Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Simi Valley, CA

  • Published 2023/01/12

Simi Valley is a beautiful green valley in the southeast corner of California in Ventura County and a part of the greater Los Angeles area.

The city is an excellent tourist destination with various geographical features like peaks, mountain passes, and hills.

Interested to know more about this stunning city?

Here are the 20 best things to do in Simi Valley, California:

See the Exhibits at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

Interior view of Ronald Regan Presidential Library and Museum

Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.com

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to the life of the famous 40th President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan and his wife, the First Lady Nancy Reagan.

The museum teems with artifacts and exhibits relating to his life, including personal memorabilia.

The Air Force One, personally used by the President himself, is also on display.

Helicopter display at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

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There are permanent exhibits and temporary ones as well, which are beautifully showcased in a timeline, starting right from Mr. Reagan’s childhood to his life through his various careers and films and military service, his marriage, and then, at last, his political career.

There are also exhibits from Regan’s Ranch and even a piece of the Berlin Wall.

Other than this, there are a lot of documents and essential photographs on display and personal paper collections.

Signage of Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Corriganville Movie Ranch

Actors performing at Corriganville Movie Ranch

GeorgeLouis at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Owned by the famous actor and stunt man Ray “Crash” Corrigan, the Corriganville Movie Ranch was very famous and used for outdoor location shootings in earlier times.

It was a working film studio with a rush of actors and directors working most time.

Many famous movie directors and producers used to carry out extensive shootings here.

But it was damaged by the wildfires in 1976 and 79.

Trunk of a tree at Corriganville Movie Ranch

UrbanPhotographer / Shutterstock.com

The ranch was picturesque and a great movie shooting location because of its various geographical elements, like lakes, caves, mountains, boulders, and rock outcroppings.

Enjoy some easy hiking and trekking. You can also explore some of the remains of the movie buildings constructed here.

The hiking trails pass through various rock formations, which are very brittle and aesthetic to look at.

Go Hiking at the Rocky Peak Park

Beautiful sunrise at Rocky Peak Park

trekandshoot / Shutterstock.com

The humungous rocky peak in the Rocky Peak Park is a great spot for mountaineering.

It is the fourth-highest spot in the Santa Susana Mountains and is excellent for a hike.

Dusty trail at Rocky Peak Park

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What makes it important from a geographical point of view is that it is also the point where the county line changes its direction from the north to the northwest.

The various boulders have jagged edges and ooze out an aesthetic appeal.

Enjoy some easy hiking or mountain climbing at this park.

Deer at Rocky Peak Park

trekandshoot / Shutterstock.com

Pay a Visit to Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village

View of Grandma Prisbrey bottle village

Los Angeles, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Created by the artist Tressa “Grandma” Prisbrey, Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village is a true example of upcycling bottles with a lot of hard work between the era of 1950 and to 1970s.

All the structures made here use recycled items or discarded items found in local landfills to build paths, walkways, and shrines.

View of Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village

Los Angeles, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A beautiful feature is the doll shrine which has 600 dolls, including those from Prisbrey’s collection.

A huge informational plaque is also placed centrally, giving information about the village.

Information plaque at Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village

Los Angeles, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit Strathearn Historical Park and Museum

Strathearn house in Strathearn historical park

Los Angeles, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An area heavily influenced by Native American and Spanish roots, Strathearn Historical Park and Museum has elements of prehistoric times, like barns and more.

Take a walk back to look at how life functioned in the past.

If you’re taking a self-guided tour, visit the visitor center beforehand to get an idea of how to go about it.

Some buildings are beautiful, have great architecture, and stand tall even today, including a library, a pitting shed, and a prominent windmill.

Explore the Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum

Simi Valley has a special place in its heart for skateboarders and skateboarding.

Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum honors skateboarders who made major contributions to skateboarding history.

Many cultural icons find a place here that significantly impacted the skateboarding community.

Some other artifacts on display include photographs and personal memorabilia from the tours of skateboarding stalwarts like Patty Maggie, Laura castle, and Tony Alma.

Wander around Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center

Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center honors various arts.

It hosts many cultural performances, like musicals, jazz concerts, and rock and roll performances.

The architecture is also stunning and set in a Gothic theme.

It was also heavily influenced by the churches prevalent during the 1920s, as seen in the stained glass window and some elegant light fixtures.

Sample Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine at the Alibaba Cafe

Mediterranean food is complicated to make, and this cafe serves the best and most authentic cuisine in Simi Valley.

All the ingredients are locally sourced and organic, and the spices are exotic.

The menu is long and has a variety of stuff, including soups, seafood, and meat.

There are vegetarian entrees available to fill those veggie bellies too.

Some of the must-try dishes include the chicken shawarma salad and the pita sandwiches.

Golfing at Simi Hills Golf Course

A great view with a vast golfing course is a dream for every golf lover.

Simi Hills Golf Course gives you the best of both worlds with perfectly well-manicured landscapes and an extensive course with many holes.

The fairways are also well-kept, and some of the hazards that have been placed include sand and water to make for an exciting course, especially if you’re an expert and a pro at the game.

It also has very scenic views, so don’t forget to click some pictures.

Have a Coffee at Dr. Conkey’s Candy and Coffee Co

What better way to go about touring the streets during the middle of the day than with a cup of great coffee?

At Dr. Conkey’s, the coffee is well-curated and made with love.

They also have great candy bars to go along with it.

Other desserts like fudge and chocolate are homemade, tasty, and delicious.

A family-owned business, it has been in town since 1983.

There is also a part of the store that sells quaint, cute souvenirs like trinkets and keepsakes for you to take back home.

Dine at Betos Italian Bistro

Betos Italian Bistro is the ultimate fine dining experience that you must have.

If you’re coming with a date, this is the perfect place for a candlelight dinner.

The menu has all kinds of delicious Italian dishes, including calamari, bruschetta, and lasagna.

Some miscellaneous items on the menu include spaghetti and meatballs or salads.

For seafood lovers, the seafood risotto is a must-try.

The entrees are also delicious and include rare dishes like the Alaskan halibut or the roasted duck.

Snack while Watching a Movie at Studio Movie Grill

Simi Valley, California-based Studio Movie Grill first opened its doors in 2015.

It has nine auditoriums with the newest digital projection technology, unique lounge seats, and recliners.

Additionally, Studio Movie Grill has a complete-service bar and lounge, ideal for socializing before the movie or having a drink later.

On the American Grill Menu, pick from healthy food options or freshly prepared house specialties, and at the bar, select from over 60 unique spirits.

An unparalleled cinema-dining experience is provided with friendly service at the touch of a button.

Spend a Whole Day Filled with Adventure at Lazertag Axtreme

The three-story, 5000+ square foot multifunctional arena at Lazertag Axtreme is full of surprises and entertainment.

With Laserforce laser tag technology, among the most reputable and well-known brands in laser tag, they are confident that you will love engaging in friendly rivalry.

They provide laser tag subscriptions if you want to advance your gameplay, get your screen username, keep track of your gaming progress, and rank up and earn prizes!

Lazertag Axtreme has some of the latest and best arcade and redemption games to select from!

The café has a vast selection of food and beverages to keep you fueled during your visit.

Maintain a Healthy Body and Visit 805 Fitness Fanatics

The 805 Fitness Fanatics was founded to preserve an excellent community of fitness enthusiasts when a nearby boot camp announced its closing.

They aim to offer an inspiring and intense exercise in a welcoming setting.

805 Fitness Fanatics offer a comprehensive outdoor fitness course that includes both power and endurance training for the muscles.

The program combines aerobic conditioning with muscle and stamina training for the muscles.

805 Fitness Fanatics provides group trail days where you can enjoy all the splendor Simi Valley has to offer, and they frequently switch up the exercises to keep things interesting.

Go Ice Skating at Iceoplex

The Iceoplex ice arena is dedicated to providing an engaging, competitive, and enjoyable skating school program for skaters of all ages and ability levels.

It serves as a very effective hockey group training facility.

They take pleasure in presenting a skating program that is top-notch in every way for figure skaters and hockey players, thanks to their cutting-edge facility and outstanding professional team.

Iceoplex feature education in various sports, including hockey, figure skating, speed skating, coordinated skating, curling, and more. They also have world-class instructors and coaches on board.

Professional show lighting is available in film productions, big movies, and full-scale ice performances.

Have a Delicious Breakfast at Eggs’ N’ Things

Eggs’ N’ Things has been providing breakfast and lunch, earning glowing reviews since 1974.

It has long been a favorite choice for residents looking for delicious meals made with the finest ingredients, a fantastic ambiance, friendly and helpful staff, and a well-liked food menu.

They have been serving high-quality meals for breakfast and lunch as they receive the components for the day’s meals each morning.

Eggs’ N’ Things boast a menu for kids under 12 and a standard menu that children may choose from.

Visit Eggs’ N’ Things to stay ahead of the charming setting, excellent cuisine, and prompt service.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Learn about the Chumash Community at the Chumash Indian Museum

Huts at Chumash Indian Museum

TOLocal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are nearly 11 archaeological sites found at the Chumash Indian Museum.

Here, you can look at various paintings and other historical items on display.

Some of the exciting pictographs include a 12-inch-long swordfish pictograph.

Since it was associated with shamans and represented the shaman spirit helper, it finds a significant place for archaeologists.

Other exhibits include household items like mortars and pestle, grinding tools, and more.

Exhibits at Chumash Indian Museum

TOLocal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A replica of an actual house was also reconstructed here.

There are four Ethno Botanical Gardens also constructed where many native Florida and endemic species are grown.

These include the Riparian or basketry Garden, the Chaparral garden, the desert garden, and the fruits and flower garden.

Various endemic species are planted here, including milkweed, Christmas berry, coffeeberry, California buckwheat, sage, and hummingbird sage.

Hike along the Mountains at the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve

Upper Las Virgenes Canyon open space Preserve

Vincent Asbjornsen / Shutterstock.com

Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve teems with various oak trees, beautifully aligning the landscape and the Green Mountains.

Previously called Ahmanson Ranch Park, it was after the Woolsey fire damaged it in 2018 that it was refurbished.

A number of several primary trails are used by people to access these parks, including the victory trailhead, the Las Virgenes Road Trailhead, and many more.

Trailhead at Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve

Jeshii at the English-language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Many outdoor activities can be carried out here, including walking, hiking, and mountain biking.

Equestrian uses are also allowed throughout the park, but only during daylight.

You can also get your furry friends along but make sure they’re on six-foot leashes and under your immediate control.

Experience the Nature at China Flat

A plateau in the north-central semi-hills is wonderful and contains various natural elements.

From sandstone outcroppings to flat plateaus, you can look at a variety of geographical features and also click some great pictures.

For nature photography enthusiasts, this is the place to be.

Take a walk around in these green fields on this plateau.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Simi Valley will allow you to experience the unparalleled grandeur of one of Southern California’s most stunning areas.

Whether you’re up for sightseeing, whole-day shopping, or a trip to the museum, the family-friendly region is full of activities to enjoy.

There is enough to do for those with different interests, thanks to the stunning Pacific coastline to the west, the great state and national parks to the east, and famous historic and entertainment-related attractions.

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