Day One
What better way to get a true taste of Santa Clarita than to visit one of its longest standing institutions? Kick off your day at The Way Station Coffee Shop whose chefs have been slinging coffee and hash browns ever since its founding in 1971. Best loved for its large portions and affordable prices, Way Station will give you the feeling of stepping back in time when breakfast was all about community, conversation and savoring every last bite. And there’s no doubt you will be doing exactly that with menu staples the likes of chicken fried steak, thick-sliced ham and pancakes literally the size of a plate. Oh and don’t forget about the gravy!
After such a hearty breakfast, you’re going to want an equally hearty activity to work it all off. Fortunately, a day’s worth of fun awaits at the nearby William S. Hart Museum & Park. From making friends with the resident barnyard animals to communing with nature on the park’s scenic trails, there is something to keep the whole family entertained all morning long. While you’re hiking, be sure to keep a look out for the herd of American bison that also call the park home. Walk up to the beautiful Spanish Colonial mansion and join a free guided tour led by docents every half hour. Here, you will learn all about silent film star and cowboy icon William S. Hart as well as the impressive collection of Western artwork and Hollywood mementos on display in the museum.
Before heading off, walk over to Santa Clarita History Center where you will learn more about Santa Clarita’s history. If visiting on the weekend, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through the Saugus Train Station Museum and learn about life in the Wild West and that time President Theodore Roosevelt visited in 1903!
A familiar stop for both visitors and locals alike, Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewing Company has been sating appetites since 1997. Their ever-evolving menu includes restaurant specialties and eclectic new fare, so every visit is a new adventure. A popular new addition is Wolf Creek’s Brewer’s Table which features a variety of signature dishes, from beer braised short ribs to ale battered fish tacos, which were developed to pair perfectly with the brewery’s own collection of craft beers. Brewed right here in town, they are a must-try for anyone searching for a taste of Santa Clarita! Finally, a trip to Wolf Creek is not complete without tasting one of their many mouthwatering desserts. Each and every one is created specifically for Wolf Creek daily by the restaurant’s on-site pastry chef and the attention to detail shows. You’ll have a hard enough time choosing between chocolate layer cake and carrot cake, let alone their rotating selection of cheesecakes!
Considered the “crown jewel” of Santa Clarita, Central Park will be the perfect place to explore after lunch. The 130-acre park has everything needed for a fun afternoon outdoors, including baseball diamonds, playing fields, a regional cross-country course and even a dog park! Visit the city’s first community garden before heading out on one of the park’s beautiful trails. The park’s 3.1 mile cross country loop is a great option both for casual walkers and those looking to break a sweat while the Central Park Trail, which connects Central Park to Newhall Ranch Road, promises gorgeous views all along the way.
The Old Town Junction is the rustic-meets-refined personality of Old Town Newhall while showcasing the creativity of Santa Clarita’s local dining scene. Chef Daniel Otto’s menu goes well beyond typical American fare, with options like Kalbi Tacos, Jerk Shrimp Tacos, Roasted Beet Caprese, Braised Short Rib, and Parisian House Gnocchi, plus an extensive craft cocktail program. The restaurant also regularly updates its menu, giving visitors something new to discover seasonally while exploring Main Street. Its lively atmosphere, patio seating, and elevated take on familiar flavors make it a natural place to eat, linger, and experience the character of Old Town Newhall.
After dinner, step out the door and you’ll find yourself right in the middle of Old Town Newhall. Now would be a good time to pull up your Newhall Walking Tour App and discover the area’s hidden history. Along with many of the historic sites and filming locations nearby, you’ll also learn about Newhall’s Walk of Western Stars which honors the legends of Western film, television and radio personalities, including Roy Rogers, William S. Hart and Gene Autry.
Before calling it quits on your culinary tour of Santa Clarita, make a little room for dessert. There are plenty of local options when it comes to cookies and cupcakes, but if a creamy, delicious milkshake or perhaps some freshly made churros is what you seek, head over to local favorite, XRO Fresh Churro Bar.
