus, CA 91350
Fun Fact: Opened in 1887, the Original Saugus Café is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Los Angeles County — even Teddy Roosevelt ate here.
Cap off your Santa Clarita adventures with a meal at the Original Saugus Café, the oldest restaurant in Los Angeles County continuously operating since 1886. This unassuming diner on Railroad Avenue has been serving hearty comfort food for well over a century, feeding generations of locals, railroad workers, film stars, and even U.S. presidents along the way. Stepping inside is like traveling back in time – you’ll see vintage photographs on the walls, classic red vinyl booths, a long counter, and friendly waitresses who might call you “hon.” The menu sticks to old-school favorites: chicken-fried steak, big omelets, patty melts, homemade pies, and their famous biscuits and gravy. Open 7 days a week (and traditionally 24 hours pre-pandemic), Saugus Café is a slice of Santa Clarita history and Americana.
Conclusion
Santa Clarita might not shout for attention the way big cities do — and that's exactly its magic. Here, adventure doesn't feel rushed. It's in the quiet hikes through sun-drenched canyons, the laughter over mini-golf scores at MB2, the simple joy of fresh strawberries at a Saturday farmers market. It's roller coaster screams at Six Flags and quiet moments under ancient oak trees at Towsley Canyon.
From old Western movie sets to cutting-edge escape rooms, Santa Clarita blends history, nature, and new adventures into something that feels real and welcoming. You won’t just tick off attractions here — you’ll actually connect with the place.
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FAQ
1. What is Santa Clarita best known for?
Santa Clarita is known for being the home of Six Flags Magic Mountain, but it’s way more than just roller coasters. Locals love it for its open spaces, scenic hiking trails, historic Old Town Newhall, and strong community vibe. It's also famous in Hollywood — tons of TV shows and movies have been filmed in places like Vasquez Rocks and Melody Ranch.
2. How far is Santa Clarita from Los Angeles?
Santa Clarita is about 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. Depending on traffic (and it is LA, so plan accordingly), the drive usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. That makes it a perfect day-trip option if you’re based in LA, or a great home base if you want the convenience of city access without the big-city grind. You’ll trade smoggy streets for mountain views, wide open parks, and just enough distance to breathe — without feeling disconnected from everything happening down south.
3. Is Santa Clarita worth visiting?
Absolutely. If you like cities that feel both lively and personal, Santa Clarita hits that sweet spot. It's packed with things to do — adrenaline rides, hiking, historic ghost towns, artsy districts — but still feels easygoing compared to bigger tourist hubs. Plus, it's less crowded and more affordable than downtown Los Angeles or the beaches.
4. When is the best time to visit Santa Clarita?
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Santa Clarita. From March to May and September to November, the weather is sunny and comfortable — perfect for hiking, outdoor events, and exploring without melting in the heat. Summer is fun too (especially for water parks and lakes), but temps can climb into the 90s and beyond. Winters are mild, though rainstorms can occasionally sweep through. If you want prime hiking weather, gorgeous wildflowers, and clear mountain views, spring is unbeatable. Plus, fewer crowds mean more space to roam.
5. What’s the weather like in Santa Clarita?
Expect lots of sunshine. Santa Clarita has a classic Mediterranean climate — hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. Summer highs can easily hit the upper 90s, but the low humidity keeps it manageable compared to other parts of California. Winters are more relaxed, usually hovering between 40°F at night and 65°F during the day. Rain is rare but tends to show up in short, dramatic bursts between December and March. No matter when you visit, it’s smart to pack layers: mornings can be cool even when afternoons feel like full-on beach weather.
