Looking for a relaxed Southern California getaway with history, hiking, and scenic beauty? Head to Simi Valley! Just outside Los Angeles, Simi Valley offers presidential history, beautiful parks, and quiet suburban charm. Whether you’re into museums, outdoor adventures, or exploring hidden gems, Simi Valley has something for every kind of traveler.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Simi Valley is during spring and fall (March–May and September–November). Pleasant temperatures make it ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying outdoor activities without the summer heat.
Tips for getting There
- If you are traveling by car: Simi Valley is easily accessible via U.S. Route 101 and State Route 118, about 40 minutes northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
- By Plane: Fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR); Simi Valley is about a 45-minute drive from either airport.
- By Train: Metrolink’s Ventura County Line connects Simi Valley to Los Angeles Union Station and nearby cities.
Where I like to stay
- Best Western Posada Royale Hotel & Suites – Comfortable accommodations with free breakfast and a great location near major attractions.
- Courtyard by Marriott Ventura Simi Valley – Modern hotel offering an outdoor pool, restaurant, and easy access to hiking trails and shopping.
Best Things to Do
1. Stand in History’s Spotlight at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to the life and works of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan, and his wife, former First Lady Nancy Reagan. The library and museum also house the gravesites of the Reagans. Visitors are able to explore the 243,000 square foot facility and its many exhibits which cover President Reagan’s life. Exhibits focus on his childhood, film career, political career, military service, and marriage. Other aspects you’ll be able to see include a 1965 Ford Mustang which President Reagan used during his first gubernatorial campaign and the suit he wore during his inauguration.
40 Presidential Dr, Simi Valley, CA 93065
2. Walk Through the Past at Strathearn Historical Park & Museum
Explore the well-preserved Strathearn Historical Park & Museum to be transported back in time to Simi Valley’s past. Start your day at the Visitors’ Center and then head on out to the park grounds if you’re planning for a self-guided tour from afar. The park is filled with historic buildings and structures, but you can only explore the inside of these while on one of the many docent-led tours that are available. Some of the buildings and structures which still stand today are the Simi Library, the Printz/ Powell Colony House, the Strathearn Windmill, the Currier Apricot Pitting Shed, Wood Ranch Barns, and the Pioneer Memory Garden.
137 Strathearn Pl, Simi Valley, CA 93065, Phone: 805-526-6453
3. All Aboard Nostalgia at the Santa Susana Depot Museum and Model Railroad
The Santa Susana Depot Museum and Model Railroad is a historic Southern Pacific depot that can be found in the stunning Simi Valley. The museum is housed in the beautifully-restored depot and is enjoyable for visitors of all ages. One of their best exhibits is a model of the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot which has been fully restored to look exactly like it did in the 1950s. Train enthusiasts young and old are mesmerized by the operational miniature representation of Simi Valley. Other aspects of the museum include accurate displays of static and operating artifacts which were used at the depot in its early years of operation as well as nostalgic railroading memorabilia.
Santa Susana Depot, 6503 Katherine Rd, Simi Valley, CA 93063, Phone: 805-581-3462
4. Hike Hollywood History at Corriganville Park
Corriganville Park is popularly known by its former name: Corriganville Movie Ranch. Purchased by actor and stuntman Ray “Crash” Corrigan, the park was a working film studio and movie ranch that has provided sceneries and sets for popular television shows and movies such as Star Trek, The Lone Ranger, and The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin. Filled with boulders, mountains, lakes, caves, waterfalls, and several man-made sets like hotels, saloons, jails, and shops, the property was the site of thousands of recordings throughout its history. Today, visitors will be able to see the remains of the movie and theme park buildings from its past, but the stunning natural California landscape which made it popular in the first place still thrives. Trails have been established for easy exploration ranging from the short, quarter-mile Hummingbird Trail to the 1.1 mile long Interpretive Trail.
7001 Smith Rd, Simi Valley, CA 93063, Phone: 805-584-4400
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
5. Drop In at the Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum
The Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum was created in 2009 to honor the contributions which were made to skateboarding history and culture throughout the decades. The museum highlights the passion and dedication of several cultural icons that have made an impact in the skateboarding community. The museum is filled with displays, photographs, artifacts, and other memorabilia and often hosts events to meet legends such as Tony Hawk, Tony Alva, Rodney Mullen, Mike McGill, Patti McGee, and Laura Caswell. One of their most famed events is an annual gala which honors and celebrates that year’s inductees.
1555 Simi Town Center Way, UNIT 230, Simi Valley, CA, 93065, Phone: 805-842-1444
6. Pedal the City on the Arroyo Simi Bike Path
The Arroyo Simi Bike Path, also known as the Arroyo Simi Greenway, comprises several multi-use paths which take you through a majority of Simi Valley. The paths are located on both sides of the Arroyo Simi Flood Control Channel and is a popular place with walkers, joggers, cyclers, skateboarders, and horseback riders. The greenway has undergone a major upgrade over the years and visitors will be able to make use of seventeen new access trail entries, new asphalt bikeways, signalized crossings, directional and interpretive exhibit signs, and many other site amenities. The bike path is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is only closed due to heavy rain or flooding.
7. Climb to Wild Vistas on the Rocky Peak Trail
Found within the Santa Susana Mountains, Rocky Peak Trail is a popular hiking trail that leads to the panoramic 2,715-foot summit, Rocky Peak. The peak can be found at the center of the 4,800-acre Santa Susana Park and visitors can access the trail from the parks Rocky Peak Road. Requiring hikers to be moderately skilled, the trail will take you through a more desolate path and have moments where you’ll need to scramble over boulders to continue. The trip is extremely exciting and is approximately 4.75 miles round trip, with an elevation change of about 900 feet.
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
8. Explore Natural Crossroads at Santa Susana Pass State Historical Park
Visitors will find Santa Susana Pass State Historical Park right on the cusp of where the Santa Susana Mountains meets Simi Hills. The park is filled with deep canyons, high ridges, and an abundance of flora and fauna. Some of the native animals you may come across include coyotes, ring-tailed cats, mule deer, and gray foxes. There are several trails which wind throughout the park and lead to overlooks which provide stunning vistas of the surroundings. While there, you’ll also learn about the rich history of the land ranging from being the home of two distinct groups of Native Americans as well as being a transportation corridor dating back to 1769.
9853 Andora Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311, Phone: 818-784-4849
9. Catch a Show at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center
There are several aspects of the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center which attracts visitors, especially art and architecture aficionados. Since it’s opening in 1995, the Cultural Arts Center has hosted everything from dramas and musicals to jazz performances and rock ‘n roll concerts. Prior to that though, the Gothic structure had been around since the mid-1920s as the Simi Community Methodist Episcopal Church. Even after being refurbished in 1981, you can still see hints of its past elegance like in the downstairs lobby light fixture that has hung in the same place since 1924 or in the stained glass windows which were recreated by the original company.
3050 E Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley, CA 93065, Phone: 805-583-7905
10. Marvel at Whimsy in Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village
Identified as a California Historical Landmark, a U.S. Historic District, and on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village is a stunning art environment created by Tressa “Grandma” Prisbrey. For over twenty years between the 1950s and the 1970s she built a village of sorts using recycled items and discards from the local landfill. You’ll be able to see walkways, shrines, sculptures, buildings, and much more during the public tours which are conducted. Please note that there are limitations to the tour such as no open-toed shoes, no heels, no water or restroom facilities, no strollers, and that it is not ADA accessible.
4595 Cochran St, Simi Valley, CA 93063
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Explore Strathearn Historical Park & Museum – Step back into 19th-century California with historic homes and artifacts.
- Stroll around Simi Valley Town Center – Shop at boutiques, enjoy casual dining, and catch a movie in this outdoor shopping center.
Where I Like to Eat
- Eggs ‘n’ Things – Classic breakfast and brunch spot famous for pancakes, omelets, and hearty morning plates.
- Ali Baba Café – Local favorite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes served in a friendly, casual atmosphere.
- Junkyard Café – Eclectic décor and a diverse menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, and fun comfort food favorites.
My favorite local events:
- Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival (May) – Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with live music, food, and family fun.
- Simi Valley Street Fair (April/May) – Browse hundreds of vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and sample local eats downtown.
- Movies in the Park (Summer) – Family-friendly outdoor movie nights at local parks during summer evenings.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Simi Valley, California:
- Malibu, CA (30 min) – Relax on beautiful beaches, hike canyons, or dine oceanfront along the Pacific Coast Highway.
- Topanga State Park (30 min) – Hike rugged trails with incredible coastal and canyon views in the Santa Monica Mountains.
- Thousand Oaks, CA (20–25 min) – Shop, dine, and enjoy local parks like Wildwood Regional Park with waterfalls and hiking.
- Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park (15–20 min) – Explore dramatic rocky landscapes, hiking trails, and historic trails once used by Native Americans and early settlers.
- Chatsworth, CA (15–20 min) – Discover hiking areas, old movie locations, and quaint historic sites in neighboring communities.
Plan Your Trip