Explore
Things to Do in SCV
From hiking through canyon oaks to catching a concert under the stars, here's your insider guide to the best of Santa Clarita Valley.
Outdoor Adventures
SCV is an outdoor paradise with over 100 miles of connected trails, multiple state parks, and year-round sunshine. Whether you're a serious hiker or a casual walker, the valley has something for you.
Towsley Canyon
Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon offers narrow canyon hikes through oak groves with seasonal streams. The Towsley View Loop rewards hikers with panoramic valley views. Moderate difficulty, stunning scenery.
Placerita Canyon
Home to the Oak of the Golden Dream — where California's first gold was discovered in 1842 — Placerita Canyon State Park features easy nature trails and a seasonal waterfall. A must for history buffs and hikers alike.
Vasquez Rocks
Iconic tilted sandstone formations that have appeared in countless films and TV shows. Great for rock climbing, photography, and easy hikes. About 30 minutes from SCV — perfect for a day trip.
Paseo Trail System
SCV's connected paseo network lets you walk, jog, or bike between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and shopping centers — all without touching a busy road. Over 100 miles of dedicated paths.
Santa Clara River Trail
A major regional trail running along the Santa Clara River, connecting SCV communities to the broader trail network. Popular with cyclists, runners, and dog walkers.
Castaic Lake
A 323-acre reservoir offering boating, fishing, jet skiing, swimming, and camping. Perfect for a summer day trip or a family camping weekend. About 15 minutes from central SCV.
Santa Clarita Parks & Trails Maps
The City of Santa Clarita's official trail maps and parks guide — find hiking, biking, and equestrian trails across Santa Clarita Valley including Tapia Park, Placerita Canyon, Whitney Canyon, Towsley Canyon, and more.
View official trail mapsSanta Clarita Parks Division
The City of Santa Clarita Parks Division — manage and explore local parks, recreation programs, sports facilities, community centers, and outdoor spaces across Santa Clarita Valley.
Explore parks & recreationLA County Parks & Recreation
Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation — find county-run parks, lakes, trails, recreation programs, and community facilities across the greater Los Angeles region, including nearby spots in the Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita areas.
Visit LA County Parks"What surprised me most about Santa Clarita when I first moved here was the trail system. You can walk from your neighborhood to a park, a school, or a shopping center without ever touching a busy road — over 100 miles of connected paseos. My kids grew up biking to school on those paths. It's the kind of lifestyle you don't find just anywhere in Southern California."
Family Activities
Six Flags Magic Mountain
One of the world's premier thrill-ride parks, right in Valencia. Home to Twisted Colossus, X2, and 20+ roller coasters.
William S. Hart Park & Museum
Free hiking trails, a natural history museum, and the historic Hart Mansion — all in a beautiful 265-acre park.
Central Park
SCV's flagship community park with sports fields, a lake, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Home to the beloved summer Concerts in the Park series and many other community events.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center
Free nature center with educational programs, live animal exhibits, and easy nature trails. Great for kids.
Castaic Lake Recreation Area
Boating, fishing, camping, and swimming at a beautiful 323-acre reservoir. Perfect for family weekends.
Old Town Newhall
Walkable Main Street with shops, restaurants, theaters, and regular community events. Great for a Saturday outing.
Top Parks
Best Parks for Families in SCV
Updated July 2026 · by Sam Silver
SCV has over a dozen neighborhood parks, but not all parks are created equal. These are the ones that stand out for families — the parks with the best playgrounds, the most shade, splash features, and space for kids to actually run around. Sam has personally been to every one of these with his own kids.
For a full splash pad and water play guide — including the brand-new Cali Splash Park on Castaic Lake — check out Sam's complete Beat the Heat: Splash Pads & Water Play guide.
West Creek Park
SCV's premier inclusive adventure playground — designed for all ages and abilities. Features an accessible play structure, splash pad, walking paths, and open grass areas. One of the best parks in the entire valley, period.
Valencia
Splash pad · Inclusive playground · Walking paths
Vista Canyon Park
Canyon Country's best park — pickleball courts, tennis, basketball, a shaded playground, splash features, and picnic areas. A true multi-use park that serves the whole family.
Canyon Country
Splash pad · Courts · Shaded playground
Chesebrough Park
A quieter neighborhood park with a shaded playground, walking trails, and grassy areas for picnics. Great for families who prefer a calmer vibe without the crowds of the bigger parks.
Saugus
Shaded playground · Walking trails · Picnic areas
Golden Valley Park
A top-rated playground that consistently ranks among SCV's best. Multiple play structures for different age groups, open fields, and picnic tables. A reliable family pick any day of the week.
Saugus
Top-rated playground · Open fields · Picnic area
Plum Canyon Park
Popular with Saugus families — grassy areas, a playground, water spray features, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for an easy afternoon outing with younger kids.
Saugus
Water spray · Playground · Grassy areas
More Parks
SCV has many more parks worth exploring — David March Park (recently renovated in Canyon Country), Old Orchard Park (updated in Newhall), Central Park (SCV's flagship), and Enchanted Wonderland, among others.
City Parks DirectorySummer Highlight
Concerts in the Park
Central Park · 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd · Free
SCV's signature summer experience. Every week from roughly July through August, Central Park hosts a free outdoor concert with food trucks, picnic lawns, and a full-on community gathering. It's the kind of evening where the whole valley shows up — blankets everywhere, kids running around, and live music echoing across the park. Past seasons have featured popular tribute acts and touring bands. The 2026 lineup will be posted on the city's events page.
Make a Night of It
- Arrive early — food trucks open before the music starts
- Bring blankets, low chairs, and a picnic dinner
- 100% family-friendly — kids love it
- Free admission — no tickets needed
Dining in SCV
Santa Clarita Valley's dining scene is more varied than most outsiders expect. From the historic Saugus Café to the trendy cocktail bars of Old Town Newhall, there's something for every palate.
Valencia
Westfield Valencia Town Center anchors the scene with a mix of chain restaurants and local spots. Newer developments have added trendy coffee shops, sushi restaurants, and craft cocktail bars.
Old Town Newhall
SCV's most eclectic dining district. Main Street features Thai, Mexican, Italian, and craft cocktail bars. SENSES Block Party brings even more food options monthly.
Saugus
The Saugus Café (since 1898) is the valley's most beloved breakfast spot. Bouquet Canyon Road has several locally-owned restaurants and family diners.
Canyon Country
Local Mexican restaurants, pizza joints, and family diners along Soledad Canyon Road. For more variety, head to Valencia or Newhall.
Castaic
Limited but growing, with local spots along Hasley Canyon Road and seasonal vendors at Castaic Lake.
Hidden Gems
SCV's best-kept dining secrets are often in strip malls and unassuming storefronts. Ask Sam for his latest favorites — he eats everywhere.
Transportation & Transit
Santa Clarita Valley is well connected to the greater Los Angeles region by commuter rail and bus networks. Whether you commute downtown for work or want to explore LA without driving, these transit options make it easy.
Metrolink
Southern California's commuter rail system with multiple stops in Santa Clarita — including Santa Clarita Station and Via Princessa Station. Metrolink connects the valley directly to downtown Los Angeles, Union Station, and destinations across the region. It's a popular option for daily commuters who want to skip the I-5 drive and relax on the train instead.
Visit MetrolinkLA Metro
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority operates an extensive bus and rail network across the region. LA Metro routes serve parts of the Santa Clarita area and connect to the wider county transit system, including the Metro Rail lines that run throughout Los Angeles County. Check their website for current routes, schedules, and fare information.
Visit LA MetroNeed More Recommendations?
Sam knows every trail, restaurant, and hidden gem in the valley. Reach out for personalized recommendations based on your interests.
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