Top 15 Attractions and Activities in West Hills, California

West Hills is a community of approximately 42,000 residents located in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles County.

The neighborhood is recognized for its numerous parks and green spaces, along with its advantageous location, being merely half an hour from downtown Los Angeles.

West Hills boasts various historic landmarks, dining establishments, and shopping areas such as Fallbrook Center, West Hills Shopping Center, Westfield Topanga & The Village, and Platt Village.

Presented below are 15 exceptional activities to engage in within and surrounding West Hills, California.

1. Get to Know West Hills with an Outing to Knapp Ranch Park

Knapp Ranch Park serves as a community park, segmented into two areas, offering a variety of facilities and outdoor activity opportunities.

The section adjacent to Kittridge Avenue encompasses a softball diamond, basketball and tennis courts, a playground, and picnic areas.

The alternative section near Twisted Oak Drive provides walking trails and picnic areas, all set against stunning vistas.

2. Visit the Chumash Indian Museum

The Chumash Indian Museum is an indigenous interpretative center located in neighboring Thousand Oaks.

The museum, situated on the site of a former Chumash village, showcases items pertinent to the history of the Chumash people, which include artifacts such as tools and woven bowls.

Outside the museum, visitors can find replicas of traditional dwellings, a nature preserve featuring a series of hiking trails, numerous ethnobotany gardens, and two rock shelters adorned with ancient pictographs.

3. Grab a Healthy Meal at Jinky’s Cafe

Jinky’s Cafe has been a staple in West Hills for many years. This popular restaurant is considered one of the finest establishments for nutritious food and beverage choices.

Primarily recognized for its chili, offered in over 20 distinct flavors, Jinky’s also serves an extensive selection of dishes for breakfast and lunch.

Pancakes, omelets, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes represent just a portion of the extensive menu. Additionally, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options are available.

A variety of smoothies and fresh juices are on offer, alongside a coffee bar located on-site.

4. Explore The Gardens of the World

The Gardens of the World, located in nearby Thousand Oaks, is an expansive botanical garden consisting of several smaller themed gardens.

This picturesque locale includes a range of demonstration gardens, such as a French garden with a striking waterfall, an English rose garden, a Japanese garden complete with a koi pond, and an Italian grapevine garden.

A walking path connects all the various sections of the garden.

5. Admire the City’s Historical Buildings

While West Hills may be a small region, it is home to several historic structures worth exploring.

Orcutt Ranch Estate, built in 1920, was once inhabited by a Union Oil Company executive named William Orcutt. The estate features beautiful gardens and citrus orchards.

The Francis Lederer Estate was the residence of film star Francis Lederer and currently holds the status of a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.

Another residence associated with Francis Lederer exemplifies a blend of various architectural styles, including Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, and Mission Revival.

The Leonis Adobe is believed to be the oldest existing structure in the area. Constructed in 1844, it formerly belonged to a prominent rancher named Miguel Leonis. Today, this site also functions as a living museum, offering tours of the house, barn, and blacksmith shop.

6. Get Outdoors at Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park

Positioned at the junction of the Santa Susana Mountains and the Simi Hills, Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park is a stunning wilderness area characterized by deep canyons, steep ridges, and a diverse array of flora and fauna.

A network of walking trails throughout the park culminate at overlooks offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

As you navigate the park, there is a possibility of encountering local wildlife, including coyotes, deer, and foxes.

7. Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village

Located approximately 25 minutes from West Hills, near Simi Valley, this unique attraction has been designated as a California Historical Landmark. Known as Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village, the site represents a remarkable artistic endeavor.

The village was created by Tressa Prisbrey between the 1950s and 1970s and is composed entirely of repurposed materials sourced from a nearby landfill.

Exploring the site through its walkways, visitors will encounter shrines, structures, and sculptures. Guided tours are available.

8. Enjoy Live Entertainment at The Conejo Players Theatre

The Conejo Players Theater, located in Thousand Oaks, has been providing world-class live performances since the late 1950s.

As one of the oldest theaters in the state, it hosts a diverse range of performances each season, including plays, musicals, and stand-up comedy. Many distinguished actors, such as Kurt Russell and Amanda Bynes, have graced the stage here.

9. Visit the Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum

Skateboarding holds significant popularity in California, and even for those who have never participated, the Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum offers a captivating experience.

Since its establishment in 2009, the museum in nearby Simi Valley has been devoted to presenting the history and culture of skateboarding while recognizing the pivotal contributors who shaped the sport.

Exhibits within the museum feature artifacts, memorabilia, and photographs that narrate the evolution of skateboarding over the years.

10. Admire Beautiful Art at the Conejo Valley Art Museum

The Conejo Valley Art Museum is a prominent fine art institution located in nearby Thousand Oaks. Since the late 1970s, the museum has featured up to seven different exhibitions annually.

Typically, the artworks displayed are contemporary and created by artists from around the globe, including noted figures such as David Rose and Elizabeth Williams.

The Thousand Oaks Artwalk, an annual event, showcases outdoor art exhibits and concerts, fostering community engagement.

11. Explore Calabasas Creek Park

Calabasas Creek Park provides a beautiful outdoor environment, allowing visitors of all ages the opportunity to engage in various attractions while enjoying fresh air and learning about local history.

Located in the downtown area of nearby Calabasas, this historic park features exhibits that convey life in the late 1800s.

Elements of historical significance include a replica of the original park, antique furnishings, and the Calabasas Jail, all of which contribute to the park’s narrative.

Additionally, there is a realistic reconstruction of an ancient Chumash village, where visitors can learn about these native inhabitants, their culture, and their pre-European lifestyle.

12. Taste Local Wine at Alma Sol Winery

Alma Sol Winery is a family-owned establishment located in nearby Thousand Oaks. Since its inception in 2011, the winery has been crafting exceptional Bordeaux single varietals and various blends.

All grapes for their wines are meticulously hand-picked, and artisanal techniques are central to their winemaking practices.

Notable wine varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Tempranillo, all available for sampling at the on-site Sunland Vintage Winery Tasting Rooms.

13. Get a History Lesson at the Santa Susana Depot Museum and Model Railroad

The Santa Susana Depot Museum and Model Railroad, also located in nearby Simi Valley, offers an engaging experience for individuals of all ages. This depot replicates an old Southern Pacific depot and has been meticulously restored to serve as a historic site and museum.

The exhibits include a replica of the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot and a model of Simi Valley, alongside various artifacts such as tools, equipment, and memorabilia connected to the railroad.

14. Spend a Day in Nature at Malibu Creek State Park

Established in 1974, Malibu Creek State Park was created to conserve the Malibu Creek Canyon.

This stunning park, spanning over 8,000 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains, offers a wide array of outdoor activities.

Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, picnicking, rock climbing, and nature observation.

As visitors traverse the park, they will encounter three natural preserves and remnants of former Chumash Indian homesteads.

15. Take a Tour of the Strathearn Historical Park & Museum

Located in nearby Simi Valley, the Strathearn Historical Park & Museum offers an insightful journey into the past.

After visiting the visitor center, guests can choose between two methods of exploration: embarking on a self-guided tour or participating in a guided tour.

On the exterior grounds, visitors will discover numerous well-preserved buildings, including the Simi Library, the Strathearn Windmill, the Wood Ranch Barns, and the Currier Apricot Pitting Shed.