A Neighborhood Discovery Guide for Curious Travelers
Four neighborhoods, four personalities, one valley worth getting to know
At first glance,Conejo Valley looks like one sunny stretch of oak-dotted hills along the 101. Spend a little time here, though, and you’ll see that each community has its own character. Agoura Hills has a touch of the Old West. Thousand Oaks is the lively heart of Conejo Valley. Hidden Valley is quiet ranch country. Newbury Park is where the trails start and the Santa Monica Mountains open up.
A bit of local trivia before you set out: Newbury Park is part of the City of Thousand Oaks, but locals will tell you it has a personality all its own. Hidden Valley isn’t a city at all. It’s an unincorporated ranch community tucked into the mountains south of Conejo Valley. Knowing these little distinctions is half the fun of exploring.
Here’s a mini itinerary for each, so you can explore one neighborhood at a time or string them together into a full Conejo Valley weekend.
Agoura Hills: Hollywood History and Western Roots
The vibe: Rustic with a sparkling Hollywood backstory. Winding Mulholland Highway, craggy peaks and a movie-set history give Agoura Hills a frontier spirit that’s still very much alive.
Morning: Climb Ladyface Mountain. Start early and tackle the trail up Ladyface, the rugged peak that watches over the city. It’s short but steep, and the views across the valley are worth every step. Hydrate well afterward.
Midday: Step into film history at Paramount Ranch. For nearly a century, this National Park Service site has stood in for the Old West on screen, most recently in HBO’s Westworld. Reproductions from the site’s filming past, like a barn and pavilion, are being rebuilt and the Park Service is aiming for an early 2027 reopening to mark the ranch’s centennial. Until then, the surrounding trails are a great way to soak up the scenery.
Afternoon: Saddle up. Book a guided trail ride with Malibu Riders off Triunfo Drive and see the canyons the way early settlers did.
Evening: Stare at the stars as you dine on the patio at Malibu Brewing. Partake in a local beer from the 22 rotating taps or a handcrafted cocktail or choose from a curated wine menu. The impressive menu offers so many chef-driven options, from a Short Rib Handheld to Fresh Catch Tacos or share a big Bavarian Pretzel or a Tropical Ahi Ceviche. You won’t be disappointed. Or you can Dine by the fire at Old Place on Mulholland Highway in Cornell. A rustic, antler-trimmed spot serving food cooked over red oak. Seating is limited, so reserve ahead. Stop next door at Cornell Wine Co. for a glass before dinner.
Curious traveler bonus: The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing at Liberty Canyon is slated to open December 2, 2026. The bridge itself is for wildlife only, but the project includes a public viewing platform where visitors can see this landmark conservation project up close.
Thousand Oaks: Conejo Valley’s Cultural Heart
The vibe: Walkable, welcoming and full of things to do. Gardens, a thriving arts scene, craft beer and a growing food scene makes Thousand Oaks the natural home base for any visit.
Morning: Chase a waterfall at Wildwood Regional Park. The hike to Paradise Falls is a local rite of passage, with a year-round cascade tucked into a canyon just minutes from town. Keep an eye out for Lizard Rock along the way.
Midday: Travel the world in an afternoon. Wander Gardens of the World on East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, where themed gardens take you from Japan to Italy to France without leaving Conejo Valley. Just down the street, grab a hearty sandwich at Rhineland Deli, a longtime local favorite.
Afternoon: Raise a glass. Head to Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. on Thousand Oaks Boulevard. It’s named for the landmark hill in town, and it’s a lively place to try local craft beer.
Evening: Catch a show. See what’s playing at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center at the Civic Arts Plaza, then finish the night with dinner at a local favorite like Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine or Limeña Peruvian Eatery.
Hidden Valley: Conejo Valley’s Best-Kept Secret
The vibe: Peaceful, pastoral and a bit glamorous. Hidden Valley is equestrian country, with sprawling ranches, winding country roads and mountain views that feel a world away from the freeway. It’s also been a quiet filming location for decades. Productions like Seabiscuit and 24 have used its rolling landscapes.
Late morning: Take the scenic drive. Hidden Valley is best seen slowly. Cruise the country roads that wind past white-fenced ranches, grazing horses and oak groves, with glimpses of Lake Sherwood to the east. Remember that most of the area is private property, so enjoy the views from the road and respect the residents.
Midday: Explore on two wheels. Some of the prettiest riding in the Conejo Valley runs right through Hidden Valley, and there’s a route for every pace. For a relaxed spin, head to the Potrero Road bike lanes. Ventura County widened this 3-mile stretch between Lake Sherwood and Hidden Valley Road in 2020 and added dedicated lanes on both sides. The smooth pavement and wide berth from traffic make it a safer, very scenic ride past some of the region’s most beautiful horse ranches. Experienced riders can go bigger on the Westlake Village / Hidden Valley Loop, a popular 25-mile training ride. It starts at Westlake Lake, follows Lake Sherwood Drive and climbs steadily for 1.5 miles up Potrero Road. From there you’ll cruise across Hidden Valley’s flat valley floor before looping back north through Newbury Park.
Golden hour: Taste wine among the vines. Hidden Valley’s standout experience is Mizel Estate Wines on West Potrero Road. The estate grows French varietals in the shadow of the Santa Monica Mountains. Tastings run on Saturdays from April through November, and reservations are required. Watch for special vineyard events, from grape stomping to yoga among the vines.
Newbury Park: Gateway to the Wild
The vibe: Laid-back and adventurous. On Conejo Valley’s western edge, Newbury Park is where neighborhoods meet open space, with trailheads into Point Mugu State Park and some of the region’s richest cultural history.
Morning: Fuel up like a local. Start at Conejo Coffee on Camino Dos Rios for locally roasted coffee and a breakfast burrito. It opens early, so it’s perfect before a hike.
Mid-morning: Hike Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa. This National Park Service site offers access to more than 100 miles of trails. Hike to the Sycamore Canyon Waterfall (about 3.5 miles round trip), or take in the dramatic backdrop of Boney Mountain, which is still sacred to the Chumash people. In spring, the wildflowers here are spectacular.
Midday: Learn the story of the land. Visit the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center, operated with the Chumash and Friends of Satwiwa. On weekends, docents and Native American hosts share traditions and demonstrations at a reconstructed Chumash village. Another option for a midday history lesson is to take a Step back in time and tour the Stagecoach Inn Museum, a reconstruction of the 1870s Grand Union Hotel that once served travelers on the coast route. It’s a charming look at Conejo Valley’s pioneer past.
Optional add-on: Book a trail ride at the Rancho Potrero Community Equestrian Center, run by the Conejo Recreation and Park District, for another view of the open space.
Evening: When hunger strikes there are so many delicious options in Newbury Park, but you can’t go wrong with Sette Sorelle.The beautiful space offers a premier Italian-inspired experience, offering authentic recipes along with artisanal libations. The whole family will find something to love, from fresh pasta and seafood to oven-roasted made-to-order pizzas.
Plan Your Neighborhood Adventure
Whether you’re drawn to Western history, waterfalls, vineyards or Chumash heritage, every corner of the Conejo Valley has something new to show you. Pick one neighborhood for a day trip, or spend a long weekend exploring all four. The Conejo Valley is only about 45 minutes from Los Angeles, but it feels a world away.
