Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum in Simi Valley

The Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum opened at the Simi Valley Town Center in December 2018. It is located directly across from the Vans store in the mall in a space of over 10,000 square feet.

The International Skateboarding Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by Todd Huber. It was created to honor the passion, dedication and contributions to skateboarding history and culture by skateboarders and cultural icons through the decades.

The museum displays hundreds of skateboards and other skating artifacts spanning decades. There is also an art gallery, gift shop, theater/library (over 600 skating videos as well as skating magazines) and skate shop.

Also on site is skate park with a fun wall ride available to local youth. Cost is $15 (as of March 2024).

Admission to the museum is free. Donations to the non-profit are always welcome.

Visit www.skateboardinghalloffame.org for more information. Hours as of March 2024 are Wed-Fri 2-8pm, Sat 11am-8pm and Sun noon-5pm.

Ventura County Area Parks

There are hundreds of parks in Ventura County and surrounding areas. DOZENS of them are described in the Kid Fun section of CVG with pics and videos for you to check out!

But here is a compilation with links to all the various parks in the area.

Agoura Hills: www.agourahillscity.org/department/community-services-parks-recreation/parks-facilities/parks (6 parks)

Calabasas: www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/community-services-parks-recreation/parks-trails-and-facilities (8 parks)

Gates Canyon Park in Calabasas

Gates Canyon Park in Calabasas

Camarillo: www.pvrpd.org/parks-list (28 active and passive use parks)

Malibu: www.malibucity.org/Facilities (6 parks)

Moorpark: www.moorparkca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/94 (18 parks)

Oak Park: rsrpd.org/parks/oak_park/parks/index.php (10 parks)

Ojai: www.ojairec.com/221/City-Parks (8 parks)

Oxnard: www.oxnard.org/city-department/public-works/parks (58 parks)

Port Hueneme: www.ci.port-hueneme.ca.us/index.aspx?nid=553 (6 parks)

Santa Paula: spcity.org/300/Parks-Facilities (11 parks)

Simi Valley: rsrpd.org/parks/simi_valley/parks/index.php (37 parks)

Conejo Valley (Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park/Westlake Village) www.crpd.org/parks-reservations/parks (51 parks)

Thousand Oaks Community Park

Thousand Oaks Community Park

Ventura: www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1952/City-Parks (24 parks)

County of Ventura Beach Front Parkswww.ventura.org/gsa/parks/beach-front-parks (3 parks)

County of Ventura Inland Parkswww.ventura.org/inland-parks (13 parks)

Westlake Village: www.wlv.org/city_services/parks-rec.asp (8 parks)

Arroyo Simi Bike Path in Simi Valley

The Arroyo Simi Bike Path is a two lane bike path in Simi Valley that runs from Madera Road, just south of Easy Street on the west, ending at Cochran Avenue between Fig Street and Ralston Street on the east (more recently, the path has been extended east to Tapo Street).

Over seven miles in total. It is also referred to as the Arroyo Simi Greenway.

The Arroyo Simi is a waterway that begins at Corriganville Park in east Simi Valley and extends west all the way through Simi Valley until into merges into Arroyo Las Posas and Conejo Creek into Calleguas Creek. It is managed by the County of Ventura but the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District has access to the pathway for recreational use.

While this path is nowhere near as visually appealing as bike paths along Ventura Beach and such, the Arroyo Simi Bike Path is almost entirely flat and allows passageway along much of Simi Valley from east to west. You can really do a lot of exploration from this artery. We like to park at the East Street entry point and bike to Rancho Simi Community Park (2.2 miles one way), Rancho Santa Susana Park (6 miles one way) and various other areas.

Because this path is so long and flat (and not crowded), it is a nice destination for learning to ride. However, do be aware that there are a number of street crossings where you are asked to walk your bike across. They are protected by lights and signs, however.

Arroyo Simi bike path entry point at Easy Street and Madera.

Arroyo Simi bike path entry point at Easy Street and Madera.

Arroyo Simi Bike path may not be the most picturesque path but is nicely flat and goes a long way!

Arroyo Simi Bike path may not be the most picturesque path but is nicely flat and goes a long way!

There are numerous entry points to the path, which largely parallels Los Angeles Avenue; this one is just east of Ralston off of Los Angeles Avenue.

There are numerous entry points to the path, which largely parallels Los Angeles Avenue; this one is just east of Ralston off of Los Angeles Avenue.

Arroyo Conejo Trail in Thousand Oaks

The Arroyo Conejo Open Space consists of 302 acres, bounded by Wildwood Park and Conejo Canyons on the north, Lynnmere Open Space on the east and the Rancho Conejo residential development on the west. There’s a trailhead at Rancho Conejo Playfield at 950 N. Ventu Park Road in Newbury Park.

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The Arroyo Conejo Trail trailhead is on the far right/east section of the parking lot facing the park's restrooms and tennis courts.

Arroyo Conejo Trailhead is on the right side of the parking lot.

Arroyo Conejo Trailhead is on the right side of the parking lot.

The trail veers to the left (if you go down the initial trail to the right, you will see this is not open to the public). After passing the park, you will notice that the canyons below are mighty steep and you will hear the creek down below.

After you get to a gate (see below), the downhill is pretty significant and you may see a mini-waterfall on your way down to the creek, where you will immediately come to a crossing that, the last time I was there, had several wooden pallet crossings.

The gate that signals you are about to head downhill into the canyon.

The gate that signals you are about to head downhill into the canyon.

The first stream at the bottom of the hill had these nicely placed wooden planks to alleviate the problem of wet shoes.

The first stream at the bottom of the hill had these nicely placed wooden planks to alleviate the problem of wet shoes.

If you continue on straight, you will come across four more creek crossings. Often you will find large rocks or wood planks to walk across, but sometimes you won't find one, so be prepared for the possibility of wet feet if your plan is to reach the Hill Canyon Water Treatment Plant. If you do get that far, then turn back, you'll have done about 5 miles round trip.

Some of the stream crossings are a bit dicier getting across, that is if you don't want to get wet.

Some of the stream crossings are a bit dicier getting across, that is if you don't want to get wet.

You've reached your destination but probably don't want to be jumping in these wetlands.

You've reached your destination but probably don't want to be jumping in these wetlands.

If you're looking to extend the hike into something more strenuous, after the first stream crossing, if you look on your right you'll find a steep trail that gets you to the Lynnmere Trail.

Learn more and see a map on the Conejo Open Space Foundation website at cosf.org/trails/other-trails/moderate-hike-arroyo-conejo-to-hill-canyon.

Hill Canyon, Hawk Canyon and Western Plateau Trails in Thousand Oaks

In 2012, the Conejo Canyons bridge was constructed in Thousand Oaks, opening up more trails to explore in the Western Plateau area of Thousand Oaks, which ties into Wildwood Park. Visit cosf.org/trails/conejo-canyons for trail maps.

The Hill Canyon bridge that takes you to all the action!

The Hill Canyon bridge that takes you to all the action!

Access the Conejo Canyons bridge to get to the Hill Canyon Trail, a flat path that after a mile takes you to an intersection where you can go straight ahead to the Hawk Canyon Trail, take a right turn to the Western Plateau Trail or veer left to make your way to the Arroyo Conejo Trail that takes you about 2 1/2 miles to the Rancho Conejo Playfields in Newbury Park.

The Hill Canyon Trail is as flat as they come. I see bikers, hikers and runner back here.

The Hill Canyon Trail is as flat as they come. I see bikers, hikers and runner back here.

This creek parallels the Hill Canyon Trail

This creek parallels the Hill Canyon Trail

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One path I enjoy is the Hill Canyon Trail to the Hawk Canyon Trail, which veers right towards the Western Plateau Trail, which loops back to Hill Canyon Trail.  Do look at a map first as signs are not always at trail junctures (the sign above is clearly an exception!). You can actually take the Hawk Canyon Trail as well as Western Plateau Trail to Newbury Park.

There’s also the Elliot Mountain Trail and Outlaw Loop Trail, accessible from the Western Plateau Trail.

Western Plateau Trail

Western Plateau Trail

When you reach the Western Plateau Trail, if you go just a bit further north/northeast, you'll be rewarded with great views down the Conejo Grade towards Camarillo and the Oxnard Plain.

Views from the Western Plateau Trail on a bit of an overcast June morning

Views from the Western Plateau Trail on a bit of an overcast June morning

Access the Conejo Canyons bridge via Santa Rosa Road. Coming from Thousand Oaks, take Moorpark Road north down the Norwegian Grade, where it intersects with Santa Rosa Road. Continue about 3.7 miles on Santa Rosa Road and make a left on Hill Canyon Road. Drive down Hill Canyon Road and you will see a large, flat dirt parking area on the right, adjacent to Santa Rosa Valley Regional Park.

Alaska Airlines Flight 261 Sundial Memorial at Hueneme Beach

The Alaska Airlines Flight 261 Sundial Memorial commemorates the 88 passengers and crew who lost their lives aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 261 near Anacapa Island on January 31, 2000. The flight was en route from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to San Francisco and Seattle.

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The Memorial features a 36-foot diameter concrete plaza with a curving sand wall and seating area and a raised sundial in the center. The monument was designed by well known Santa Barbara sculptor James “Bud” Bottoms. The sundial’s bronze dolphins and triangular blade (gnomon) cast a shadow on the 20-foot diameter dial face oriented to Pacific Standard Time. Names of each of the victims are inscribed on individual bronze plates mounted on the perimeter of the dial.

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The crash site is located between the mainland at Port Hueneme and Anacapa Island, one of the smallest islands in the Channel Islands chain, 14 miles offshore. Families of the lost passengers and crew dedicated the sundial as both a memorial to their loved ones and as a work of public art in gratitude to the residents of Port Hueneme for their compassion and tireless assistance in the recovery effort. This is a touching and lasting tribute to those who lost their lives on this flight.

Access the Sundial Memorial from Hueneme Beach parking lot B off Surfside Drive near the gazebo.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ABOUT BEACHES SPANNING FROM CARPINTERIA TO MALIBU

Rancho Potrero Open Space in Newbury Park

The Rancho Potrero Open Space is located in Newbury Park off of Lynn Road, just west of the intersection with Rancho Dos Vientos. The area includes the Rancho Potrero Community Equestrian Center and is adjacent to the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa area in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Map excerpt courtesy of Conejo Open Space Foundation (www.cosf.org)

Map excerpt courtesy of Conejo Open Space Foundation (www.cosf.org)

A newer parking lot and restrooms were built in 2015 allowing for easier access to the Rancho Potrero Open Space. It is accessible just west of the equestrian center off of Lynn/Potrero Road.

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There is a trailhead further west of the parking lot, just before Potrero (Lynn) Road takes a sharp right turn.  You can usually find parking off pavement here. A short (1/4 mile) walk up the hill gets you pretty darn nice views looking towards Camarillo and the Channel Islands. Take the adjoining Palomino Trail east towards Rancho Sierra Vista and the Satwiwa Native American Indian Cultural Center.

The entrance is further east off of Potrero/Lynn Road

The entrance is further east off of Potrero/Lynn Road

About a 1/4 mile gets you to the top of a hill that gives you views as far as the Channel Islands.

About a 1/4 mile gets you to the top of a hill that gives you views as far as the Channel Islands.

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Commemorative Air Force Aviation Museum at Camarillo Airport

Located at the Camarillo Airport at 455 Aviation Drive, the Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force has hangars devoted to preserving, maintaining, displaying, and flying World War II aircraft.

The Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing Aviation Museum is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm and Sundays noon to 4pm. (As of January 2024.)

Donations requested of $15 for adults, $10 for ages 10 to 18, $5 for ages 6 to 10. Kids under 6 and active military are free (as of January 2024). Visit www.cafsocal.com or call 805.482.0064 for more information.

Also, take a vintage WWII airplane ride on the only remaining U.S. Navy/Marine Mitchell B-25 PBJ Bomber, the open cockpit Primary Trainer PT-19, the SNJ Texan and the Aircoupe. Details at www.cafsocal.com/warbird-ride-program.

Docents are enjoyable to speak with as they have a lot of history to share at this museum. Two 15,000 sq ft hangars and a 32,800 sq. ft. hangar complex serve as a Museum Hangar and a Maintenance and Restoration Hangar.

The Museum Hangar contains some of the many artifacts that are currently on display as well as a gift shop. It also houses any of the aircraft that are not away on a mission or undergoing maintenance.  For safety reasons the maintenance hangar is not available for a walk-through, however visitors can observe any work in progress from behind a safety perimeter.

There are a number of aircraft on display, including several you can physically inspect, which is always fun to do with the kids. There are some interesting WWII exhibits on hand too. 

The only authentic Marine BPJ-1J variant of the famed Mitchell B-25 Bomber. It flew into Camarillo from Midland, TX in 1993 for a 20 year restoration project. It is now flight-ready!

The only authentic Marine BPJ-1J variant of the famed Mitchell B-25 Bomber. It flew into Camarillo from Midland, TX in 1993 for a 20 year restoration project. It is now flight-ready!

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The Kakovlev Yak-3 is widely considered the lightest fighter aircraft between 1939 and 1945.

The Kakovlev Yak-3 is widely considered the lightest fighter aircraft between 1939 and 1945.

Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space Trails in Thousand Oaks

Looking for some spectacular trail hiking and panoramic views stretching from the Conejo Valley to the Simi Hills? Then take a look at the open space trails in the Lang Ranch/Woodridge system in the northeast portion of Thousand Oaks in the Lang Ranch area (where Avenida de los Arboles meets Westlake Boulevard).

The 1,025 acre area is maintained by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) and connects with another 8,000 acres of open space that is part of the Santa Monica Mountains. There are 10 miles of well-maintained trails that are outstanding for hiking, running and biking. The views are spectacular and you can actually hike from Thousand Oaks to Simi Valley (via the Long Canyon Trail) and Agoura Hills (Woodridge to Cheeseboro/Palo Comado).

More information about the various trails in the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space on the Conejo Open Space Foundation website at cosf.org/trails/lang-ranch.

The specific trails seen below can be accessed from the trailhead at Westlake Boulevard and Autumn Ridge Drive in Thousand Oaks.

Access to this trail is at the corner of Westlake Bd and Autumn Ridge Dr

Access to this trail is at the corner of Westlake Bd and Autumn Ridge Dr

You can get a clear view of Bard Lake (Calleguas Water District Reservoir) back here.

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Checking out fossils on display in the open space. Pretty fun to see with the kids. The approximate spot of these fossil rocks is at THIS LINK.

Checking out fossils on display in the open space. Pretty fun to see with the kids. The approximate spot of these fossil rocks is at THIS LINK.

This bench is located at the juncture of the Sunrise and Meadow Vista Trails in the Lang Ranch Open Space and Long Canyon Trail, which is accessible via the Wood Ranch section of Simi Valley. Not a bad view, eh?

This bench is located at the juncture of the Sunrise and Meadow Vista Trails in the Lang Ranch Open Space and Long Canyon Trail, which is accessible via the Wood Ranch section of Simi Valley. Not a bad view, eh?

Trailhead at east end of Lang Ranch Parkway, to Albertson Fire Road trail.

Trailhead at east end of Lang Ranch Parkway, to Albertson Fire Road trail.

There’s another fun path I like to take in the Lang Ranch Open space. Take the Autumn Ridge Trail about half a mile and veer left at the Woodbridge Connector Trail, looping up and around to Wood Ranch in Simi Valley to the Long Canyon Trail trailhead, then back up to Lang Ranch. It’s only about 4 or 5 miles. See the map at cosf.org/files/maps/lang_ranch_trail_map.pdf for details.

Ventura Pier

NOTE: The Ventura Pier was closed to the public in January 2023 due to significant storm damage. Repairs efforts have been underway with an estimated completion date of March 2024. Check for updates at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2519/Ventura-Pier.

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The Ventura Pier was originally constructed in 1872 and is a favorite spot for local fishermen. The Pier is 1,600 feet long and underwent a $2.2 million renovation in 2000 that added an 80 foot octagon shaped extension, benches and more. The Pier can be accessed off of East Harbor Boulevard, close to the Crowne Plaza hotel off of California Street.

Eateries on the pier include Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co., MadeWest Brewing Company Taproom and Beach House Tacos.

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On the west side of the pier is a playground area with some unique play equipment. My kids always enjoy it here because of the great combination of the beach, pier, playground, quick access to bike rentals and food.

The Ventura Wharf (Pier) was designated City of Ventura Historic Landmark #20 on March 29, 1976.

The former Eric Ericsson's (now Beach House Fish) next to the playground on the pier.

The former Eric Ericsson's (now Beach House Fish) next to the playground on the pier.

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Strathearn Historical Park and Museum in Simi Valley

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Strathearn Historical Park and Museum is located at 137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley (off of Tierra Rejada Road, just east of Madera). The Park is operated jointly by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District and the Simi Valley Historical Society.

This is a six acre site that houses numerous historical Simi Valley area artifacts and structures. The namesake of the Park is Robert P. and Mary Gray Lamb Strathearn. Originally from Scotland, they purchased 15,000 acres of the old Spanish Rancho and built their Victorian-style farmhouse onto the front of the Simi Adobe.

Stroll through history at the site, which includes the original Saint Rose of Lima Church built in 1902, the Simi Adobe, Strathearn House, Colony House (the first historic building to be relocated to Strathearn Park in 1970), the original Simi Library built in 1930 and used until a new library was built in 1962, two original Wood Ranch barns from the 1940s, the Simi Store gift shop, the Banaga Barbershop and more.

The park is generally open 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday and 1-4 pm Saturday/Sunday. Hour and a half long docent-led tours inside of the buildings take place, for a $3 donation, on Fridays at 1pm and Saturdays/Sundays at 1:30pm. The Visitor Center and park grounds are open for self-guided tours.

For more information, visit www.simihistory.com or call 805.526.6543.

The Strathearn House

The Strathearn House

The precursor to Simi Valley Town Center

The precursor to Simi Valley Town Center

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Aviation Museum of Santa Paula

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The Aviation Museum of Santa Paula is open the first Sunday of each month, with a "Chain of Hangars" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Closed if there is rain. FREE (but donations are appreciated).

Hangar Number One is the first in the museum's chain of hangars. It tells the story of the founding of Santa Paula Airport in 1930. Each of the privately owned hangars houses a variety of vintage aircraft and privately owned collections of memorabilia, from antique radios to race cars. Several other aircraft owners put their antique aircraft on display and many vintage aircraft also fly in each month.

A museum tram is available to save you some steps between hangars. The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 723 offers free airplane rides to kids ages 8-17. The Museum's Gift Hangar, located inside CP Aviation, offers a variety of toys and apparel for airplane buffs of all ages.

More information at www.aviationmuseumofsantapaula.org or call 805.525.1109. The Aviation Museum is located near the corner of Santa Maria Street and 8th Street in Santa Paula. More info at this link.

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Sycamore to the Sea Hike, Run or Bike From Newbury Park to Sycamore Cove

Did you know that you can walk, hike, run or bike from Newbury Park to the ocean over 8 1/4 miles pretty easily, without dealing with automobiles? Park your car at the Wendy and Potrero trailhead or at the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa parking lot in Newbury Park and experience it yourself.

The entry to the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa area.

The entry to the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa area.

The Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center is a short walk from the parking lot.

The Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center is a short walk from the parking lot.

From there, take the paved road, called the Sycamore Canyon Fire Road, towards the ocean.

From there, take the paved road, called the Sycamore Canyon Fire Road, towards the ocean.

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This is a nice, wide paved road with trails along the side much of the way. Generally cool in the early morning year-round as you head towards the ocean, plenty of rest/pit stop areas on the way down and nice and peaceful and beautiful, full of canyons, trees and wildlife.

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The steepest descent on this course is a roughly 800 foot drop over a 3/4 of a mile into the canyon on the paved road after you see this sign. Coming back up if you do the full round-trip circuit is a bit of a challenge.

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After you drop into the canyon, it is pretty much smooth sailing. The paved road stops right around the Danielson Multi-Use area (see image below for that juncture). After that, follow the wide, dirt fire road towards the beach.

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There are numerous water spigots on the side of the road going down, which comes in quite handy on warmer days. If you use them, just make sure to turn them off.

About 3/4ths of the way down to the beach, you'll pass one of the most picturesque locations for a porta-john that I've ever seen.

About 3/4ths of the way down to the beach, you'll pass one of the most picturesque locations for a porta-john that I've ever seen.

A few miles after passing the above porta-john, you'll reach the Sycamore Canyon Campground, which has 58 campsites and is across Pacific Coast Highway from the ocean. Cross over PCH (be careful!) or find the underpass that takes you under PCH to the Sycamore Cove Beach area, with picnic tables, bathrooms, etc., and enjoy your day!

Sycamore Cove Beach in Point Mugu

Sycamore Cove Beach in Point Mugu

From there, you either head back up or call your significant other to pick you up. Or perhaps plan it out in the morning to leave one car at the beach in either the Sycamore Canyon Campground or Sycamore Cove day lots (they open at 8am) for a fee, or park on PCH where there are spots near Thornhill Broome Beach and the giant sand dune, then drive another car back (obviously you can't do this alone), park the 2nd car at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa, hike/walk/bike down the canyon to retrieve car #1.

Or do what I did once, which was drive down to Sycamore Cove via Potrero Road/Las Posas/PCH, park the car, run (or perhaps ride) up to Newbury Park, then ride down with the kids and enjoy the beach. Fun! 

For a map of the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa area with a portion of the Big Sycamore Canyon Trail, visit www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/upload/Rancho-Sierra-Vista_Satwiwa_2023.pdf (National Park Service pdf brochure).