15 Best Things to Do in Canoga Park (CA)

Canoga Park is a neighbourhood in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles in Los Angeles County. The population of Canoga park is around 60,000, and it’s mostly known for its fantastic weather and central location close to many of the top attractions in the region.

In Canoga Park, there are various cafes, restaurants, parks, and shopping areas, such as the Shops at Vallarta and Westfield Topanga & the Village.

A number of festivals and events take place in Canoga Park throughout the year, including the Dia de los Muertos Festival and the Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Canoga Park, California.

1. Get a History Lesson at Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society

The best way to connect with a place is to learn about its history and culture; visitors to Canoga Park can learn all there is to know about the city’s past at the Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society.

This museum features many exhibits; some are permanent while others rotate, so there’s always something new to see.

The items on display illustrate life in Canoga Park and the San Fernando Valley in various eras, including the days of the Chumash Indians, the Mexican Rancho days, the farming days, and aerospace industry days.

As you explore the museum, you’ll see old photos, books, documents, yearbooks from the earlier part of the 1900s, and scrapbooks. You’ll also be able to listen to oral interviews.

2. Relax in Parthenia Park

If you would like to spend a day relaxing without travelling too far, escape into the urban oasis of Parthenia Park. On-site are pretty green spaces where you can stretch out on a blanket with a book or have a family picnic. A playground is also on-site.

3. Play a Round of Golf at the Calabasas Country Club

The Calabasas Country Club is a sprawling property with many facilities, including an 18-hole championship golf course.

This course is suitable for all levels but is still challenging enough to keep even the best golfers on their toes.

As you make your way along the course, you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery and notice that each hole is named after a movie that was filmed on-site. Lessons are available, and some of the other facilities include a driving range, a short-game practice area, and a restaurant.

4. Enjoy a Hearty Meal at Nat’s West Cafe

Whether you’re seeking a healthy breakfast to kick off a long day of exploring or after a hearty lunch to restore your energy, Nat’s West Cafe has just the right thing.

You can expect to find expansive breakfasts, protein-laden lunches, and generous plates in this cosy cafe with a friendly atmosphere.

Omelettes, pancakes, French toast, homemade burgers, sandwiches, fish & chips, salads, and soups are just some of the items you’ll find on the menu.

5. Explore the Great Outdoors in Malibu Creek State Park

When Malibu Creek State Park was created in the early 1970s, the main purpose of the park was to preserve the Malibu Creek Canyon while allowing visitors to explore the natural features of the canyon and surrounding area.

This 8,215-acre park is home to three natural preserves, including Kaslow Preserve, Liberty Canyon, and Udell Gorge.

A wide range of outdoor activities are popular in the park, such as fishing, horseback riding, hiking, biking, rock climbing, and nature viewing.

Picnic areas are available, and as you explore the park, you’ll see some of the historic features, including the remnants of homesteads that the Chumash people once lived in.

6. Indulge with Some Retail Therapy at The Commons at Calabasas

The Commons at Calabasas is a high-end shopping and entertainment centre in nearby Calabasas. Whether you’re in search of the perfect gift for someone special or wish to spoil yourself with an indulgent purchase, you’ll find it at The Commons.

Some of the shops include Sephora and Williams-Sonoma. There are also many eateries and entertainment options.

Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, this place is worth stopping at just to admire the stunning architecture. If you’re lucky, you may even spot one of the celebrities known to shop there.

7. Check out the Main Street Canoga Park Farmers’ Market

Once a week, rain or shine, the Canoga Park Farmers Market offers a wide variety of local items. Fresh fruits and vegetables, pastries, and baked sweet treats are just some of the things you’ll find at the market.

Food stands are also on-site, and sometimes there’s live music.

8. Admire Beautiful Art at the California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks

The California Museum of Art in nearby Thousand Oaks is a local leader when it comes to providing visitors with an unparalleled cultural experience.

The on-site exhibits showcase a wide variety of artworks, such as paintings, sculptures, and photography from the early 1900s to the present day.

At various times during the year, the museum hosts music, dance, and theatre performances. Educational programs and lectures are also held throughout the year.

9. Sample Local Craft Beer at 8one8 Brewing

Since 2015, 8one8 Brewing has been making and serving quality, unique brews to visitors from all walks of life.

During a visit to the lively on-site tasting room, you can sample a wide variety of creations, including No Reservations Hard Seltzer, Canoga Crush American Light Lager, and El Jefe del Trigo Citrus Wheat Ale.

10. Visit the Malibu Hindu Temple

Since 1981, visitors from all over the country have been stopping by the Malibu Hindu Temple in nearby Calabasas to admire its stunning interior and exterior architecture.

The temple is one of the biggest Hindu temples in the region. Visitors also come to meditate in the peaceful meditation spaces or enjoy a picnic on the beautifully-maintained green areas surrounding it.

Throughout the year, various events, including celebrations, Hindu ceremonies, and cultural programs take place; the public is invited to attend these as well.

11. Discover the Conejo Valley Botanical Garden

Situated in nearby Thousand Oaks, the 33-acre Conejo Valley Botanical Garden is something to see. For more than 40 years, visitors have been coming to the garden to learn more about plant sustainability and admire the sheer beauty of the 15 beautifully-landscaped gardens and surrounding scenic views.

Within this expansive facility are a variety of gardens, including a native plant garden, a butterfly garden, a rare fruit orchard, a bird habitat, and a Mediterranean garden. There’s also a children’s adventure garden and several salvia collections.

The Trail of Trees is a one-mile-long path featuring over 50 different species of trees and other beautiful natural features.

12. Learn about Indigenous Culture and History at the Chumash Indian Museum

Before the arrival of Europeans, the Chumash people once thrived in the Sap’qi village, which is now the site of the Chumash Indian Museum in nearby Thousand Oaks. This expansive museum serves as an indigenous interpretive centre committed to preserving and sharing the history and culture of the Chumash people.

Inside the museum, a number of exhibits showcase a variety of artefacts, including tools, woven bowls, and a canoe.

Outside the museum, you’ll find a reconstructed Chumash village, a nature preserve featuring a series of walking trails, and several gardens. Tours are available; during one of these tours, you’ll be able to see ancient pictographs.

13. Enjoy Live Entertainment at the Conejo Players Theatre

Since the late 1950s, the Conejo Players Theatre has been delighting audiences from far and wide with quality, professional performances.

The theatre is one of the oldest in the region, and with only 185 seats, you’ll enjoy an intimate experience that’s impossible to achieve in a bigger, more crowded venue.

Throughout the year, a wide array of shows are featured, including musicals, theatre, comedy acts, and holiday specials.

14. Taste Local Wine at Alma Sol Winery

Alma Sol Winery in nearby Thousand Oaks is a family-run boutique winery that has been crafting and serving top-notch wines since 2011.

Among the winery’s creations are Bordeaux varietals, Chardonnays, tempranillos, and various special blends made using classic artisanal methods. These wines and more can be sampled at the Sunland Vintage Winery Tasting Room.

15. Escape Into the Wilderness of Wildwood Regional Park

Wildwood Regional Park may be considered a suburban park, but this natural green space in nearby Thousand Oaks certainly feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere.

With more than 1,700 acres of space dedicated to outdoor leisure and another 1,400 acres of open green space, there are plenty of things to see and do in the park.

Biking, horseback riding, camping, wildlife viewing, and bird watching are among some of the popular activities in the park. On-site, there are almost 30 miles of hiking trails, including the Mesa, Moonridge, and Santa Rosa Wildwood Canyon Trails.

As you explore the park, you’ll also see a 40-foot waterfall, the Arroyo Conejo Creek, and the Indian Cave. There’s a nature centre on-site, and throughout the year, interpretive programs and tours are available.