Calabasas surprised me in the best way. Nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and Los Angeles' suburban sprawl, this quiet city carried a unique mix of luxury and wild beauty. There was something grounding about walking the same trails where mountain lions roam and then sipping coffee in a thoughtfully designed café minutes later. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of place that balances me." It felt like the perfect blend of escape and everyday comfort.
Best Things to Do in Calabasas, CA
Go hiking in Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park swept me off my feet with its raw, cinematic beauty—rolling hills, rugged cliffs, and oak-lined trails that seem to go on forever. Hiking there felt like stepping into another era, the kind where you’re small but completely alive. I remember thinking, "This is California the way it was meant to be—untamed, golden, and full of wonder." Whether I was tracing old filming locations or sitting quietly beside the creek, I felt an odd mix of nostalgia and presence, like I belonged to something bigger.
What I Loved Most: The panoramic views from the Rock Pool trail and watching the sunset spill gold across the landscape.
Travel Tips:
- Address: 1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
- Vibe: Wild, cinematic, restorative
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild hiking weather
- Don’t Miss: The M*A*S*H filming site and Rock Pool
- Admission: $3–$12 per vehicle depending on lot
Visit the Leonis Adobe Museum
The Leonis Adobe Museum felt like opening a door to 19th-century California—a slice of life preserved with care and charm. As I wandered the grounds, past the adobe structures, period furnishings, and sweet farm animals, it was easy to imagine a time when Calabasas was more ranchland than suburb. I found myself thinking, "There’s something grounding in these stories—they remind me how quickly the world turns." The docent’s tales brought the past to life, and the air smelled faintly of hay and history.
What I Loved Most: Petting the sheep in the barnyard and walking through Espiritu Leonis’ Victorian-style bedroom, still full of ornate elegance.
Travel Tips:
- Address: 23537 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
- Vibe: Historic, charming, educational
- Admission: $5 suggested donation
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience
- Nearby: Walkable to Calabasas Commons for shopping and cafes
Check out the King Gillette Ranch
Walking through King Gillette Ranch was like stepping into a hushed reverie. The grounds—lush, expansive, and brushed with light—felt suspended between wild nature and cultivated elegance. The old mansion and its sycamore trees whisper stories if you pause long enough to listen. I remember thinking, "Peace like this is rare—it settles over you without asking for anything." The gentle paths and wildlife sightings made me forget I was anywhere near Los Angeles.
What I Loved Most: Sitting on the edge of the pond near the visitor center, watching turtles sunbathe and hawks wheel overhead.
Travel Tips:
- Address: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
- Vibe: Tranquil, natural, contemplative
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or golden hour for the softest light
- Tip: Great for a slow-paced stroll and photography
- Parking: $7 per vehicle, self-pay kiosk
Have lunch at Pedalers Fork
Pedalers Fork was the kind of place that made me want to slow down and savor everything—the food, the company, the soft breeze drifting through the open windows. Half café, half bike shop, and all charm, it felt more like a lifestyle than just a brunch spot. I remember thinking, "This is what weekends should feel like—simple, intentional, and full of flavor." The reclaimed wood, the scent of fresh espresso, the hum of conversation—it all wrapped me up in comfort.
What I Loved Most: The house-smoked trout scramble, with farm eggs and a citrusy arugula salad, paired with their cold brew. Sitting out on the patio, surrounded by trees and cyclists, I felt completely present.
Travel Tips:
- Address: 23504 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
- Vibe: Rustic, community-driven, laid-back
- Best Time to Visit: Weekend mornings for the full brunch buzz
- Menu Highlights: Avocado toast, smoked trout scramble, signature cocktails
- Tip: Great for cyclists—bike racks and friendly staff
See the exhibits at Calabasas Creek Park
Tucked between the bustling Calabasas Commons and quiet residential streets, Calabasas Creek Park felt like a hidden nook designed for reflection. The historic touches—stone walls, a vintage jail cell, and interpretive signs—gave it more than just green space. I remember thinking, "Even small places can hold a surprising sense of history." Walking the gentle path beside the trickling creek gave me a sense of balance and calm I hadn’t realized I needed.
What I Loved Most: Discovering the replica of the original Calabasas jail and reading the local history—an unexpected journey in the middle of the city.
Travel Tips:
- Address: 23527 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
- Vibe: Quiet, thoughtful, family-friendly
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon strolls for dappled sunlight and shade
- Good to Know: Free entry, limited street parking
- Nearby: Walkable to shops, cafés, and the Leonis Adobe Museum
Have dinner at Saddle Peak Lodge
Dinner at Saddle Peak Lodge felt like a retreat into another world—one where candlelight flickers against wood-paneled walls and time slows under the weight of delicious anticipation. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, this rustic hideaway is where mountain elegance and fine dining meet. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of meal that becomes a memory." Everything, from the game meats to the wine list, was curated to honor the land.
What I Loved Most: The elk tenderloin, cooked to perfection, paired with a bold red wine. The warmth of the hearth and the hush of the woods outside made it feel like a secret shared between friends.
Travel Tips:
- Address: 419 Cold Canyon Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
- Vibe: Romantic, rustic-luxe, intimate
- Best Time to Visit: Dinner after sunset for the full ambiance
- Dress Code: Smart casual or better
- Reservations: Highly recommended, especially on weekends
Why Calabasas Stays With You
Whether I was wandering through old adobe walls, sharing a meal beneath the oaks, or standing in the stillness of a historic ranch, Calabasas felt personal. Each place had its own pace, its own character. And what I brought home wasn’t just memories—it was that rare feeling of being both nourished and restored. It’s a place that doesn't rush to impress, but instead invites you to slow down and rediscover your own rhythm.
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