Need a stylish, serene getaway with mountain views and a touch of celebrity sparkle? Head to Calabasas! Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas blends upscale living with natural beauty and history. Whether you're exploring luxury boutiques, hiking scenic trails, or sipping coffee in the Commons, this Los Angeles suburb is a chic retreat with laid-back SoCal vibes.
Calabasas, CA Highlights:
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hike the trails at Malibu Creek State Park – Discover rugged cliffs, serene streams, and film set ruins on scenic routes perfect for hikers of all levels.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Leonis Adobe Museum – Step into the 1880s at one of the oldest surviving buildings in Los Angeles County, complete with farm animals and costumed docents.
- For Shoppers: Stroll through The Commons at Calabasas – This Mediterranean-style shopping center features designer stores, restaurants, and frequent celebrity sightings.
- For Couples: Take a romantic drive through Mulholland Highway – Wind through oak-covered hills and stop at overlooks with sweeping views of the canyon and ocean.
- For Families: Enjoy a day at Juan Bautista de Anza Park – With playgrounds, sports courts, and shaded picnic areas, this park is great for family time in the fresh air.
Best Time to Visit Calabasas, CA
The best time to visit Calabasas is from March through June or September through November, when temperatures are pleasant and skies are clear. Summers can be hot and dry, while winters are mild with occasional rain—perfect for indoor shopping, spa days, or hiking in cooler weather.
How to Get to Calabasas, CA
- If you are traveling by car: Calabasas is located off the US-101 freeway, about 30 minutes northwest of downtown Los Angeles and 20 minutes inland from Malibu.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 40–50 minutes by car. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is a closer alternative.
- By Transit: LA Metro buses serve the region, but having a car is highly recommended for convenience and access to nature areas.
Where to Stay in Calabasas, CA
- Recommended for Families: Hilton Garden Inn Calabasas – Comfortable, centrally located hotel with pool, free parking, and easy access to the Commons and local parks.
- For Couples: The Anza – A Calabasas Hotel – Stylish and modern, with a relaxing pool and walkable access to shopping and dining.
- For a Luxury Stay: Malibu Canyon Villa Rentals – Nearby private villas and upscale rentals offer seclusion, views, and resort-level amenities.
Best Things to Do in Calabasas, CA
⮕ Go hiking in Malibu Creek State Park
Explore scenic trails and admire breathtaking mountain and canyon views.
The 8,215-acre Malibu Creek State Park was established in 1974 as a means of preserving the Malibu Creek Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains.
There are three natural preserves in the park which you can explore: Kaslow Preserve, Liberty Canyon, and Udell Gorge. A visit there will let you learn all about the land’s history and how it was initially inhabited by the native Chumash people - you may even see remains of their homesteads which still stand today.
Go hiking, picnicking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and bird watching.
1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
⮕ Visit the Leonis Adobe Museum
Discover California’s ranching history and explore a preserved 19th-century adobe.
Leonis Adobe is one of the oldest surviving structures in the San Fernando Valley.
It was built in 1844 as the private residence of Miguel Leonis, a wealthy rancher. It has since been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is now a living museum which transports visitors back in time to a California ranch style of life. A visit there is fun for the entire family and displays what life was like in the 1800s complete with a tour of the barn and blacksmith shop. Younger visitors love the opportunity to meet, pet, and feed many of the ranch’s animals as well.
23537 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302, Phone: 818-222-6511
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Check out the King Gillette Ranch
Walk through picturesque grounds and admire stunning Spanish Revival architecture.
Former property of the razor baron King C. Gillette, the King Gillette Ranch is now a part of California’s beautifully preserved Malibu Creek State Park.
Visitors are invited to explore the ranch and the vast public spaces surrounding it. The ranch itself was designed by architect Wallace Neff in the 1920s, and in addition to that, you’ll also be able to see a well-preserved Chumash settlement.
The area has many rich historic, cultural, and archaeological resources which visitors can learn a lot about during their visit there. Additional activities that are popular at King Gillette Ranch include hiking, bicycling, picnicking, and taking photographs.
26800 Mullholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302, Phone: 818-878-0866
⮕ Have dinner at Saddle Peak Lodge
Savor gourmet dishes and enjoy a romantic mountain dining experience.
Saddle Peak Lodge has a rich and colorful history that goes back over a hundred years; some remember it as a roadhouse or a pony express top, while others knew Saddle Peak as a hunting lodge.
They are known for serving some of the most delicious food in the area and have a menu that is so varied it’s sure to please even the most particular palate. Stop by for their famed brunch to try mouthwatering options such as the Alaskan benedict, the crab cake benedict, and the Monte Nido scramble with sonoma goat cheese and grilled broccoli. Try out some of their more unique offerings such as the charred shishito peppers and the New Zealand elk served with English pea bacon jam.
419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas, CA 91302, Phone: 818-222-3888
⮕ Attend a cultural program at the Malibu Hindu Temple
Experience vibrant traditions and admire intricate temple architecture.
Owned and operated by the Hindu Temple Society of Southern California, the Malibu Hindu Temple has been in Calabasas since 1981.
The temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Venkateswara and attracts visitors from all over the US as it is one of the largest Hindu temples on the west coast. Visitors love exploring the temple and its magnificent architecture and exterior covered in carvings. You can make use of the temple’s several public spaces such as its designated meditation spaces and the peaceful manicured greens where you can enjoy a picnic.
There are numerous celebrations, ceremonies, and gatherings at the temple, including cultural programs which everyone is invited to attend.
1600 Las Virgenes Canyon Road, Calabasas, CA 91302, Phone: 818-880-5552
⮕ Have lunch at Pedalers Fork
Enjoy fresh, locally-sourced dishes in a cozy, rustic setting.
Pedalers Fork is a lovely lifestyle restaurant that combines delicious food and cycling with refreshing coffee and craft beer.
With a farm to table approach, all of the meals offered are made with quality meats, poultry, fish, produce, and fruits. Some items off their menu which are popular with their patrons are the beef brisket, grass-fed burger, truffle fries, and their Devils on Horseback appetizer which are dates stuffed with bleu cheese and wrapped in bacon. After your meal, be sure to stop by their attached boutique cycling shop and pick up anything you need for a fun ride.
23504 Calabasas Road, Calabasas, CA 91302, Phone: 818-225-8231
Where to Eat in Calabasas, CA
- Recommended for Families: Marmalade Café – Local favorite for brunch and comfort food in a cozy, casual setting inside The Commons.
- For Fine Dining: Pedalers Fork – Trendy spot combining a farm-to-table restaurant, coffeehouse, and boutique bike shop with creekside seating.
- For a Casual Meal: Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill – Sustainable, healthy tacos, burrito bowls, and salads perfect for a fast and tasty meal.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Community Fun: Calabasas Pumpkin Festival (October) – Enjoy live music, carnival games, food vendors, and fall-themed fun for all ages.
- For Holiday Cheer: Calabasas Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch (December) – A dazzling walk-through holiday light display with treats and family fun.
- For Outdoor Music: Sun Sets Summer Concert Series (July–August) – Free live music under the stars at the Calabasas Lake stage.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–60 Minutes of Calabasas, CA:
- For Beach Lovers: Malibu (20–25 min) – Relax on Zuma Beach, hike Solstice Canyon, or dine oceanfront at Malibu Farm on the pier.
- For Museum Fans: Getty Center (30–40 min) – Admire art, gardens, and architecture high above Los Angeles.
- For Family Fun: Topanga State Park (25 min) – Hike trails through canyons and ridgelines with sweeping mountain and ocean views.
- For Nightlife: West Hollywood (45 min) – Explore rooftop bars, music venues, and iconic LA nightlife on the Sunset Strip.
- For Nature Escapes: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (20–40 min) – Trailheads, scenic drives, and hidden gems await in this expansive wilderness area.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is Calabasas known for?
- Calabasas is often associated with being the home of the Kardashians, but the Los Angeles County city is much more than a haven for Hollywood’s elite.
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What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Calabasas?
- Spend the day outdoors hiking, biking, and picnicking at Malibu Creek State Park or Calabasas Creek Park.
Plan Your Trip
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