BY STEPHANIE VILLAFUERTE
It’s a new year and with that, comes new adventures! Whether you’re riding solo or with friends, Santa Clarita is here to help cross things off your bucket list for 2024. Filled with a plethora of excitingly unique opportunities for fun, get your pen and paper ready for your dream vacation.
Photo credit @themelinski via Instagram
The Gentle Barn is a one-of-a-kind experience that will capture any animal lover’s heart. This sanctuary is home to over 100+ rescued animals that each have a story to tell. Pay a visit to the farm during their public hours every Sunday! Animal encounters don’t just stop there, click here for more animal adventures.
Photo credit @finleys_lab_life via Instagram
Drive out to the stunning Vasquez Rocks and you will certainly recognize the plentiful films and television shows filmed at this park. With high rock formations and mountains surrounding the area, this hidden gem is perfect for photo-ops, rock climbing and a light hike on the trails.
Photo credit @mb2entertainment via Instagram
Let your competitive side show at the lively MB2 Entertainment. Aside from holding a number of your favorite arcade games, this fun center offers laser tag, go-karts and duck pin bowling. After you’ve reached the top of the leaderboard, be sure to grab a bite and a drink from their on-site restaurant.
Photo credit @ourmountain_thrillpark via Instagram
No trip to Santa Clarita is complete without some rollercoaster thrills at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Slay Tatsu’s dragon in a corkscrew that spirals 100-feet or become a warrior after facing Goliath’s 255-foot drop. The Thrill Capital of the World is ready to show you the world! And remember, don’t look down.
Photo credit @ashleyeadler via Instagram
How many people can say they dined where Cindy Crawford picked up a Pepsi or Tom Cruise as Maverick asked for a glass of water? Perhaps only a handful of people that you know, but you can be one of them too! Open since 1931, serving up old fashioned fare for breakfast & lunch. Filming has been taking place here since the 60s.
Photo credit City of Santa Clarita
Many of us love our usual top-retailers, but why not make it one of this year’s goals to shop at more locally owned businesses? Main Street in Old Town Newhall is full of many different boutiques, tasty eateries and special event venues. Get your tote bag ready and shop small!