15 Free Things to Do in Santa Clarita, CA

Free Things to Do in Santa Clarita, CA
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Nestled in the heart of Southern California, Santa Clarita is a vibrant community with something for everyone.

From the historic Old Town district to the scenic hiking trails, Santa Clarita in Los Angeles County offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration.

There's plenty of time to enjoy all the fantastic places Santa Clarita offers.

When you visit, you and your family will have a slice of paradise, so you better include Santa Clarita in your vacation plans.

So, see why Santa Clarita is one of California's best places to live!

Here are the 15 free things to do in Santa Clarita, California:

Play Some Sports at Bouquet Canyon Park

Road leading to Bouquet Canyon Park
Angel DiBilio / Shutterstock.com

Bouquet Canyon Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors in Santa Clarita.

The park offers the public its tennis courts which locals and visitors frequent in the morning to get some exercise.

It also has a basketball court for a friendly match or two.

The park features a variety of hiking trails and picnic areas with scenic vistas perfect for relaxation after your game.

It's open daily, so you don’t have to worry about going thinking the park is closed.

So, stretch those muscles of yours here at Bouquet Canyon Park!

See the Heaviest Mammal in North America at Hart Park Barnyard

The American bison is the largest mammal in North America, and its imposing size will impress any visitor to Hart Park Barnyard in Santa Clarita.

These massive animals can weigh up to 2,000 pounds.

Bison are social creatures, and they often travel in large herds, but they are also formidable predators and have been known to attack humans if they feel threatened.

At Hart Park Barnyard, visitors can look closely at these fascinating animals on its more than 22 acres of land while learning about their unique ecology and history.

American bison were once on the brink of extinction, but thanks to conservation efforts in Hart Park Banyard, their population has begun to recover.

Today, these majestic creatures are an essential part of the country's natural heritage.

Go and See the Incredible Public Art Named Untitled

Arts and culture are essential parts of any community.

They can help to define a community's identity and provide a source of pride for its residents.

Santa Clarita has many outstanding examples of public art, including the Untitled wall art by DALeast.

DALeast's dark vision is undoubtedly intriguing, interlaced with rich detail while emphasizing the simple themes in Untitled.

This artwork is composed of different lines forming a person that looks like swimming in the blue ocean.

A pop of color of blue is seen in the background of DALeast's painting called untitled which takes his subject alive.

Stop by this beautiful art in Santa Clarita, and don’t forget to take a picture!

Wander the Streets of Old Town Newhall

Street view of Old Town Newhall
Konrad Summers, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Old Town Newhall is a historic district in the city of Santa Clarita that centers on entertainment and arts.

Old Town Newhall is home to various shops, restaurants, and businesses.

Here, you'll see different art pieces on this district's walls and streets.

It’s no surprise that it gained its title as the premier district for arts and entertainment.

When in Old Town Newhall, visitors can take a stroll down memory lane by learning about the city's rich history at one of its museums.

Walk of western stars at Old Town Newhall
Crossover1370, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Those who want a more picturesque experience can marvel at the area's fantastic old-west-style buildings.

And don't forget to document your visit with some photos!

Old Town Newhall is a great place to experience the best of what Santa Clarita has to offer.

So, stroll the streets of this beautiful district, or you can even participate in one of the many free events of this fantastic district.

Take a Rest at Newhall Park

If you are looking for a place to rest from the long walks in the streets of Old Town Newhall, this park is a place to go!

Newhall Park is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

The park offers a variety of activities and amenities for everyone to enjoy.

The well-manicured grounds are perfect for a picnic or a game of fetch with your furry friend, and the playground and splash pad are sure to keep the kids entertained.

The park also features basketball and baseball courts.

On hot days, the shady trees provide a welcome respite from the sun.

Newhall Park is truly a gem in the Santa Clarita Valley.

There is something for everyone to enjoy, and the scenery is breathtaking.

This park is highly recommended if you are ever in Santa Clarita!

Take a Picture with the California Vaqueros

When visiting Santa Clarita, you'll see different artworks installed in some public places, and the California Vaqueros is one of them.

The California Vaqueros is a public artwork by artist Nicole Ponsler in Santa Clarita and was installed in 2007.

The artwork consists of two horseback figures representing the early Spanish settlers of California known as vaqueros.

The vaqueros were experts in horsemanship and helped shape the state's early history.

The painting captures their spirit of exploration and adventure and serves as a reminder of Santa Clarita's rich heritage.

The California Vaqueros is a welcome addition to the city's public art collection and is sure to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Go Outdoors at East Walker Ranch

This open space in Santa Clarita is perfect for going outdoors with the family!

East Walker Ranch is a beautiful property that spans over 140 acres and offers stunning views of Santa Clarita.

The ranch is home to various wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and mountain lions, that you may see when you visit.

There are also various hiking trails on the ranch that meander through the property and provide spectacular views of the neighboring mountains and valleys.

This open space is perfect for visitors to explore and take in stunning views of nature at their own pace.

Whether you're looking for a place to hike or learn about the area's history, East Walker Ranch is worth a visit.

See Incredible Skate Stunts at Santa Clarita Skate Park

Two young men practicing at Santa Clarita Skate Park
Jeffrey Crockard / Shutterstock.com

Come to the Santa Clarita Skate Park and see some incredible skate stunts!

The experienced skaters at the Santa Clarita Skate Park will amaze you with their impressive tricks and stunts.

Be prepared to be entertained and feel your heart race as you watch them push themselves to the limit!

A young boy performing a skate stunt at Santa Clarita Skate Park
Jeffrey Crockard / Shutterstock.com

The park is also filled with various events and competitions throughout the year, so there is always something new for you to see.

Drop by this incredible skate park to see stunt shows from the skaters!

Kids at Santa Clarita Skate Park
Jeffrey Crockard / Shutterstock.com

See a Free Show at The MAIN

The MAIN is one of Santa Clarita's best-kept secrets.

This local gem is a hidden treasure trove of live entertainment, offering something for everyone.

They have been serving Santa Clarita with impressive performances for 20 years!

From intimate concerts and comedy shows to larger-scale theater productions, there's always something exciting happening at The Main that you better see when you visit.

The theater has been converted into a multi-purpose arts center with comedy, drama, music, film, a regularly changing art gallery, lectures, workshops, and meetings.

The next time you're looking for a fun night out, check the calendar for free shows at The Main.

The MAIN provides a variety of monthly shows that are both free and priced affordably so that everyone can enjoy them.

You're sure to find an event that will tantalize your senses and make for an unforgettable evening.

Experience Tranquility at Valencia Glen Park

Valencia Glen Park is a beautiful and serene place to spend some time in nature.

The park is located in Santa Clarita and offers an excellent opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

There are plenty of benches and picnic tables throughout the park, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the quiet surroundings.

The trees surrounding the area add to the tranquility of the place.

The winds through the park will make you relax while seeing the stunning views of the surrounding area.

Whether you're looking for a place to take a break from your busy day or want to enjoy some time in nature, Valencia Glen Park is the perfect place to go.

Be Amazed by the Book Collections at Old Town Newhall Library

Visitors to the Old Town Newhall Library in Santa Clarita are always amazed by the size and scope of its book collections.

The library’s collection includes books on history, science, politics, and literature and a large children's section that you can read.

You can even try listening to one of their e-books and audiobooks in their collections.

The library also offers different articles and databases for visiting researchers.

Whether you're looking for a new book to read or want to browse the shelves, the Old Town Newhall Library is sure to amaze you with its vast collection.

Other Things to Do Nearby

If you want to take on another adventure, try going to Santa Clarita’s nearby places.

Just like Santa Clarita, these places will also give you incredible experiences.

Hike the Towsley Canyon Loop Trail

Hiking trail at Towsley Canyon
Zengirl / Shutterstock.com

Towsley Canyon Loop Trail is a great hike for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of nature without having to venture too far from Santa Clarita.

The trailhead in Ed Davis Park is just 7 minutes from Santa Clara, and the hike is relatively easy, making it perfect for beginners or families with young children.

It has a nine-kilometer loop trail, which is challenging for some hikers.

Scenic view of Towsley Canyon
Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

The trail loop offers stunning views of the canyon and surrounding mountains when you hike.

There are also plenty of things you can do here, like birdwatching and mountain biking.

This trail in Ed Davis Park will entertain you with its beauty!

Landscape of Towsley Canyon
Lensw0rId / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Placerita Canyon Nature Center

Placerita Canyon Nature Center should be at the top of your list if you're looking for a place to explore and appreciate nature.

Located in the beautiful Placerita Canyon, 12 minutes away from Santa Clarita, the Placerita Nature Center is a great place to learn about the local flora and fauna.

With its fantastic oak woodland, seasonal streamlined willow and sycamore trees, and diverse plant and animal species, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

So take a hike down the east-west meandering canyon today!

The center offers a variety of educational programs for all ages, and visitors can also explore the many hiking trails or go on a self-guided tour of the grounds.

Have your day a fun-filled experience and learn something new at Placerita Canyon Nature Center.

See the Old Glory at Pico Canyon Park

View of Pico Canyon Park
Samjobe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Come to Pico Canyon Park and be awestruck by the sight of a 100-year-old tree that's only 5 minutes away from Santa Clarita.

This park is home to "Old Glory," a beautiful Oak tree standing tall for many years.

John Quigley, an environmentalist, protested the removal of Old Glory, a 70-foot tall 458-ton tree believed to be 400 years old, by climbing into its branches and staying there for over 70 days.

Oil well at Pico Canyon Park
Samjobe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The developer of Stevenson Ranch proposed removing the big oak tree to widen Pico Canyon road, but residents protested that the path should be built around it.

After a long and complex negotiation, it was decided that the American Flag would be moved from its current location to Pico Canyon Park.

The oak tree is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor outings and provides a shady respite on hot days.

If you're looking for a breathtaking natural sight, add the oak tree at Pico Canyon Park to your list.

View of Pico Canyon Park
Samjobe, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Look at the Public Art "Birds of Valencia"

Valencia is home to many public artworks, but one of the most striking is the "Birds of Valencia" sculpture.

The sculpture, which is just 10 minutes away from Santa Clarita, consists of a group of metal birds perched on a wire fence.

The birds are brightly colored and have their wings outstretched as if they are about to take flight.

Standing 17 feet high by 15 feet by 22 feet, the sculpture is cast with 65 aluminum birds with 5 feet wings, and its sails suspend 17 feet about the lake where it stands.

The sculpture is eye-catching and whimsical, and it will surely put a smile on the face of anyone who sees it.

If you find yourself near Santa Clarita, take a moment to admire the "Birds of Valencia" sculpture in Valencia.

Final Thoughts

Santa Clarita is home to several outdoor attractions perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.

From its busy Old Town District, challenging hiking trails, natural beauty, relaxing parks, and fantastic public arts, you will get an amazing break from your daily grind!

So, visit Santa Clarita and take a vacation with your loved ones here.

And don't forget to try these 15 best things to do in Santa Clarita, California, on your next visit!

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