Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Northridge, CA

Northridge may be a neighborhood located within the city of Los Angeles; however, it possesses its own character that distinguishes it from the rest of the metropolis.

Its position in the San Fernando Valley provides convenient access to adjacent cities and pristine natural environments.

Northridge has approximately 62,000 residents and is widely recognized for being home to California State University. Additionally, it boasts an urban atmosphere combined with a hint of small-town charm.

The area offers numerous cafes, restaurants, cultural venues, lush parks, and shopping districts, including the Northridge Fashion Center and Devonshire-Reseda Shopping Center. A brief drive leads to the region’s natural attractions, encompassing various state and national parks and Lake Balboa.

Many festivals and events occur in Northridge throughout the year, such as the Valley Greek Festival and the Reseda Boulevard Summer Series.

Below are 15 of the premier activities to experience in and around Northridge, California.

1. Spend the Day Golfing at Porter Valley Country Club

The 18-hole Championship Golf Course at Porter Valley Country Club is recognized for providing one of the finest golfing experiences in the area. The club is enveloped by stunning vistas that include the Santa Susana Mountains.

The course accommodates all skill levels, although it presents some challenges to maintain your interest. Onsite facilities include a driving range, practice green, and practice bunker.

The restaurant serves high-quality cuisine while offering remarkable views of the surroundings.

2. Visit the Botanic Garden

Located at California State University, Northridge, the CSUN Botanic Garden spans 1.5 acres and includes a botanical garden, nursery, and greenhouses.

Since its inception in 1959, the site has attracted visitors eager to admire the beautiful garden and its collection of over 1,200 plants from diverse climates worldwide, including cacti and succulents. Moreover, it serves as a tranquil environment for relaxation.

3. Escape to Vanalden Park

Vanalden Park functions as an urban park that allows visitors to enjoy a brief respite in a natural setting away from the bustling crowds.

Whether one seeks to simply relax beneath the trees or engage in outdoor activities, it serves as an ideal locale for a refreshing break without the need for extensive travel. Available amenities include picnic areas, horseshoe pits, and walking paths.

4. Observe the Night Sky at the Donald E. Bianchi Planetarium

The Donald E. Bianchi Planetarium is operated by the Physics and Astronomy department at California State University, hosting an array of events—including star shows—monthly.

The planetarium features an intimate theater equipped with a star projector that replicates the night sky on a dome. The realism is so striking, it appears as though one is gazing at the actual cosmos.

During a star show, participants can view over 2,000 stars and various planets. This experience is both educational and soothing, with high-quality visuals and digital sound enhancing its impressive nature.

5. Get a Taste of Thailand at Lum-Ka-Naad

While many Thai restaurants feature only a limited selection, Lum-Ka-Naad offers an extensive menu that encompasses traditional dishes from both northern and southern regions of Thailand.

The menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, stir-fries, curries, fried rice, seafood, grilled options, and noodle dishes. Guests can savor their meals in a cozy cafe-like setting, complemented by a fully stocked bar.

6. Get a History Lesson at The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

The primary objective of the Museum of the San Fernando Valley is to collect and preserve items associated with the region’s history and culture, thereby enabling both residents and visitors to gain knowledge about it.

As you explore the diverse exhibits, you will encounter numerous artifacts, photographs, and documents. Previous exhibitions have featured themes including Edgar Rice Burroughs & Tarzan, Sculptor Henry Van Wolf, and The Hollywood Shorties.

A variety of programs and events take place throughout the year, including historical walking tours.

7. Relax in Nature at Lake Balboa Park

Lake Balboa Park provides a serene natural environment where you can feel far removed from the city, despite its close proximity.

This expansive park features picnic spots, walking paths, and green areas where one can unwind and enjoy the surroundings and fresh air. Notably, the lake serves as the centerpiece of the park, with trails curving alongside it and benches available for watching ducks and geese.

Visitors may also indulge in a boat ride on the lake while observing local wildlife. If you visit in spring, you will be treated to the beauty of cherry blossom trees in full bloom.

8. Plan a Fun Day at Northridge Skateland

Northridge Skateland offers a nostalgic trip back in time, promising an enjoyable experience for all visitors. Since its opening in 1958, it has become a favored location for residents and tourists alike to gather with friends or engage in recreational activities that deviate from the usual.

A live DJ enhances the atmosphere with music, while ambient lighting contributes to the overall experience. Additional amenities include an arcade and a pizza restaurant.

9. Race the Clock at Enchanted Escape Room

At Enchanted Escape Room, you and your team are secured in a room, tasked with the objective of escaping before your allocated time elapses. Within that timeframe, your group must collaboratively solve a series of puzzles and riddles, uncovering clues that will assist you in unlocking the room.

Several themed rooms are available, including Spellbound, Task Force Agent, Enchanted Forest, and Genie Ransom.

10. Enjoy a Show at the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts

Located on the campus of California State University, Northridge, the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts serves as a prominent venue for a diverse array of performances each season.

The center hosts approximately 50 performances per season, encompassing music, dance, theater, and family-oriented events. Many performances feature local artists, supplemented by contributions from talents across the nation and around the globe.

With a seating capacity of 1,700 between the Great Hall and the Plaza del Sol Performance Hall, the venue also includes concession stands offering an assortment of snacks and drinks, along with an art gallery.

11. Sample Local Craft Beer at Cellador Ales

Since its establishment in 2014, Cellador Ales has been crafting distinctive ales utilizing rare oak barrel-fermenting techniques. It stands among the few breweries in the country employing this conventional method, utilizing locally-sourced, organic ingredients.

The onsite taproom provides an opportunity to sample a wide spectrum of beers. Available selections include Caute, Firegold Blend 1, Walden, and Confuzzled.

12. Spend a Day Exploring Universal Studios

At Universal Studios, you will gain insight into the history and current state of the film industry, along with behind-the-scenes workings.

After exploring the film studio aspect of the venue, you can engage in a variety of thrilling activities at the theme park, featuring nine rides, a spacious play area, and seven captivating shows.

Notable attractions include the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem motion simulator, an aerial carousel, a tram tour, the DreamWorks Theater, and a Simpsons-themed ride.

13. Stay Active at Dearborn Park

Dearborn Park offers an urban green space conducive to either relaxation after an exhaustive day of exploring or resuming your fitness regimen.

This park features picnic areas, courts for basketball and tennis, a playground for children, and ample open space to bask in the sun and unwind.

14. Get the Argentinean Experience at Buenos Aires Grill

Buenos Aires Grill transports you to Argentina without leaving Northridge. Established in 1989, this restaurant has consistently provided high-quality, traditional Argentinean cuisine paired with warm hospitality and an inviting atmosphere.

The menu boasts a diverse array of options, including appetizers, salads, grilled items, pasta dishes, seafood selections, and sandwiches.

Furthermore, an impressive assortment of award-winning wines from Argentina complements the menu.

15. Visit the World-Renowned Getty Center

Upon arriving at the Getty Center located in the nearby Brentwood neighborhood, visitors are often captivated by the striking architecture, meticulously kept grounds, and breathtaking views of Los Angeles.

Inside the museum, guests have the opportunity to appreciate an extensive range of artworks including paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculptures, and photographs from various corners of the globe. Noteworthy pieces include a selection of outdoor sculptures in the gardens and Vincent Van Gogh’s celebrated work titled ‘Irises.’