With so many iconic spots in and around Santa Clarita, a trip here is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. We all fondly remember the family vacations we took as kids but with today’s social media, memories can now be shared and preserved instantly. We have rounded up some of the most Instagram-worthy spots to explore.
Rising up prominently from the desert floor at extreme angles,
Vasquez Rocks are instantly recognizable from such TV shows as the original Star Trek and films like The Flintstones. Visitors who come to the sandstone formations are instantly awed by the strange beauty and sense of outdoor adventure. It’s no wonder that the area is named after Tiburcio Vasquez, a notorious southern California bandit who used the rocks to hide from law enforcement in the late 19th century. The rocks are also home to Tataviam Indian sites.
The Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is located just north of Santa Clarita off the Antelope Valley 14 Freeway. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. The Interpretive Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The park has areas to ride horses, picnic areas, hiking trails and rock climbing.
One of southern California’s hidden gems, Towsley Canyon is located adjacent to Interstate 5. It offers an incredible hiking experience, not to mention gorgeous photos for your Instagram followers to admire. Only minutes away from the heart of Santa Clarita, this rugged canyon includes cool, clear streams, natural tar pits, beautiful mountain vistas and a stretch of trail with near vertical canyon walls nicknamed The Narrows. There is a trailhead for Towsley Canyon at Ed Davis Park at 24335 The Old Road.
What better place to capture some flicks than Santa Clarita’s Arts and Entertainment District? From SENSES block parties to live theater and gastropub galore, Old Town Newhall has everything for everyone to enjoy. Take a stroll down Main Street and you’ll discover the cutest thrifted finds at Closet on Main, the sweetest mid-day #foodie treat from XRO Churro Bar, and a delicious restaurant at the locally loved Old Town Junction. Embrace your inner influencer and set aside time to visit Old Town Newhall while vacationing in Santa Clarita. Be sure to tag your photos #VisitSantaClarita to be featured on our website!
With dozens of thrill rides and kid’s rides, plus live entertainment, you’ll never run out of cool things to see and do at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Known as one of the top theme parks in the country and home to world record breaking roller coasters such as Twisted Colossus – the world’s longest racing coaster; The Riddler’s Revenge – one of tallest, fastest, longest stand-up coasters on the planet, X2, a trail-blazing fifth dimension roller coaster; and many others. Keep in mind that on most rides, smartphones and other small personal items must be secured in cargo pockets, zippered pockets or waist packs or left with a non-rider or secured in a locker. But the views available from the hilly terrain at Six Flags Magic Mountain are worth capturing in a shot or two! Make sure to head over to the DC Universe section of the park to get a selfie with DC Comics superheroes like Wonder Woman, Batman and The Flash. You can also get your picture taken with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and other Looney Tunes characters near the Six Flags Plaza. What is your top Instagrammable place in Santa Clarita? If you use the hashtag #VisitSantaClarita in your photo caption, it may just show up on our page!
Iron Horse Trailhead and Bridge
The Iron Horse Trailhead is home to one of Santa Clarita’s most iconic landmarks — the 1898 railroad trestle bridge, famously featured in The Lost Boys. With its rustic wooden beams, vintage railroad tracks and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, this spot is a dreamy mix of history and romance — totally Instagram-worthy.
Originally built over the Colorado River, the bridge found its forever home here in the aftermath of the 1928 St. Francis Dam disaster. After the flood destroyed the original rail crossing over the Santa Clara River, the Southern Pacific Railroad acted fast, relocating this bridge to restore the line — and unknowingly creating one of the city’s most beloved historic photo ops. Today, the bridge is part of a scenic four-mile riding and walking path that connects to the South Fork Trail.
Mentryville Historic Ghost Town
Nestled at the base of Pico Canyon’s rugged, chaparral-covered hills lies Mentryville, a ghost town straight out of the 1880s — and one of Santa Clarita’s most photogenic hidden gems. Once a bustling oil boom town built around the Pico No. 4 oil well, Mentryville was home to over 100 families at its peak. Now, it stands quietly as a hauntingly beautiful reminder of California’s early oil industry.
Wander through weathered wooden buildings, pose in front of the charming one-room schoolhouse, and don’t miss the iconic thirteen-room mansion that belonged to Charles Alexander Mentry himself — the man behind it all. The rustic barn, historic signage, and untouched vintage vibes make it a great location for photographers and history buffs alike.
Aloha, coffee lovers! This local, family-owned gem brings a little slice of the islands to SoCal with its chill vibes and Hawaiian-inspired brews. Head upstairs to the lounge and make yourself at home — it’s the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and snap a few aesthetically pleasing shots while you’re at it.
