Curated Plans
Weekend in SCV
Don't know where to start? Sam's curated weekend itineraries give you the perfect plan — whether you're a longtime local looking for something new or a first-time visitor exploring the valley.
Curated by Sam Silver · Last updated June 24, 2026
Santa Clarita Valley packs an surprising amount into a compact area. In a single weekend, you can hike through oak-shaded canyons, explore a historic downtown, catch live music under the stars, and eat at spots that rival anything in LA — all without sitting in freeway traffic. Here are four curated weekend plans, each built around a different mood.
For the Adventurers
The Outdoor Explorer Weekend
Best for: Active families, hikers, and nature lovers
Saturday
Morning: Towsley Canyon Hike
Start your day early at Ed Davis Park in Towsley Canyon. The Towsley View Loop offers panoramic valley views through narrow canyon passes and oak groves — moderate difficulty, about 2 hours. Go before 9 AM in summer to beat the heat.
Midday: Breakfast Brunch
Refuel at the Saugus Café — serving breakfast since 1898. It's the valley's most beloved morning spot and a genuine piece of SCV history. Expect a wait on weekends, but it's worth it.
Afternoon: Haskell Canyon Bike Park
Head to the brand-new Haskell Canyon Bike Park — 720 acres with 15+ miles of trails for all skill levels. Even if you don't ride, the hiking trails here are fantastic and less crowded than Towsley.
Evening: Castaic Lake Sunset
Wrap up the day at Castaic Lake. The lower lagoon area is perfect for a late afternoon swim or a lakeside picnic as the sun goes down. About 15 minutes from central SCV.
Sunday
Morning: Placerita Canyon Nature Center
Easy nature trails, live animal exhibits, and the historic Oak of the Golden Dream — where California's first gold was discovered in 1842. Free admission, great for all ages.
Afternoon: Paseo Trail Ride
Rent bikes or just walk a section of SCV's connected 100+ mile paseo system. The paths connect neighborhoods, parks, and shopping centers without touching a busy road — one of the best urban trail networks in Southern California.
Sam's Tips
- Start summer hikes before 7 AM — temperatures hit 95–105°F by midday
- Bring at least 2 liters of water per person on any canyon hike
- Haskell Canyon Bike Park is at 7200 Haskell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita
- Golden hour at Castaic Lake is magical — arrive by 5 PM for sunset views
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are non-negotiable year-round in SCV
For Families
The Family Fun Weekend
Best for: Families with kids of all ages
Saturday AM: Six Flags Magic Mountain
Start the weekend big. Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia is one of the world's premier thrill-ride parks with 20+ roller coasters including Twisted Colossus and X2. Arrive at opening for shortest lines.
Saturday PM: William S. Hart Park
Wind down at the 265-acre William S. Hart Park. Free hiking trails, a natural history museum, and the historic Hart Mansion. It's the perfect counterpoint to a morning of adrenaline.
Sunday AM: Placerita Canyon
A gentle Sunday morning at Placerita Canyon Nature Center. Educational programs, live animal exhibits, and easy nature trails that even toddlers can handle. Free admission.
Sunday PM: Central Park
Finish the weekend at SCV's flagship Central Park. Sports fields, a lake, playgrounds, and wide open spaces for picnics. In summer, catch a free Concerts in the Park show on Saturday evening.
Free Concerts in the Park
Saturday evenings from July 11 through August 29 at Central Park. Bring blankets, arrive early for food trucks, and enjoy live music under the stars. The 2026 lineup features tribute acts from Selena to The Police.
For Foodies
The Foodie Weekend
Best for: Couples, food lovers, and anyone who eats their way through town
SCV's dining scene is more varied than most people expect. From a café that's been serving since 1898 to craft cocktail bars on a historic main street, here's how to eat your way through a weekend in Santa Clarita.
Saturday: Old Town Newhall Food Crawl
Breakfast: Start on Main Street
Old Town Newhall's Main Street is SCV's most walkable dining district. Grab coffee at a local café, then settle into brunch at one of the neighborhood's sit-down spots. Thai, Mexican, Italian, and American — all within a few blocks.
Lunch: Explore the Side Streets
Step off Main Street and you'll find family-owned restaurants, taco shops, and hidden gems that the locals swear by. Sam's tip: the best spots are often in unassuming strip malls.
Dinner & Drinks: Newhall Refinery
Newhall Refinery is the crown jewel of Newhall's nightlife — craft cocktails, elevated bar food, and a Main Street patio that's one of the best dining experiences in the valley, especially during golden hour.
Sunday: Valencia Dining Tour
Brunch: Saugus Café
The Saugus Café has been serving breakfast since 1898 — making it one of the oldest restaurants in the valley. Classic American breakfast, generous portions, and a genuine piece of SCV history. Expect a weekend wait.
Coffee Break: Philz or 85C Bakery
Post-brunch, grab a pour-over at Philz Coffee or explore the Taiwanese pastries at 85C Bakery — two local favorites that have earned devoted followings in Valencia.
Dinner: Valencia Town Center
Valencia Town Center keeps adding new options. Beyond the established restaurants, check out what's new — the expansion is bringing fresh dining tenants throughout 2026. For a solid sit-down dinner, Salt Creek Grille and Yard House are reliable picks.
SENSES Block Party
If your weekend lands on the third Thursday of the month (April through September), you're in luck. SENSES shuts down Main Street in Old Town Newhall for a pedestrian block party with live music, food vendors, craft cocktails, and the best community atmosphere in the valley. It's free and it's the best way to experience Newhall's food scene.
For Couples
The Date Night Weekend
Best for: Couples and anyone planning a romantic SCV weekend
Santa Clarita might not be the first place you think of for a romantic weekend, but the combination of sunset canyon hikes, walkable historic downtowns, and surprisingly good dining makes it ideal for couples who prefer substance over scene.
Golden Hour Hike at Towsley Canyon
Hit the Towsley View Loop in the late afternoon. The canyon is quiet at golden hour, the views are stunning, and it's the kind of experience that makes you fall in love with the valley — and maybe each other.
Dinner on Main Street Newhall
Walk Main Street at dusk — the string lights come on, the patios fill up, and the whole street has a warm, inviting energy. Newhall Refinery for cocktails, then a walk down the block.
Live Music Under the Stars
In summer, nothing beats a Saturday evening at Concerts in the Park. Spread a blanket on the lawn at Central Park, grab dinner from a food truck, and enjoy live music under the stars. Free admission.
Coffee & Pastries Date
Sunday morning, skip the chain coffee shops. Head to 85C Bakery for Taiwanese pastries and coffee, or try Philz for a perfectly crafted pour-over. Low-key, affordable, and genuinely nice.
ArtWalk Newhall
The monthly ArtWalk in Old Town Newhall features local artists, galleries, live music, and creative showcases. It's free, walkable, and the kind of cultural experience you don't expect to find in the suburbs.
Day Trip to Vasquez Rocks
About 30 minutes from SCV, the iconic Vasquez Rocks make for a unique date. Climb the tilted sandstone formations, snap some photos, and watch the sunset over the desert. Bring a picnic.
Neighborhoods Worth a Stroll
Each SCV community has its own personality. Here's how to spend a weekend exploring them.
Valencia
Master-planned living at its finest. Walk the paseos, explore Valencia Town Center (check out what's new from the expansion), and grab lunch at one of the chain or local spots. Family-friendly and polished.
Explore ValenciaOld Town Newhall
SCV's cultural heartbeat. Walkable Main Street, galleries, theaters, craft cocktail bars, and the best community events. This is where you go to feel like you're in a real neighborhood.
Explore NewhallSaugus
Suburban charm with a tight-knit community. Home to the historic Saugus Café, local diners, and a family-oriented vibe. The kind of neighborhood where people actually know their neighbors.
Explore SaugusWeekend Highlights at a Glance
Concerts in the Park
Free Saturday shows Jul 11 – Aug 29
Haskell Canyon Bike Park
15+ miles of trails, all levels
SENSES Block Party
3rd Thursday monthly on Main St
Castaic Lake
Boating, swimming & camping
ArtWalk Newhall
Monthly art & galleries
Six Flags Magic Mountain
20+ coasters in Valencia
Placerita Canyon
History, nature & easy trails
Coffee Shop Crawl
Philz, 85C, and local cafés
Want a Personalized Itinerary?
Sam knows every trail, restaurant, coffee shop, and hidden gem in the valley. Whether you're visiting for the weekend or planning to move here, he'll build you the perfect SCV experience.