Hang Like a Local: Best Activities in Simi Valley

While tourists head to Los Angeles and San Francisco in droves, they’re missing one of California’s best destinations: Simi Valley. This charming town, just minutes from LA, is the perfect place to get away from the hustle-and-bustle that surrounds so many Southern California cities. When you visit Simi Valley, you can easily fill your days with amazing sights and one-of-a-kind activities.

When you visit, here’s what the locals suggest:

1. Take a hike

Simi Valley locals love to hit the trails. The valley offers picturesque views of rolling hills, desert-like vistas, and rocky cliffs. With trails to fit every ability, visitors have their choice of trails – and none will disappoint.

For those looking for an easy and entertaining walk, head to Corriganville Park. The park has a rustic, Wild West feel, which explains why it was used as a filming site for 3,500 movies. The park has five different trails to choose from. Try the 1.1 mile Interpretive Trail, which is the first trail you’ll see when you arrive at the park.

If you’re up for a more strenuous hike, try the Hummingbird Creek Trail. It’s a five mile hike through sandstone formations that ascends 1,000 feet in elevation. The hike is steep in some spots, but the view from the top is an unparalleled, open view of Simi Valley.

2. Play a round of golf

There’s nothing quite like playing a round of golf under the California sun. Simi Valley is home to three amazing golf courses, and the locals rave about them all. But, locals will tell you, if you have to pick one – go to the Simi Valley Golf Course.

This 18-hole course was designed by golf legend and California native, Ted Robinson. The course offers 50 bunkers and hazards on eight holes, a practice facility, a lighted driving range, and a practice green.

As you might expect, since locals love this place, it can be hard to get a tee time.

Be sure to call at least a week in advance to schedule your day on the links. 

3. Take a day trip to one of California’s famed beaches

Simi Valley is a short drive away from Ventura, Malibu, and Santa Monica Beach. Ventura has a great surfer’s culture, Malibu has amazing views, and Santa Monica offers a beach and a popular pier that’s full of life.

What’s awesome about staying in Simi Valley is that you can take a day trip without staying in the busy, tourist-filled areas. Instead, you can go enjoy the day and head back to a calm, low-key, (and more affordable) hotel in Simi Valley.

4. Get your fill of authentic, local cuisine

Sometimes when you’re traveling, it’s easy to think of mealtime as an afterthought. You might be in a hurry to see the next sight and be tempted to swing by a familiar chain restaurant to fuel up and power through the day.

However, in Simi Valley, food is not an afterthought.

There are a wealth of local, mom-and-pop restaurants in Simi Valley that locals flock to. Hot spots include:

• Sushi Tanka
• The Flying Yolk
• Yolanda’s Mexican Café
• The Junkyard
• Beto’s Italian Restaurant

Simi Valley is a great place to visit, whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer, leisurely vacation. Before you head to Simi Valley, consider downloading “The Guide,” which has the ultimate list of Simi Valley attractions, restaurants, and hotels.