With average summer temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the upper 70s, Conejo Valley is a truly pleasant place to vacation. If you feel like getting some fresh air, Conejo Valley has a wide variety of fun outdoor activities and beautiful sights to enjoy only 45 minutes from Los Angeles.
In honor of Great Outdoors Month, read on for ideas on how to reconnect with Mother Nature during your stay.
On the Trail
Looking for the ideal picturesque stroll? Or do you prefer a challenging hike that you can document on social media? Conejo Valley is an outdoor adventurer’s haven, no matter their pace or skill level. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings as you hit the wide range of trails.
The Modelo Trail, which kicks off in Agoura Hills, is a fairly easy 2.8-mile loop ideal for casual walkers, bikers or horseback riders. The popular route features excellent views of the canyons to the east and west. Connecting trails provide longer distances if you’re so inclined.
The Lang Ranch and Woodridge Open Space trail starts in Thousand Oaks. A moderate 4.6-mile journey, the route will get your heart pumping while you view overgrown meadows, large oak groves and the Santa Monica Mountains.
Rent or bring an electric bike or mountain bike and travel along the Cheeseboro Canyon Trail. This challenging 10.7-mile loop with a start in Agoura Hills is a popular trail for bird watching. The scenic trail is open to hikers and horseback riders, so be prepared to adjust your pace when necessary.
Speaking of horseback riding, the Rancho Potrero Community Equestrian Center in Thousand Oaks is the ideal place to get back in the saddle. In addition to guided trail rides, the center – adjacent to the Rancho Sierra Vista National Park – offers beginner through intermediate lessons.
For some, the reward for a great outdoor workout is the stunning views or feeling the rejuvenation of embracing nature at its most uninhibited. A popular hike begins at the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center in Thousand Oaks, where you and your family can learn about the local Native American history and culture. Then head out on the Satwiwa Loop Trail, a 3½-mile round-trip route that leads to the Boney Mountain Wilderness waterfall.
Tee it Up
Bring your clubs and take on the challenge of the Lake Lindero Golf Course, located on the border of Agoura Hills. The 9-hole, 2,000-yard course offers obstacles such as ponds and a ravine that winds through much of the golf course. There are also tennis courts, a junior-Olympic size pool and a restaurant to celebrate your par-fect round.
Described as a “public course in a private course setting,” Los Robles Greens Golf Course in Thousand Oaks is situated at the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. A daily fee golf experience, Los Robles is a 6,274-yard, par-70 course 900 feet above sea level. Giant oak trees and panoramic mountain views provide a beautiful backdrop.
Going Green
The beauty of The Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks is a sight to behold. Take a self-guided or docent-led tour of a Japanese garden, featuring an authentic Japanese pagoda set in the midst of a koi pond. French, Italian, English and other gardens make for a relaxing outdoor experience. Admission is free.
The family can enjoy a variety of gardens and a bird habitat at the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden. The 33 acres in Thousand Oaks offers specialty gardens dedicated to butterflies, herbs, desert trees, Australian plants and more. Better yet, this journey is also free.
Explore the history and culture of the Chumash people at the Chumash Indian Museum. Walk the grounds and see a Chumash demonstration village, the remains of a local homestead and the oak woodland. Exhibits and programs will bring the Chumash story from the past and present alive.
Don’t Stop the Music
To find a great spot for live music with a fun atmosphere, look no further than The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. This venue has hosted countless famous artists like The Temptations, Peter Frampton, Pat Benatar, REO Speedwagon, and Styx.
If you’re into tribute bands, The Canyon Club is the top spot in the Conejo Valley to see a variety of acts. You can catch everything from ’80s New Wave and Prince tributes, to bands honoring ABBA and Led Zeppelin.
For outdoor music enjoyment, every summer Thousand Oaks holds their Summer Concerts in the Park series, taking place at Conejo Community Park at 5 p.m. with food trucks available at each concert. The series includes new acts and surprises throughout the summer, so be sure to include this in your summer activities calendar!
Who’s Hungry?
With Southern California’s comfortable weather, eating outdoors is practically a state pastime. There are plenty of excellent restaurants with outside seating, such as Tarantula Hill Brewing Company in Thousand Oaks. They provide a fun and inviting environment constantly buzzing on exciting new beers and artisan food coupled with events and live music. While you’re there check out their sprawling 3,700 foot outdoor deck, the only one of its kind in the Conejo Valley.
Plata Taqueria & Cantina, a family-owned restaurant in Agoura Hills, offers original Mexican dishes made from scratch each day. Enjoy a tasty selection of entrees and appetizers all week, as well as brunch on Saturdays and Sundays as you sit outdoors and bask in the beautiful weather. A daily happy hour will certainly keep you in good spirits!
Sporting a bike and cycling theme, Pedals & Pints Brewing Company in Thousand Oaks features an outdoor patio for you to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. In addition, the community pub offers barbecue, pizza, tacos, and salads, as well as ales, lagers and stouts brewed onsite. Live bands perform on selected dates.
Never Stop Exploring
Whether your travel plans include just getting away from the hustle and bustle, Conejo Valley s the perfect place to stay. From budget-friendly inns to resort hotels, Conejo Valley has a variety of lodging options with scenic views of the sunset or proximity to plenty of outdoor adventures. For a full list of outdoor activities in Conejo Valley to explore, click here.
