Also known as The Valley, San Fernando Valley is a highly urbanized area in California that is within the borders of Los Angeles County. It is home to major cities such as parts of Los Angeles City, San Fernando, Burbank, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Glendale, and more. Besides charming cities, it boasts iconic attractions that one must see at least once in their lives. Universal Studios Hollywood, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Sherman Oaks Castle Park are some of them. If you are a big shopaholic, Rodeo Drive is a must-visit place for you. Are you a beach lover? Swing by Santa Monica State Park and spend a relaxing day swimming and enjoying a glass of daiquiri. If you are planning to explore Los Angeles County, check out our list of the 10 best things to do in San Fernando Valley, California.
1. Spend a day bonding with rescued horses
Are you an animal lover? Do you have a big heart for rescued little fellows? If so, you might love to spend a day caring and showing these friendly horses some affection. Join this Airbnb tour experience at Saffyre Sanctuary. This organization is a non-profit group established in 2009 and has since been taking care of abandoned horses. Some of them are trained to be ridden, while others are being cared for due to health issues. This tour package will let you experience first-hand the grooming process of horses. Also, you get to feed them and play with them in their habitat.
Book Tours : Play with Rescued Horses
2. Join a morning meditation at Wat Thai Temple
Let your worries drift away when you meditate at Wat Thai Temple in Los Angeles. It is a place of worship that was established in 1971. It is the first Thai temple that has been built on the grounds of the city. Wat Thai Temple is a go-to destination for lost souls who are seeking guidance from Buddha. Morning meditation is done daily, and everyone is welcome to join. The temple also offers Pali classes, the sacred language of Theravāda Buddhism.
Wat Thai Temple
Address: 8225 Coldwater Canyon Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91605, United States
Website: Wat Thai Temple
3. Take in the views while on a boat trip at Lake Balboa Park
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Van Nuys in California, Lake Balboa Park is a family-friendly green space with a gorgeous body of water as its main attraction. The park is accentuated with blush-colored cherry blossoms that make the place even more idyllic. It is a popular dating site for couples and a picnic venue for families. Lake Balboa Park has many features. It has a picnic shelter with tables, barbecue pits, a children’s playground, restrooms, and sports facilities. Also, it has walking and biking trails. The best part? Tourists can explore the area on cute swan boats.
Lake Balboa Park
Address: 6300 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91406
Website: Lake Balboa Park
4. Listen to jazz music at The Baked Potato
Do you enjoy listening to jazz music? If so, you will surely have a wonderful time at The Baked Potato in Studio City. This casual jazz bar features a laid-back interior design with neon lights that create a more playful ambiance. From its name, you can tell that it specializes in baked potatoes. A jazz band performs at The Baked Potato for customers’ entertainment weekly. Sway to the sound of jazz while relishing some mouthwatering potato snacks. Lovely place, good music, delicious food—this place really ticks all the boxes.
The Baked Potato
Address: 3787 Cahuenga Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604, United States
Website: The Baked Potato
Opening hours: 7pm - 12am (daily)
California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Go hiking at Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve
Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy owns and manages Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve in Woodland Hills, California. It is a breathtaking 3000-acre (1214 hectares) nature preserve that is a favorite go-to destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It is a paradise where you can watch wildlife, go on exciting hikes, experience mountain biking, and even have fun horseback riding through scenic routes. The park is a favorite wedding venue as well.
Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve
Address: Victory Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367, United States
Website: Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
6. Experience a thrilling drive at Mb2 Raceway - Sylmar
If you and your buddies are into indoor karting, be sure to add Mb2 Raceway in Sylmar to your itinerary. It is a racing-themed park that has also a branch in Thousand Oaks. MB2 Raceway offers go-karting tracks, Grand Prix Group Racing, Kids Karting Kamps, and Laser Tag. It is an exciting place to celebrate special occasions such as birthday parties, bachelor parties, and team-building events.
Mb2 Raceway - Sylmar
Address: 13943 Balboa Blvd., Sylmar, CA 91342
Website: Mb2 Raceway - Sylmar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat:11am - 12am; Sun:11am - 9pm
7. Savor a decadent cocktail at Tonga Hut
Celebrate your holiday in San Fernando Valley with some drinks at Tonga Hut in North Hollywood. It is a charming and playful tiki bar with Aztec-inspired decorations. Lava fountains accentuate the place as well as neon lights and rustic details. Tonga Hut is famous for its creative cocktails that are served in Instagram-worthy presentations. Plus, lively music fills the atmosphere of the bar. Happy hour is from 4 pm to 8 pm. If you come at this hour, you might score some discounted deals.
Tonga Hut
Address: 12808 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606, United States
Website: Tonga Hut
Opening hours: 4pm - 2am (daily)
8. End your day with a celebrity massage treatment
End your holiday with a much-deserved five-star celebrity massage treatment. This activity package is good for an hour and up to 10 people can join the experience. How is it a celebrity massage? The therapist who will provide your service is a professional who has been working with Hollywood A-listers. Not only that, but she had done service for producers and the people behind the camera as well. Each client will have a curated package according to his/her likes and needs. All equipment is safe and clean. After the session, she guarantees that your body is not the only aspect of your being that will be rejuvenated but your mind and soul as well.
Book Tours : Celebrity Massage Treatment
9. Enjoy a fun-filled day at Universal Studios Hollywood
If you are a film buff, you will surely love an adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood. It is a world-class film studio and at the same time, a theme park. It is a perfect destination for families, friends, and couples. Inside, you will be mesmerized by the extravagant cinema-themed attractions. Take the challenge and hop on thrilling rides that will surely have your adrenaline running through your veins. Some of the most famous rides you will find at Universal Studios Hollywood include Revenge of the Mummy, Transformers, and Waterworld. After an exhausting but satisfying time on the rides, you can gorge on delicious food at any of the parks’ dining spots.
10. Understand your energy with the help of a spiritual healer
Do you ever feel like you are having a problem expressing yourself most of the time or are there things about you that you can’t explain? Are you in touch with your spirituality and inner self? If you’re just curious about it, join this spiritual healing experience offered by Airbnb. Through this experience, a spiritual healer will try to read your future and answer your questions with the help of tarot cards. In a calm environment with scented incense, the psychic will try to heal your spiritual dilemmas. Clients always have the choice of whether they want to hear the negative interpretations.
Book Tours : Gain insight from a spiritual healer
Have a fun holiday in San Fernando Valley
San Fernando is a highly urbanized valley in Los Angeles County that is famous for its world-class attractions. It has gorgeous beaches, theme parks, upscale shopping districts, and high-end dining spots. Treat yourself to a much-deserved holiday in the area and plan your vacation itinerary with the help of our list.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data