Things to do in Simi Valley, California
- The city was formerly a major filming location for Western movies and television shows, with Corriganville serving as a primary studio ranch for Hollywood productions during the mid-20th century.
- Simi Valley is geologically significant for its unique sandstone formations and fossil beds discovered during local construction projects.
- The name 'Simi' originates from the Chumash word 'Shimiyi,' which refers to the stringed fiber used by indigenous people to make cordage from local plants.
- The city incorporates the Santa Susana Mountains, which serve as a critical wildlife corridor connecting the Los Angeles Basin to the Los Padres National Forest.
- In 2026, the city remains one of the largest in California to operate without a local public transit system beyond specialized paratransit and limited commuter connections.
About Simi Valley, California
Simi Valley is a suburban community nestled in the hills of eastern Ventura County, famous for housing the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and an extensive network of open-space trails. The area balances residential development with significant historical sites, including the Santa Susana Railroad Depot & Museum [133999] and the film history preserved at Corriganville Park [75906]. Outdoor enthusiasts frequently access the landscape via the Mt McCoy Cross Trailhead [349934] or enjoy the recreational amenities at Rancho Madera Community Park [152541]. The city maintains a distinct identity as a gateway between the San Fernando Valley and the quieter reaches of Southern California.
Highlights of Simi Valley, California
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Walk through the historic film sets where classic Westerns were once filmed.
Museums
Explore preserved railway cars and local transport history at a restored vintage depot.
Natural attractions
Hike to the summit for a panoramic view of the valley and the iconic hillside cross.
Parks
Visit a park that features authentic railroad tracks and equipment related to the area's transit heritage.
Parks
Enjoy expansive green spaces designed for community sports and local recreational gatherings.
Parks
Access local hiking trails that showcase the region's diverse native flora.
Top things to do in Simi Valley, California
The 105 highest-rated places in Simi Valley, California, ranked by travellers.
1
Amusement parks
Six Flags Magic Mountain is a 262-acre theme park in Valencia, California, renowned for holding the world record for the...
2
Parks
Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles is a tropical-themed water park located adjacent to the Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park...
3
Historical places
Veterans Memorial Community Regional Park is a 92-acre facility in Sylmar, California, dedicated to honoring military pe...
4
Parks
Central Park in Santa Clarita is a 130-acre regional recreational facility located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road. The sit...
5
Amusement parks
Sky Zone Van Nuys is an indoor active entertainment center featuring wall-to-wall trampolines and specialized fitness pr...
6
Parks
Topanga State Park is one of the largest wilderness areas within a major city limit, covering over 11,000 acres in the S...
7
Museums
The Nethercutt Museum is a world-class private collection featuring over 250 American and European automobiles, along wi...
8
Parks
O'Melveny Park is the second-largest park in Los Angeles, spanning 672 acres of rugged canyon terrain in the Santa Susan...
9
Parks
The Japanese Garden, also known as SuihoEn (Garden of Water and Fragrance), is a 6.5-acre oasis located within the Tillm...
10
Parks
Placerita Canyon Nature Center is located in the Santa Susana Mountains and serves as a gateway to the 377-acre Placerit...
11
Parks
Stoney Point Park is a 78-acre rugged landscape defined by massive sandstone boulder formations, serving as a prominent...
12
Parks
Chatsworth Park South is a 21-acre recreational facility located at the foot of the Santa Susana Mountains. It features...
13
Parks
Whitney Canyon Park is a 440-acre nature preserve situated in the northern Santa Clarita Valley. It is defined by its tr...
14
Parks
Rocky Peak Park is a 4,800-acre wilderness area straddling the border of Ventura and Los Angeles counties in the Santa S...
15
Parks
Corriganville Park is a former movie ranch that served as a filming location for hundreds of Western films and televisio...
16
Amusement parks
Mountasia Family Fun Center has rebranded and expanded into MB2 Entertainment, a multi-attraction complex in Santa Clari...
17
Parks
Aliso Canyon Park is a rugged, undeveloped open space located in the northernmost reaches of the Granada Hills neighborh...
18
Parks
Valencia Heritage Park is a community recreation space in Santa Clarita featuring a dedicated children's playground and...
19
Parks
Santa Susana Park is a public community space managed by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, centered around h...
20
Amusement parks
Full Throttle is a record-breaking steel roller coaster located at Six Flags Magic Mountain that utilizes a magnetic lau...
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Parks
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Natural attractions
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Amusement parks
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Parks
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Temples
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Simi Valley, California on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Simi Valley, California
Spring (March to May) or Fall (September to November) offer the mildest temperatures for hiking the extensive trail systems.
2-3 days, sufficient to explore the museums, historic rail sites, and major regional parks.
A personal vehicle is essential; the city is suburban and car-dependent with minimal public transit infrastructure.
Visitors generally opt for hotels along the First Street or Sycamore Drive corridors for easy access to the 118 freeway and local amenities.
Mid-range; lodging and dining prices are generally lower than in adjacent Los Angeles but reflect typical Southern California costs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 105 curated attractions in and around Simi Valley, California, ranked by traveller ratings.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is the highest-rated place to visit in Simi Valley, California right now.
The largest category is parks, with 60 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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