Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Van Nuys, California

Van Nuys represents the most populated municipality in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley.

Situated in central LA County, it provides proximity to numerous major highways, facilitating travel and day excursions for those eager to rapidly experience Southern California’s premier attractions.

Founded in the early 20th century, Van Nuys has experienced extensive growth; nevertheless, it retains numerous historic neighborhoods and traditional Spanish mission and art deco architecture, conferring more character than many nearby cities and towns.

Outlined below are 15 activities to consider in and around Van Nuys, California.

1. Woodley Park

While Van Nuys spans a relatively expansive area, many municipal parks remain accessible for those staying in downtown accommodations.

Woodley Park is strategically situated on Woodley Avenue, at the northwestern intersection of California Route 101 and Interstate 405.

It boasts an array of amenities that appeal to walkers, cyclists, picnickers, and sports enthusiasts. Its facilities include covered seating areas with built-in barbecue grills, multiple lakes, public golf courses, a playground, baseball field, and extensive open spaces.

Further non-traditional park activities encompass cricket and archery on a designated range.

2. The Japanese Garden

Located on Woodley Avenue in the heart of Van Nuys, the Japanese Garden encompasses nearly seven acres of cultivated land designed to reflect traditional gardens from Japan’s feudal era of the 18th and 19th centuries.

This garden is commonly referred to as the ‘Garden of Water and Fragrance’ due to its numerous ponds, fountains, and a variety of aromatic plants and flowers.

Open year-round, it features flowers that bloom in various seasons, providing an excellent venue for a leisurely stroll or peaceful reflection away from the hustle and bustle.

3. Van Nuys Airport Public Observation Area

There is nothing more captivating than witnessing an aircraft under full throttle, striving for lift-off.

In contemporary times, most airports enforce stringent security measures, limiting close access to aircraft primarily to passengers. However, aviation enthusiasts visiting Van Nuys possess an alternate option.

As one of California’s busiest non-commercial airports, Van Nuys Airport features a public observation area that serves as an entertaining and stimulating location for visitors.

The facility includes live broadcasts of air traffic control communications alongside interactive exhibits. It particularly appeals to retired pilots and families with children.

4. Mercado Buenos Aires

Measured in a straight line, the distance from Van Nuys to Buenos Aires, Argentina, exceeds 6,100 miles.

However, visitors eager to indulge in vibrant South American cuisine need travel no further than Mercado Buenos Aires on Sepulveda Boulevard.

With a legacy exceeding three decades, this establishment is the definitive authority on traditional Argentinian cuisine in the San Fernando Valley.

Mercado Buenos Aires comprises part market and part restaurant, specializing in hearty steaks, crispy empanadas, and sweet, creamy cakes known as ‘tres leches.’

The Mercado also has a thriving takeaway operation.

5. Sepulveda Dam Bike Path

The Sepulveda Dam, constructed over 80 years ago, was designed to mitigate seasonal flooding along the Los Angeles River.

As one of the most notable man-made structures in the San Fernando Valley, it provides an often-overlooked attraction that offers numerous recreational opportunities for fitness-oriented travelers.

The bike path along the dam typically remains free of visitors midweek. Its flat trajectory and relatively smooth surface create an excellent environment for cyclists, walkers, and inline roller skaters seeking a gentler pace.

Ample parking is available at the lot on Woodley Avenue; however, visitors should bring their own water, as there are no onsite fountains.

6. Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve

Encompassing nearly 230 acres, the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve in Van Nuys has been designated as a refuge for birds, wildlife, and the reintroduction of native plants.

The reserve is partitioned into northern and southern sections and includes an extensive trail network that winds through varying natural habitats, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The trails are well-marked, and sightings of snakes, foxes, geese, and egrets are common throughout the area.

The main entrance is conveniently located on Woodley Avenue, and detailed trail maps are accessible online.

7. Anthony C. Beilenson Park

While technically located within the city limits of Van Nuys, Anthony C. Beilenson Park exudes natural beauty and expansive spaces that provide an escape from Southern California’s notorious hustle and bustle.

Covering over 80 acres, the park’s centerpiece is Balboa Lake, which boasts a surface area of nearly 30 acres.

Named in honor of a notable local politician, the park offers a wide array of outdoor recreational activities, including swimming, picnicking, biking, walking, and wildlife observation.

The park sees fewer visitors during the week and early mornings, but it draws larger crowds on weekends throughout the summer months.

8. Van Nuys Golf Course

Southern California enjoys an abundance of sunny days each year, and the region is replete with golf courses ranging from exclusive and high-end to public and more affordable.

Van Nuys Golf Course features two distinct courses totaling 27 holes, which have been favored by skilled San Fernando golfers since their inception in the mid-1960s.

The 9-hole executive course spans just over 1,500 yards and can typically be completed in approximately one hour.

Additionally, there is an 18-hole par-3 course measuring 2,200 yards, representing about one-third of the length of most traditional courses in the area.

9. Pedlow Field Skate Park

Younger skaters tend to be somewhat cliquish; thus, the nearby city of Lake Balboa has recently constructed a dedicated skate park on Victory Boulevard, merely a few blocks west of Van Nuys Airport.

The park accommodates only skateboarders and inline skaters, and those interested in biking or scootering are advised to seek alternate locations.

Pedlow Field features amenities such as half-pipes, large skate bowls equipped with rails, steps, and walls, in addition to other appealing structures like pyramids and a waterfall.

When the park is operational, a guard is present, and skaters are required to wear helmets for compliance.

10. Nat’s Early Bite Coffee Shop

Situated just two blocks east of downtown Van Nuys, on Burbank Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, Nat’s Early Bite Coffee Shop is regarded as one of the San Fernando Valley’s premier dining establishments.

Nat’s proximity to many of Van Nuys’ key attractions, along with a comprehensive breakfast and lunch menu, extensive beverage options, and generously portioned entrees often necessitating doggie bags, helps maintain its popularity.

During peak hours, Nat’s frequently attracts crowds, leading to longer wait times; however, prior patrons have commended the efficient service and minimal delays.

11. The Burbank Aviation Museum

Over the years, Southern California-based companies have made significant contributions to the aviation industry.

The Burbank Aviation Museum is a locally operated non-profit organization established to preserve and celebrate the region’s aviation heritage.

The museum houses exhibits featuring photographs, equipment, and intriguing accounts from pilots, engineers, and ground crew spanning numerous decades, in addition to a range of vintage aircraft restored to nearly original condition.

Located approximately 20 minutes southeast of Van Nuys via Interstate 5, most visitors allocate one to two hours at the museum before embarking on further explorations.

12. Rodeo Drive

Few locales epitomize images of luxury, exclusivity, and high-end shopping quite like Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

Spanning two miles, this iconic thoroughfare is home to some of the world’s most expensive retail outlets. Although many visitors may lack the financial means to indulge, it remains one of those quintessential California attractions that should not be overlooked.

It is common to spot celebrities and entertainment moguls casually cruising by in their sophisticated sports cars, and the area is also rich in historic landmarks, including the celebrated Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Rodeo Drive is situated approximately 20 minutes south of Van Nuys.

13. Colony Theater

Located on North 3rd Street in Burbank, the Colony Theater has served as a premier live entertainment venue in Southern California for over four decades.

Unsurprisingly, the area attracts numerous talented performers from across the country, and the Colony consistently ranks among the nation’s top theater companies.

The theater is celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and diverse year-round performances, encompassing music, drama, film screenings, guest speakers, and even programs tailored for children.

Traffic permitting, the theater is approximately a 20-minute drive east from Van Nuys.

14. Griffith Park

Covering nearly 4,500 acres, Griffith Park stands among the largest urban parks in the United States.

It also houses several prominent attractions, rendering it a convenient stop for visitors who prefer to avoid spending excessive time traveling between sites during their vacation.

From the hill near the Griffith Observatory, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of Los Angeles, Hollywood, and even the Pacific Ocean when the weather permits.

The park offers a delightful combination of open natural spaces and man-made attractions, featuring a network of well-marked paths leading to various distinct areas.

The entrance to the park is situated on Crystal Springs Drive in LA, less than a half-hour from Van Nuys.

15. Greystone Mansion and Gardens

With the rise of California’s flourishing movie and entertainment industries, Beverly Hills has become synonymous with affluence.

The Greystone Mansion and Gardens, originally constructed in the late 1920s, features an opulent 55-room residence in the Tudor Revival style, encompassed by sprawling grounds exceeding 16 acres.

This estate is frequently highlighted in popular films and television shows, but access is only permitted through docent-led tours.

Given the high demand, it is prudent to reserve your spot prior to making the approximately 25-kilometer drive south from Van Nuys.