8 Great Things to Do in Conejo Valley California

Conejo Valley is home to amazing hiking and natural scenery, movie sets, a US Presidential library, and is a short distance to the glorious Malibu beaches and Hollywood—the movie capital of the world. The Conejo Valley California region also includes Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills

Conejo Valley Tourism hosted the McCool Travel team, to explore Conejo Valley and share discoveries and thoughts with our network.

Please enjoy this McCool Travel look at some fun, happy, and cool things to do in Conejo Valley California.

Hiking in Conejo Valley

Hiking in Conejo Valley is magnificent, including along Mulholland Highway, in Malibu Canyon, and within the Santa Monica Mountains. In Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, a short hike leads to an absolutely surprising and amazing waterfall. Thank you, Jessica Lipowski, for the recommendation.

 

Paramount Ranch

Since 1927, hundreds of movies and television shows have been set on the 2,700 acres of Paramount Ranch. You might recognize the classic western town setting from your favorite movies and shows, like The Mentalist, Weeds, Westworld, and Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. A short hike along the stream and up a hill leads to an overlook over the western town.

 

Reagan Presidential Library

Located in Simi Valley, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library commands a majestic setting on top of a mountain. Walk through an actual Air Force One airplane and Marine One helicopter, see a section of the Berlin Wall, and learn more about Ronald Reagan—from his childhood through presidency.

Reagan Presidential Library. Things to do in Conejo Valley California. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
see Air Force One at Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California
Reagan Presidential Library. Things to do in Conejo Valley California. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
a section of the Berlin Wall at Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley CA

The current Titanic exhibit is really cool. The ship was found during his presidency, actually as a result of a top secret project. Visit the exhibit to see Titanic artifacts, stories, re-creations, and connections to the popular movie.

 

Conejo Valley Road Trips

On a clear day in Conejo Valley, drive through the majestic Santa Monica Mountains and be rewarded with views to the Pacific Ocean. Mulholland Highway is perhaps the most popular road trip in Conejo Valley but take time to explore and find your own favorite. Most roads on the south side of highway 101 eventually lead to highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway, PCH) in Malibu.

 

Cornell Winery

Carved out of Agoura Hills and named after the famous New York state university, Cornell California is one funky place. The village consists of a few buildings and has a classic, old time, wild west feel. Cornell Winery supports local wineries and craft artisans.

Cornell Winery. Things to do in Conejo Valley California. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
things to do in Conejo Valley CA: Cornell Winery in Cornell, California
Cornell Winery. Things to do in Conejo Valley California. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
wine with a bite at Cornell Winery in Cornell, California

Peter Strauss Ranch

Located across the street from Cornell Winery, Peter Strauss Ranch offers hiking, picnicking, and summer concerts and other events. A funky art exhibit recently ended but we saw a few remnants during our visit.

Peter Strauss Ranch. Things to do in Conejo Valley California. Article by Charles McCool for McCool Travel. Photo by Julie McCool.
Peter Strauss Ranch in Cornell (Agoura Hills) California. Photo by Julie McCool.

Where to Eat in Conejo Valley

Stella’s Gourmet Restaurant, Newbury Park

Visit Stella’s for the entertaining menu but stay for the delicious food. I mean really, come on, one menu item is the Patty Hearst, a fully loaded hamburger with a missing patty. Get it? Stella’s captured my heart—through my stomach, as the saying goes—with this King’s Hawaiian Bread French Toast.

Ladyface Ale, Agoura Hills

As if I would not be impressed with a place serving local craft beer, cool food, and wonderful specials at 3pm, we walked into a filming of a Travel Channel show. So, yes, I am impressionable, but if Ladyface is good enough for the Travel Channel researchers, it works for me.

Ladyface Brewery is not part of Tavern Tomoko.

Lure Fish House, Westlake

A great place for fresh seafood in Conejo Valley is Lure Fish House in Westlake. Lure specializes in mesquite charbroiled fresh and sustainable seafood from trusted sources. The menu at Lure changes everyday to reflect the local catches. Among the items we tried was super fresh halibut from Malibu.

Lure Fish House. Things to do in Conejo Valley California. Article by Charles McCool for McCool Travel. Photo by Julie McCool.
places to eat in Conejo Valley: Lure Fish House in Westlake California. Photo by Julie McCool.

Jinky’s Kanan Cafe, Agoura Hills

More than one person mentioned Jinky’s for a classic local breakfast in Conejo Valley. OK, I got the hint. Jinky’s breakfast menu offers a dizzying array of American and Mexican (and hybrid) options. While we went to the Agoura Hills location, there is also a Jinky’s Cafe in Thousand Oaks.

Jinky's Kanan Cafe. Places to eat in Conejo Valley California. Article by Charles McCool for McCool Travel. Photo by Julie McCool.
places to eat in Conejo Valley: Jinky’s Kanan Cafe, Agoura Hills, California. Photo by Julie McCool.
Jinky's Kanan Cafe. Places to eat in Conejo Valley California. Article by Charles McCool for McCool Travel. Photo by Julie McCool.
Jinky’s Kanan Cafe, Agoura Hills, California. Photo by Julie McCool.

Moonshadows, Malibu

Make no mistake, the reason to go to Moonshadows is for the epic view of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you relax with a glass of wine, order a bowl of soup, or eat an entire meal, bask in the glory of being on the edge of the world.

 


When you visit Conejo Valley on future trips, let them know that McCool Travel sent you.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Conejo Valley California?

For more information about things to do in Conejo Valley, visit:

Conejo Valley Tourism: website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Things to do in Conejo Valley California include great hiking and more. Conejo Valley includes Thousand Oaks & Agoura Hills, is close to beaches & Hollywood

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3 thoughts on “8 Great Things to Do in Conejo Valley California”

  1. Pingback: Eat and Drink Local in Conejo Valley And Torrance California
  2. Looks a gorgeous part of California. I love the idea of visiting that ranch. No doubt I’ve seen it dozens of times in movies.

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