Discover Santa Clarita: Where Adventure, History and Hollywood Meet
From scenic trails and sparkling lakes to historic landmarks and world-famous filming locations, Santa Clarita offers a story for every traveler. Whether you’re chasing thrills at Six Flags Magic Mountain, exploring the City’s rich Western heritage, sampling local wines or following in the footsteps of Hollywood productions, Santa Clarita is bursting with experiences that inspire unforgettable stories. Let us help you uncover the moments, places and people that make our Santa Clarita a must-visit southern California destination.
New & Notable
2025 Milestones
Honoring the legacy of William S. Hart and the history that helps defines our community, William S. Hart Park amd Museum is now officially the 40th park in the City of Santa Clarita. This milestone is more than just a number; it’s a celebration of our community’s commitment to preserving history while enhancing public spaces for residents and visitors alike.
Outdoor Adventure
Santa Clarita is known for its vibrant outdoor lifestyle, offering more than 100 miles of scenic trails and over 13,000 acres of protected open space–perfect for hiking, biking and reconnecting with nature. Adventure seekers can explore the dramatic sandstone formations at Vasquez Rocks, trek through the rolling hills of the City’s vast open spaces along trails such as Golden Valley Ranch and Newhall Pass, or discover local wildlife and history at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center.
Water lovers can head to Castaic Lake or Lake Piru for boating, fishing, swimming, jet skiing, paddle boarding or kayaking. The Castaic Lake Recreation Area spans 9,000 acres and offers some of Southern California’s best outdoor recreation, including gear rentals and the inflatable summer attraction Cali Splash Park.
With more than 40 parks, sports fields, picnic areas and an extensive connected trail system, Santa Clarita invites travelers to relax, recharge and explore the great outdoors year-round.
Hollywood North
Situated within Hollywood’s legendary 30-mile zone, Santa Clarita has earned the nickname Hollywood North. With more than 10 active movie ranches and 20 sound stages, the City has served as the backdrop for countless productions. Popular television series such as CBS’s NCIS, HBO’s Westworld, Netflix’s Santa Clarita Diet, among many others, have chosen Santa Clarita as their home base.
Visitors can explore filming locations throughout the City, including stops highlighted on the Newhall Walking Tour app in the Arts & Entertainment District of Old Town Newhall. With productions frequently shooting around town, don’t be surprised if you spot film crews, recognizable sets or even a celebrity or two.
After experiencing Santa Clarita firsthand, you’ll likely find yourself saying, “Hey, I’ve been there!” the next time you watch a movie or series filmed in the area.
Sunny SoCal Calls for Year-Round Events
As the third-largest city in Los Angeles County, Santa Clarita offers a vibrant calendar of events that take full advantage of its sunny Southern California climate. Year-round, visitors can experience festivals, cultural celebrations, live entertainment, sporting events and seasonal traditions.
Spring and summer bring signature favorites such as the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, Santa Clarita International Film Festival, the Boots in the Park country music festival and more. Athletic enthusiasts can enjoy regional cycling events and trail runs across the City’s extensive open space and trail system.
When the weather cools, Santa Clarita continues to shine with Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain, along with local brewery favorites Luketoberfest and Pococktoberfest. The season also brings the annual Santa Clarita Marathon, welcoming athletes from around the world for a scenic 26.2-mile challenge.
Whether you’re seeking culture, thrills, food, music or holiday magic, Santa Clarita offers something to celebrate in every season.
Family Fun for All Ages
Santa Clarita is a playground for families, offering endless opportunities for adventure, learning and entertainment. Spend the day exploring Castaic Lake or hiking the family-friendly trails at William S. Hart Park and Placerita Canyon Nature Center, where kids can discover wildlife and historic landmarks.
Thrill-seekers of all ages can enjoy the rides at Six Flags Magic Mountain or cool off at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. For hands-on animal encounters, families can visit The Gentle Barn or Animal Tracks, while history buffs can step back in time at the Santa Clarita History Center and Mentryville.
With parks, playgrounds, museums and seasonal festivals, Santa Clarita makes it easy for families to create unforgettable memories together.
Filming Locations That Tourists Can Visit
As one of the most filmed destinations in Southern California, Santa Clarita offers visitors the chance to step directly onto the sets of their favorite movies and TV shows. With rugged canyons, historic districts, modern streetscapes and scenic open spaces, it’s no surprise that productions choose Santa Clarita as their real-life backdrop. Fans can explore many of these recognizable locations in person with no studio pass required.
Old Town Newhall – Arts & Entertainment District
This walkable district has appeared in countless productions, from crime dramas to comedies. Visitors can follow the Newhall Walking Tour app to see real filming spots from shows like NCIS, S.W.A.T. and Mayans M.C., along with historic buildings often transformed into small-town storefronts or Old West film sets.
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area
Just minutes from Santa Clarita, this dramatic geological site has starred in everything from Star Trek and The Flintstones to Westworld. The iconic rock formations are instantly recognizable to sci-fi and adventure fans, making it a must-visit location for film buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Castaic Lake
This scenic lake has doubled as everything from remote wilderness to coastal shoreline in numerous film and TV scenes. Visitors can explore the same coves and recreation areas that have set the stage for action sequences, family dramas and outdoor adventure shows.
Placerita Canyon State Park & Nature Center
Its peaceful trails, rustic bridges and wooded backdrops make this park a popular filming location for everything from historical documentaries to fantasy features. Visitors can hike the same scenic paths used by production crews and enjoy the interpretive nature center.
Historic Mentryville
Located at the western end of Pico Canyon, this preserved 19th-century oil town has appeared in multiple period films and television projects. Its weathered buildings and authentic Western ambiance make it a favorite for location scouts—and a hidden gem for visitors.
Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio *Limited Access (Not Open to the General Public)
A legendary filming hub in Santa Clarita, Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio has hosted productions ranging from classic Westerns to modern hits like Westworld and Deadwood. With a full Western town backlot, sound stages and specialty sets, it remains an active, private studio and is not open for daily public tours. On rare occasions, such as during selected community events like the annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, the studio has allowed controlled public access, giving fans a unique glimpse behind the scenes of Hollywood’s Old West.
Pitch Angle Suggestions
- “Walk Through Your Favorite TV Show: A Self-Guided Filming Tour of Santa Clarita”
- “Beyond Hollywood: The Real Locations Behind Iconic Movie Scenes”
- “Why Santa Clarita Is One of the Most Filmed Cities in America”
- “From Sci-Fi Landscapes to Old West Towns: Film Fans’ Guide to Santa Clarita”
Other topics to explore:
Film productions based in Santa Clarita (historical and present day)
Culinary Stories
History & Heritage
Famous History/Tidbits
