Looking for the perfect summer escape? Just 30 minutes north of Los Angeles, Santa Clarita offers the ideal mix of natural beauty, entertainment and small-town vibes. Whether you’re craving adventure or just a relaxing getaway, here are 10 reasons to make Santa Clarita your summer destination!
1. Six Flags Magic Mountain
Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you. Home to some of the most thrilling roller coasters in the world, Six Flags Magic Mountain is a can’t miss stop for visitors of all ages. With 20 world-class coasters including record-breakers like Twisted Colossus and X2, plus family-friendly rides, live entertainment and summer events like DC Heroes and Villains Fest, and Out on the Mountain, you’re sure to have a blast.
📷: @bkphotopage
2. Beautiful Outdoor Recreation
Summer is the perfect time to soak in Santa Clarita’s stunning landscapes. With over 100 miles of trails, the City is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into hiking, mountain biking, trail running, or horseback riding, the trails are calling! Don’t miss picturesque gems such as Placerita Canyon or Towsley Canyon, two local favorites for hiking and wildlife spotting. Plus, opening this year is the City’s 40th park, William S. Hart Park. Once the 265-acre ranch of silent film star William S. Hart, the park features hiking trails, open space, and a museum inside Hart’s former home, filled with personal memorabilia, Native American artifacts, and Western art.
📷: @sasidharan.periaswamy
3. Castaic Lake
Castaic Lake is the perfect place to beat the heat and enjoy some fun, just minutes from the City center. Spend a sunny afternoon paddle boarding, kayaking, boating and fishing, or pack a picnic and enjoy the lakeside views. Families can cool off at the swim beach or explore scenic hiking trails that wind through the surrounding hills. For an unforgettable adventure, check out Cali Splash Park—Southern California’s largest inflatable water park, featuring over 45 obstacles, slides, bouncers, wiggle bridges and more. This attraction is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until September 28. Refer to the Cali Splash park website for all times and availability.
4. Old Town Newhall Arts and Entertainment District
Explore the heart of Santa Clarita in Old Town Newhall, where Main Street is bustling with trendy boutiques, vintage shops, breweries, wine bars and farm-to-fork eateries. It’s also a hub for the arts, with local galleries, live theater, comedy, and the Walk of Western Stars—a tribute to the area’s deep roots in classic Western cinema.
5. Arts & Culture
Santa Clarita comes alive with the arts during the summer, offering a wide variety of creative experiences for visitors to enjoy. Take the Santa Clarita Arts Public Art Tour, a self-guided app featuring sculptures, murals and even sidewalk poetry around town. Catch a live performance or comedy show at The MAIN or Canyon Theatre Guild. Explore visual art at the Santa Clarita Artists Association Gallery, featuring its seasonal exhibit, “Black and White,” from June 19 to July 27—a collection that celebrates contrast through monochromatic works. For a cultural experience that blends music, dance and cuisine, don’t miss the City’s Celebrate Series, a lineup of free events that spotlight the rich traditions of communities from around the world on every second Friday of the month from May through September. Santa Clarita is also home to the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), founded by Walt and Roy Disney in 1961. Renowned for its animation program that consistently ranks #1 nationally, CalArts has shaped the creative landscape with alumni like Tim Burton, John Lasseter and Ed Harris.
6. Family-Friendly Vibes
Planning a trip with the kids? Santa Clarita is one of California’s safest and most family-friendly cities. Ranking in the top 5 safest California cities over 10 times, the City is packed with attractions and activities that everyone will love. Spend the day riding world-class coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain or make a splash at Hurricane Harbor. Try your hand at disc golf at Central Park, or head to MB2 Entertainment for arcade games, mini golf, go-karts, laser tag and more. Plus, enjoy family-focused events throughout the summer, such as outdoor movies, concerts and farmers markets. Bring your crew and make some memories!
📷: @caitlinkim.official
7. Great Dining Scene
Santa Clarita serves up a diverse and flavorful dining experience that’s sure to satisfy every craving. From casual cafés and classic diners to multicultural cuisine and elevated bites, there’s no shortage of delicious options. You’ll find everything from Thai and Mediterranean to barbecue, Mexican, and American comfort food. To top it off, many local spots host live music nights, karaoke, and open mics. But what truly sets Santa Clarita apart is its local craft breweries and wineries, many family-owned and operated. The city is home to award-winning wineries such as Agua Dulce Winery, which has earned over 150 national and international wine awards, including the Best of Class Gold Medal for their Reserve Port at the 2023 Los Angeles International Wine Competition. Reyes Winery has also been recognized in competitions across California for over a decade, winning gold medals for their wines.
📷: @allyouneedisloveandtravel
8. TV & Film History
Santa Clarita is a dream destination for any film buff. Thanks to its scenic backdrops and close proximity to Hollywood, the City has been featured in countless films and shows, from classic Westerns to Netflix hits like Santa Clarita Diet. Download the Newhall Walking Tour App and explore the legends of Western cinema, or take a self-guided tour of filming locations throughout the City. Schedule a tour of Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio, a working movie ranch that has hosted iconic productions for nearly a century, including Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Westworld. Refer to the Newhallywood Tours website to confirm tour availability, as tours are unavailable during active filming.
9. Hub-and-Spoke Destination
Located just off the I-5 freeway, Santa Clarita is the perfect base camp for a Southern California adventure. With quick access to attractions such as Hollywood, Universal Studios, and beautiful beaches, it’s easy to explore the best of SoCal without the crowds and chaos. Santa Clarita boasts clean, affordable hotels that are located within minutes of the area’s most sought-after attractions, offering top-quality amenities. Plus, getting around town is a breeze with FREE trolley rides in the summer from premier hotel properties to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Hurricane Harbor, Valencia Town Center, and Old Town Newhall.
📷: @heatherlemmon
10. Events & Festivals
Santa Clarita is packed with a vibrant lineup of events! Visitors can dance the night away at Concerts in the Park, enjoy themed activities, food trucks, and live music at the monthly SENSES Block Party in Old Town Newhall, catch an outdoor movie under the stars with City Cinemas in the Park, or celebrate diverse cultures through music, dance, food, and art at the monthly Celebrate Series. Beyond the city center, Castaic Lake hosts unique events throughout the year, from Nighttime Float Tube Fishing to Overnight Family Camping under the stars. Outdoor enthusiasts can attend Twilight Hikes at the breathtaking Vasquez Rocks, an iconic location that has been featured in countless film productions. Santa Clarita also offers four weekly farmers markets, including a night market that brings together fresh produce, artisan goods, and local vendors. Local venues get in on the action too— Lucky Luke Brewing throws its annual Summer Tiki Beer Fest, The Paseo Club hosts the elegant Summer Night in White Party, and breweries across town regularly host trivia nights, live music and even rooftop line dancing.
