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 2026. Filled with a plethora of excitingly unique opportunities for fun, get your pen and paper ready for your dream vacation.
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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.
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Drive out to the stunning Vasquez Rocks, where dramatic rock formations and surrounding mountains have served as the backdrop for countless films and television shows. Explore Mentryville, a preserved 19th-century oil boom town home to the longest continually operating oil well in the world, closing in 1990. For a look at early Hollywood and Western heritage, visit Tesoro Adobe Historic Park, the former ranch of silent-film star Harry Carey Sr. Wander among the original adobe home, stables and bunkhouses and learn about Carey’s prolific film career.
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.
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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.
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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, Halfway House Cafe serves up old fashioned fare for breakfast and lunch. It is also a popular film location!
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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!
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Newhall is the historic heart of Santa Clarita, full of charming streets, local shops and cultural attractions. Explore local art galleries, grab a coffee or a bite at a local cafe. Don’t miss out on the Newhall Farmers Market if you’re visiting on a Saturday morning.
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Immerse yourself in nature and take in the stunning scenery on one of Santa Clarita’s numerous hiking trails. Lace up your hiking boots, pack some water, snacks and sunscreen and pick a trail to explore. Whether you are planning a family hike with the kids or a more difficult climb, you will find your new favorite spot right here on our Santa Clarita trails!
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Pick your favorite activity and enjoy some time on or off the lake! 9,000-acre park with countless outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, jet skiing, kayaking, wakeboarding, swimming and mountain biking.
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The Santa Clarita Valley is home to a growing wine region with several wineries offering tastings, tours and beautiful vineyard views. Visit wineries like Agua Dulce Winery and Reyes Winery on your next trip for a relaxing wine tasting experience.
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Santa Clarita is known for hosting numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Look out for the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, Boots in the Park, Santa Clarita International Film Festival, Newhallywood Festival, Concerts in the Park, SENSES Block Party and more!
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This venue brings a variety of live performances, from theater productions and concerts to dance performances and comedy shows. Check the calendar for upcoming performances and enjoy an evening of entertainment in a state-of-the-art facility.
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Santa Clarita is home to an extensive craft beer scene with many local breweries and taprooms where you can sample fresh brews and enjoy laid-back vibes. Add a brewery crawl to your weekend plans and stop by spots like Lucky Luke Brewing, Brewery Draconum and Pocock Brewing Company. Whether you’re into hoppy IPAs, smooth lagers or creative seasonal brews, Santa Clarita’s beer scene has something for every enthusiast. Many breweries also have outdoor seating and host live music and weekly events.
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Get up close with rare primates at the Gibbon Conservation Center. This non-profit sanctuary is dedicated exclusively to the care, study and conservation of gibbons — small Asian apes known for their incredible agility and melodic calls. Guided tours are offered on weekends (reservation required), where you can learn about these primates and the global efforts to protect them.
Photo credit City of Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita isn’t just a beautiful place to explore — it’s also one of Southern California’s most filmed cities, with rugged landscapes, historic towns and iconic movie ranches that have doubled for everything from Wild West backdrops to suburban sets. Take a self-guided tour of scenes from your favorite movies and TV shows and discover places you’ve definitely seen on screen.
