Moorpark caught me off guard in the best way. I expected a quiet afternoon in a small Southern California town — and instead, I found hands-on farms, local creativity, and one of the most unexpectedly delightful pastry shops I’ve ever stepped into. It was the kind of place where people wave from tractors and smile from behind espresso machines. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of simple joy that sticks with you."
Best Things to Do in Moorpark, CA
Harvest moments at Underwood Family Farms
I didn’t expect to feel nostalgic walking through rows of sunflowers and pumpkin patches, but there it was — a sudden joy in the simple. The air smelled like hay and strawberries, and everywhere I looked, kids were laughing and goats were trying to eat someone’s shirt. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of place that makes you put your phone away without even trying."
What I Loved Most: Picking my own produce, riding the tractor wagon loop, and feeding a donkey who gave me serious side-eye until I offered the right snack.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021
- Vibe: Family-friendly, hands-on, outdoorsy
- Highlights: U-pick fields, farm animals, festivals
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for pumpkin season; spring for strawberry picking
- Cost: $8–$14 per person; extra for produce and rides
- Hours: Daily 9am–6pm
Up close and curious at America’s Teaching Zoo
This zoo isn’t flashy — but that’s what I loved about it. It felt intimate, with students excited to share animal facts and a quiet sense of care in every enclosure. I remember thinking, "This is what learning looks like when it’s full of heart." Watching a lion yawn five feet from me while a student talked about enrichment techniques — that’s not something you forget.
What I Loved Most: The behind-the-scenes vibe and how genuinely passionate the students were about the animals.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 7075 Campus Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021
- Vibe: Educational, low-key, kid-friendly
- Highlights: Lions, primates, zookeeper talks
- Best Time to Visit: Weekends when presentations are scheduled
- Cost: $9 adults, $7 kids/seniors
- Hours: Sat–Sun 11am–5pm
A small stage with big heart at High Street Arts Center
The lights dimmed, the curtain rose, and I was genuinely surprised — the performances here felt anything but “small town.” This theater packed emotion and energy into every scene. I remember thinking, "I’ve seen bigger stages, but rarely better storytelling." From the set design to the standing ovation, it was clear this place meant something to the community — and now to me too.
What I Loved Most: The unexpected talent, and chatting with cast members in the lobby after the show.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 45 E High St, Moorpark, CA 93021
- Vibe: Local, intimate, surprisingly polished
- Highlights: Musicals, dramas, family-friendly performances
- Best Time to Visit: Check show calendar; weekend evenings recommended
- Cost: $15–$25 per ticket
- Hours: Showtimes typically Fri–Sun evenings
Easy afternoons at Enegren Brewing Company
The sun was warm, the picnic tables were full, and glasses clinked between strangers becoming friends. Enegren Brewing has that laid-back California-German mashup that works so well you wonder why more places don’t do it. I remember thinking, "This is exactly how a Saturday should feel." The beer was crisp, the vibe was mellow, and I felt like I had nowhere better to be.
What I Loved Most: Sipping a flight of lagers with a breeze on my face and a local food truck parked out front.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 444 Zachary St #120, Moorpark, CA 93021
- Vibe: Chill, social, dog-friendly
- Highlights: German-style brews, live music, food trucks
- Best Time to Visit: Afternoons on weekends
- Cost: Flights ~$10; pints ~$7
- Hours: Wed–Sun, typically noon–10pm (check for events)
A taste of Italy at Carrara Pastries
Walking into Carrara felt like entering a little pocket of Tuscany — glass cases full of glossy pastries, the sound of espresso hissing, and the scent of almond and cream in the air. I remember thinking, "This is what dessert dreams look like." Everything looked perfect, but nothing felt pretentious. Just beautiful, joyful food.
What I Loved Most: The tiramisu, delicate and rich at the same time, with layers so airy it felt like eating a cloud of coffee and cocoa.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 476 W Los Angeles Ave, Moorpark, CA 93021
- Vibe: European, cozy, indulgent
- Highlights: Cannoli, tiramisu, espresso bar
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-afternoon for a quiet sweet break
- Cost: Pastries ~$3–$6; espresso ~$4
- Hours: Daily 8am–7pm
Simple joys and small-town soul
What struck me most about Moorpark wasn’t any one place — it was the rhythm of the whole day. It moved slower, kinder. I picked strawberries in the morning, met a lion after lunch, and ended my day with craft beer and tiramisu. I remember thinking, "This town doesn’t try to impress you… it just quietly charms you until you realize you never stopped smiling." Whether you’re planning a full day trip or just passing through, Moorpark gives you reasons to pause — and maybe stay a little longer than you planned.