Day One
Located just minutes from Santa Clarita, the beautiful Heritage Valley offers spectacular views along its scenic drive and charming places to visit along the way. It’s a fun day trip adventure that is close enough to Santa Clarita that you will have plenty of time to return to one of our restaurants or wine lounges to enjoy some live music and dessert before heading back to your hotel.
Grab a coffee and head over to the 126 freeway located off Interstate 5 at the Newhall Ranch Road exit for your leisurely drive, with virtually no traffic, gorgeous mountains, and a delightful view all around. Along the way, be sure to stop by any of the local fruit farms which offer some of the freshest fruit and vegetables around.
First stop will be a visit at the Ranchos Camulos Museum. The museum features the diverse cultural heritage and agricultural history of Southern California from 1853 to 1943. It is one of the best remaining examples of a Spanish-Mexican rancho in its original rural environment and is noted for its literary significance as the setting for Helen Hunt Jackson’s novel “Ramona.”
You also don’t want to miss Bennett’s Honey Farm, which offers free honey tasting year round. The farm produces all honey locally, and packs and distributes the product themselves. In an effort of be environmentally and health conscience, the facility is 100% solar powered, and the honey is certified kosher and organic.
Next up is a visit to Fillmore. The area is home to luscious acres of citrus trees and other fruits and vegetables. This city in Ventura County is located in the Santa Clara River Valley. In an agricultural area with rich, fertile soil, Fillmore has a historic downtown that was established when Southern Pacific built the railroad through the valley in 1887.
Back on the 126, just before you reach Santa Paula is the Loose Caboose, which in addition to selling fresh produce and nuts, also features stunning ponds with fish and beautiful garden pieces. Whether you’re interested in garden decorations, art, pottery, or aquatic supplies, Loose Caboose has you covered.
Next up is a visit to downtown Santa Paula. Santa Paula, also called the Citrus Capital of the World, as it’s nestled among the citrus groves. Its beautiful weather, is the perfect backdrop for its cultural festivals, the Santa Paula Art and Photography Show in February, the Citrus Festival in July, and the Ghost Walk in October. The Santa Paula experience includes the Santa Paula Murals, a scenic Main Street, the vintage Santa Paula Airport, the historic California Oil Museum, famed Glen Tavern Inn, the Santa Paula Train Depot and Railroad Plaza Park; the oldest original train depot left in the County of Ventura and much more. For lunch, you can’t go wrong with any of the historic restaurants in town such as Rabalais’ Bistro.
Also, now open are the Sunburst Railbikes. Explore the scenic beauty of Southern California like never before. These unique pedal-powered (and electric-assisted) two-person Railbikes sit safely on our tracks, allowing you to lean back and soak in the views.
If you’re hungry and want to continue the adventure, drive up the 150 to the quaint town of Ojai and stop by Boccali’s on your way. This famous pizza and pasta joint also offers some of the best wine in Southern California. If you come at the right time of year, you must order the fresh strawberry shortcake and they even offer seasonal events such as the annual Tomato Festival or Haunted Hayrides. Boccali’s also grows a lot of their own fresh produce and offers wine tasting year round, and you can’t beat a nice stroll in their vineyards and gardens.
As your day in the Heritage Valley comes to a close and you drive back to Santa Clarita, perhaps call ahead and make a reservation at your preferred Santa Clarita Restaurant. There are plenty of restaurants and a plethora of cuisines to choose from. Sabor Cocina Mexicana dishes let you discover the most unique flavors from all over Mexico or perhaps dine at Oggi’s Pizza & Brewery, a great place to come in watch the game while enjoying an ice-cold beer and a good slice of pizza!
