Santa Clarita is home to some of the most important historic sites in California. Take a trip back into Southern California history and visit Mentryville, California’s Pioneer Oil Town and home to “Pico Number 4,” the longest running oil well in the world. Consider an afternoon at the beautiful William S. Hart Museum & Park, former home of the first cowboy movie star, featuring an impressive collection of Native American artifacts and Western American art. And right next door, make plans to visit the , home of the historic Saugus Train Station. From a pioneer oil town to the Walk of Western Stars, Santa Clarita historic sites make for a fascinating trip back in time and a glimpse at old Southern California.
To learn more about the area’s rich history, download the Newhall Walking Tour app.
William S. Hart Museum & Park
Temporarily closed for tours.
Tucked into the rolling hills of Santa Clarita’s Hart Park lies a hidden gem where California history meets Hollywood legacy. The William S. Hart Museum, once home to silent film legend William S. Hart, known for portraying authentic Western heroes, the museum offers a rare glimpse into the life of one of early cinema’s biggest Western stars. Visitors can explore Hart’s 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival mansion (“La Loma de los Vientos”), preserved with original furnishings, Native American art, early Hollywood memorabilia and mementos from famous friends like Wyatt Earp and Amelia Earhart.
The surrounding Hart Park adds to the charm with hiking trails, picnic spots, a peaceful barnyard, and even a small herd of bison originally gifted by Walt Disney. It’s a surprising, story-rich escape that even many Californians have yet to discover.
Santa Clarita History Center
Santa Clarita played significantly in the discovery of gold and oil, national transportation, the nascent movie industry and a major dam disaster. Visit an authentically restored Southern Pacific Railroad depot, a museum of local history, restored historic homes, schoolhouses and chapel.
The Santa Clarita History Center is open for walk-thru traffic during daylight hours Tuesdays through Sundays.
Vasquez Rocks
Stunning 932 acres of spectacular rock formations and Tataviam Indian sites. Popular spot for rock climbing, hiking, picnicking, and equestrian area and has been used in many hit movies, television shows and commercials.
Placerita Canyon
This natural hiking area is rich in history. The Tataviam people used the acorns gathered from the oak trees as a staple in their diet. The Portola Expedition entered the Santa Clarita Valley in 1769 and ushered in the mission era. In 1842, gold was discovered by Francisco Lopez. This was followed by cattle ranching, oil production, and Hollywood movie production.
Tesoro Adobe
Built and owned by noted western film actor, Harry Carey, in the 1920’s and 1930’s. During Carey’s film career, he is credited with at least 233 movies; the western movie elite including John Wayne, William S. Hart, and Gary Cooper visited this beautiful sprawling ranch property.
Iron Horse Trailhead
This four-mile riding and walking path with the historic, 1898 railroad trestle bridge adjacent to Magic Mountain Parkway, connects to the South Fork Trail.
Newhall Walking Tour
Explore this pioneer town’s many historic sites, iconic film locations and unique tribute to the legends of Western cinema. It’s all at your fingertips with the Newhall Walking Tour app.
Walk of Western Stars
The film industry has called Santa Clarita home for nearly a century as legends like John Ford, William S. Hart and Gene Autry fell in love with the area’s versatility and authentic Western heritage. The tribute began in 1981 to honor legends of Western film, television and radio who have contributed to America’s heritage since 1900.
Rancho Camulos Museum
Just a short drive from Santa Clarita through the beautiful Heritage Valley this National Historic Landmark is where the early Southern California lifestyle is preserved in its original rural environment.
Historic Route 6
The City of Santa Clarita invites you to take the road less traveled. Enjoy a scenic drive along Historic Route 6, presently known as Sierra Highway, and experience a bit of Southern California’s past.
St. Francis Dam
The St. Francis Dam was a concrete gravity dam located in San Francisquito Canyon, built from 1924 to 1926 to serve Los Angeles’s growing water needs. It catastrophically failed in 1928, due to a defective soil foundation and design flaws, triggering a flood that claimed the lives of at least 431 people.
Mentryville
Historical 19th Century western structures give visitors an authentic look into the past of Southern California’s “black gold” boom town era in this pioneer oil town.
