Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa in Newbury Park

We are fortunate to have such great trails and views of Boney Peak from in Newbury Park. At Wendy and Potrero is the Western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains where Sycamore Canyon cuts through Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa and Point Mugu State Park.

Roughly a mile easy hike from Wendy/Potrero gets you to the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center where you can explore some native Chumash items and educational information and chat with rangers. This is a nice little hike to take the kids on. There are restrooms and water at the center, which is open from 9 to 5 on weekends.

You can get easier access to the center by parking in the adjacent National Park Service parking lot via Lynn Road to the access road at Via Goleta in Newbury Park.

Another mile and a half of hiking gets you to a neat waterfall, which is fun to check out with the kids but somewhat more strenuous of a hike. (Do note that in recent years (2012-2014), the waterfall has barely flowed due to low rainfall.) Here is more information about the Boney Mountain Trail, leading up to Hidden Valley Overlook, the waterfall and Danielson Monument.

Click here for a pdf file describing these and other local trails or go to the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov/samo.  Visit www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/rsvsatwiwa.htm for a map and site information on the National Park Service website.

Getty Center in Brentwood

Atop a 900 foot hill in the Santa Monica Mountains adjacent to the 405 freeway, Getty Center is a 24 acre complex that is one of the most visited museums in the United States. Getty Center opened in December 1997 and is part of the J. Paul Getty Museum, which has another location called The Getty Villa.

This is one of those "must absolutely see" places for every local resident and visitor to the Los Angeles area. It is a spectacular and pristine, inside and out.

There are five main pavilions in the complex. The North Pavilion (on the immediate left after you walk through the Entrance Hall) contains pre-1700 art, including paintings on the upper level and sculptures and decorative arts, illuminated manuscripts and changing exhibitions on the main level. Adjacent to the North Pavilion is the East Pavilion, which contains paintings and sculptures and decorative arts from the 1600 to 1800 time frame.

The South Pavilion also contains art from 1600 to 1800. The West Pavilion contains art post-1800 as well as the Center for Photographs. Finally, the Exhibitions Pavilion contains rotating exhibitions.

Stroll to the terraces on the south side of the complex and you'll be treated to panoramic views stretching to the San Bernadino Mountains, Century City, and the Pacific Ocean. You'll also be treated to a view of the Cactus Garden desert landscape in the South Promontory. The 134,000 sq ft Central Garden, large grassy area and stream leading into a pool with an azalea maze. You've got to see it to appreciate the beauty.

There are also outdoor sculptures throughout the complex, starting in the area where you wait for the tram that takes you up to the Center, in the Arrival Area in front of the Entrance Hall and in and around the restaurant and garden areas.

The Center displays some of the most recognizable pieces in the world from artists like Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Manet, Monet, Renoir, Gaugin, and so many others. The photography display is also outstanding.

Irises by Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh

There are several restaurants on the complex. I've eaten at the Garden Terrace Cafe located between the Exhibitions Pavilion and the Central Garden and it was good. Packaged, fresh sandwiches, salads, soups and other items are available.

To learn more, visit www.getty.edu/museum. Admission is free. Parking in the 7 story underground lot near the bottom of Getty Center Drive is $15. There is a free tram that takes you to the top of the hill, or you can walk up the hill (it actually is not that bad, a 15 to 20 minute walk for most). Located at 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles.

I could go on and on...if you are not an art fan, don't worry. The views alone are worth the visit. But once you step foot in this amazing place you will be awestruck.

U.S. Navy Seabee Museum - NBVC Port Hueneme

The U.S. Navy Seabee Museum is one of the Navy's eleven official museums. Its mission is to select, collect, preserve, and display historical material relating to the history of the Naval Construction Force, better known as the Seabees, and the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps. The second oldest of the official Navy museums, the Seabee Museum was established in 1947 in Port Hueneme, California, which today is part of Naval Base Ventura County.

The new state-of-art the Seabee Museum facility is now open! The 38,000 square foot museum features modern exhibits spaces, memorial garden, theater, education room, and gift shop.

The museum is located at 1001 Addor Street, Port Hueneme and is open Monday - Saturday: 9-4 and Sunday: 12-4. Closed all Federal holidays. Admission and parking are free. Learn more at  www.usnavyseabeemuseum.com or call 805.982.5165.

The Village at Dos Vientos Ranch

The Village at Dos Vientos Ranch (formerly known as Paraiso at Dos Vientos Ranch), located at 350 Via Las Brisas, Thousand Oaks ("Dos Vientos" community of Newbury Park) is a beautiful 50,000 square foot community retail shopping center.

Tenants currently include Red Coral Sushi, BeanoVino (formerly Boney Mountain Coffee), The Local Table (opened 2/4/14) Fitness Together, Paraiso Cleaners, Paraiso Family Dental, ETF Portfolio Management, women's clothing store Nati and Village Trader Market and Deli.

At The Village is a small, fun children's playground area and grassy area with pond.

Visit www.thevillageatdosvientos.com for more information.

Camarillo Premium Outlets

The Camarillo Premium Outlets at 740 East Ventura Boulevard offers 160 outlet stores, including over 80 fashion/clothing, over 35 footware, 9 kid-related, 7 leather/luggage, 18 accessory/jewelry, 4 housewares/home furnishing, 12 gift/speciality and  14 eateries.

Open 10am-9pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-8pm on Sunday.  More information at www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=20 or call 805.445.8520.

On Tuesdays, show your photo ID if you are 50 or older for 50 Plus Shopper Perks...an additional 10% off your purchases at participating stores.

Get there by taking the 101 to either Carmen (make a left over the freeway and then right on Ventura Blvd.) or Los Posas (left over the freeway and then left on Ventura Blvd.).  If you're on a diet, you might take Los Posas as the Carmen route takes you past a large, alluring In-N-Out Burger.

As you can see on the map below, there are three main sections. The original outlets are on the left side, including the Main Court and across Camarillo Center Drive is the Fashion Court. In 2009 the outlets expanded to the west between the Edwards Movie Theater and Las Posas Road to include The Promenade section.

The Main Court contains suites 100-744, Fashion Court suites 800-1118 and The Promenade suites 1200-1514. The CP Outlets website has a listing by store type as well as a map, but if you're looking for what stores are in each of these large sections of the Outlets, here you go (updated as of March 2014 and of course subject to change):

Main Court (In counter-clockwise order starting with Coach):

• Coach (First store on the right as yu drive into main Outlet entrance on Ventura Blvd)
• Puma
• Levi's Outlet Store
• Kay Jewelers Outlet
• Bose
• American Eagle Outfitters
• Designer Fragrances
• Asics
• Famous Footwear Outlet
• Bebe Outlet
• Nine West Outlet
• Wetzel's Pretzels
• PacSun
• Timberland
• Sperry Top-Sider
• Saucony
• Reebok
• Hush Puppies Merrell Sebago
• Ugg Australia
• Corningware Corelle & More
• Kitson
• Ecko Unltd
• $5 Sports
• Sideline Sports
• Fossil
• Calvin Klein
• Ecco
• G.H. Bass & Co.
• Van Heusen
• Splendid | Ella Moss
• OshKosh B'gosh
• Aeropostale
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
• Sunglass Hut
• Skechers
• Coach Men's
• Motherhood Maternity
• Gymboree Outlet
• AG Adriano Goldschmied
• Faconnable
• Diesel
• The Luggage Factory
• Zales Outlet
• Nautica
• Banana Republic Factory Store
• Talbots
• Cotton On
• BCBG Max Azria
• Barneys New York Outlet
• Tumi
• Attitudes
• True Religion Brand Jeans
• American Apparel
• Perry Ellis
• Oakley Vault
• Joe's Jeans
• Guess Factory Accessories
• Theory
• Maidenform
• Elie Tahari
• Steve Madden
• Ann Taylor Factory Store
• The Cosmetics Company Store
• J.Crew (First store on the left as you drive into the Outlets from Ventura Blvd)

Food Court area of Main Court:

• Villa Pizza
• Charleys Philly Steaks
• Subway
• Japan Cafe
• Bananas
• Green Leaf's
• China Max

Fashion Court (Counter-clockwise order starting with the Sony outlet):

• Sony
• Sunglass Hut
• Juicy Couture
• Easy Spirit
• St. John Outlet
• Michael Kors
• Tory Burch
• Cole Haan
• Watch Station International
• Guess Factory Store
• Calvin Klein Accessories
• Kipling
• Lacoste
• MaxStudio.com
• Naturalizer
• Restoration Hardware
• Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store
• Armani Outlet
• Clarks Bostonian
• Claire's
• Stride Rite Keds Sperry
• Dairy Queen Grill and Chill
• Izod
• DKNY
• Eddie Bauer Outlet
• Hugo Boss Factory Store
• The North Face
• 7 For All Mankind
• Adidas
• Calvin Klein
• Vitamin World
• Wetzel's Pretzels
• Samsonite
• High Sierra
• Dressbarn
• Kate Spade New York
• Lucky Brand
• Movado Company Store
• Lancome-Designer Fragrances & Cosmetic Co.
• Carter's
• Jockey
• Rockport
• Kenneth Cole
• Johnston & Murphy
• Chico's
• Perfumania
• Jones New York
• Nike Factory Store
• HanesBrands
• Toys"R"Us Outlet
• Brooks Brothers Factory Store

The Promenade (From south (near movie theater to north):

• Panera Bread
• Johnny Rockets
• Forever 21
• Vans
• Columbia Sportswear
• Wilsons Leather
• Affliction
• Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant
• Solstice Sunglass Outlet
• Wetzel's Pretzels
• Lids
• Skagen
• Janie and Jack
• Crocs
• Converse
• Hurley
• Journeys
• Skechers
• Zumiez
• Spyder
• DC Shoes
• Robert Wayne Footwear
• Paolo Giardini
• White House Black Market
• Papaya
• Aldo
• Under Armour
• Tommy Bahama
• Neiman Marcus Last Call
• Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton
• Perfumania
• Le Creuset
• Merrell
• Karen Kane
• Gap Factory Store
• Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th
• New Balance Factory Store
• Disney Store Outlet
• Rack Room Shoes
• Loft Outlet
• Sprockets
• Charlotte Russe

There are some nice restaurants that I particularly enjoy at The Promenade section of the outlets, including Panera Bread, Johnny Rockets and Los Arroyos Mexican.

Join the VIP Club to receive special discount offers and coupons at www.premiumoutlets.com/vip/

The two videos below provide a quick drive-through around the Main/Fashion Courts and the newer The Promenade.

Suite	Store
100	Coach
101	Puma
102	Levi's Outlet Store
105	Kay Jewelers Outlet
107	Bose
112	American Eagle Outfitters
126	Designer Fragrances
130	Asics
134	Famous Footwear Outlet
142	Bebe Outlet
146	Nine West Outlet
148	Wetzel's Pretzels
152	PacSun
154	Timberland
202	Sperry Top-Sider
204	Saucony
210	Reebok
216	Hush Puppies Merrell Sebago
218	Ugg Australia
222	Corningware Corelle & More
226	Kitson
232	Ecko Unltd
400	$5 Sports
402	Sideline Sports
404	Fossil
410	Calvin Klein
416	Ecco
424	G.H. Bass & Co.
430	Van Heusen
434	Splendid | Ella Moss
436	OshKosh B'gosh
500	Aeropostale
502	Tommy Hilfiger
506	Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
508	Sunglass Hut
512	Skechers
518	Coach Men's
520	Motherhood Maternity
524	Gymboree Outlet
526	AG Adriano Goldschmied
530	Faconnable
532	Diesel
534	The Luggage Factory
536	Zales Outlet
538	Nautica
600	Banana Republic Factory Store
620	Talbots
700	Cotton On
704	BCBG Max Azria
710	Barneys New York Outlet
712	Tumi
714	Attitudes
716	True Religion Brand Jeans
718	American Apparel
720	Perry Ellis
722	Oakley Vault
724	Joe's Jeans
726	Guess Factory Accessories
728	Theory
730	Maidenform
732	Elie Tahari
734	Steve Madden
738	Ann Taylor Factory Store
740	The Cosmetics Company Store
744	J.Crew

Over 150 Movie Theater Screens Around Ventura County

Here's a handy list of 18 movie theaters with over 150 screens throughout Ventura County and  adjacent areas. Click the links for theater websites and/or showtimes.

Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura

Regency Janss Marketplace 9, 255 North Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks (805.374.9656). This Regency theater offers up birthday party packages ranging from $20 to $25 per child. Packages include movie, party room for an hour, lunch or snack and arcade tokens. CLICK HERE for more information.

Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas at The Promenade at Westlake (100 Promenade Way, Westlake Village) opened in September 2012 (8 screens)

Carmike Cinemas Muvico Thousand Oaks 14, 166 West Hillcrest Drive. Muvico was purchased by Carmike Cinemas in November 2013 but continues to operate as Muvico. Tickets available at www.carmike.com/ShowTimes/Theater/320 or call 805.494.4702.

Regency Agoura Hills 8, 29045 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills (818.707.9966)

Regency Westlake Village Twin, 4711 Lakeview Canyon Road, Westlake Village (818.889.8061)

Camarillo/Oxnard/Ventura

Century Downtown 10, 555 East Main Street, Ventura (800.326.3264)

Century Riverpark 16 at 2766 Seaglass Way, Oxnard opened on October 26, 2012 (800.326.3264).

Century Riverpark 16 at The Collection at Riverpark, opened in October 2012Edwards Camarillo Palace 12 and IMAX, 680 Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo (805.383.8879) (Located between the main Camarillo Premium Outlets and The Promenade section of the o

Click to read more ...

The Woolworth Museum in Downtown Oxnard

What is believed to be the only Woolworth Museum in the world is located in the Woolworth Building (circa 1950) at 210 West Fourth Street, Oxnard (4th and A Streets). This small, unique museum contains all sorts of nostalgia associated with the F. W. Woolworth Company, one of the original "five and dime" stores.

The Woolworth Building is an 16,800 square foot building completed in 1950 that was completely redeveloped in 2003. It is now occupied by office tenants and the Fresh and Fabulous Cafe.

Many of the old items in the museum exemplify what Woolworths used to sell. Other items relate directly to this building and the people who worked there, including two managers and a woman who worked here on the first day that the store opened in 1950. There are souvenirs from the Woolworth Building in New York, which was the tallest building in the world when completed in 1913

There is a collection of books related to the Woolworth stores. There are several items from old lunch counters, including dishes and menus, as well as some items that relate directly to the pivotal civil rights sit-in that took place at a Woolworth lunch counter in 1960.

Photos of various Woolworth stores from 1878 through the 1960s are seen throughout the building. There is a working antique dial pay-phone, a take-your-own photo booth from the 1940s and games and vending machines from the 1930s through the 1960s.

There is a vintage cash register, like those found in most stores in the 60's and 70's, displayed so visitors can push down "No Sale" so that the cash-drawer pops open with the familiar ch-ching, bell ringing and all, and the wooden drawer can be examined and closed.

Also seen is a 1959 Cavalier 96 Coke machine, which dispenses ice cold vintage coke bottles...at a nice quite as vintage price of $1.25.

So stop by sometime! Just walk in. No attendants and no entrance fees.  Enjoy! And have lunch while you're at it!  The museum is typically open from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm Monday to Friday and 9 am to 2:30 pm on Saturday.

For more information and pictures, visit thewoolworthbldg.com.

More throwback items in the men's room at the Woolworth Building. The have Boraxo soap in there too!

The Lakes at Thousand Oaks

The Lakes at Thousand Oaks is a 7 1/2 acre, 50,000 square foot development next to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza where you can relax and enjoy park-like landscaping, two lakes, fountains, waterfalls and a childrens' play area, while shopping at high-end stores and grabbing a bite. The Lakes opened in 2005.

Restaurants include P.F. Changs, California Pizza Kitchen, Sabor Cocina Mexicana and Umami Burger as well as healthy smoothie place Sunlife Organics. And in March 2014, 9021Pho will be opening a location at The Lakes. Rounding out the offerings at The Lakes (as of February 2014) are Brighton Collectibles, Pilates Plus, Kalologie Skincare and Tommy Bahama.

The Lakes at Thousand Oaks is really a beautiful, peaceful place, daytime and nighttime.

There is a kids club that meets every Wednesday morning usually starting in the Spring to Fall. The Lakes hosts a very popular outdoor ice skating rink.  The kids always enjoy it here because there is a lot of room to run around, run across the bridge, around the lake, etc.

We like the koi at The Lakes. They're cool to watch. But we don't feed them as cute as they are, not that they don't look quite well fed enough.

The Lakes is located at 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard.  Visit www.shoplakes.com or call 805.497.9861 for more information.

Memory Lane: Former tenants at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks include Claim Jumper (closed 2/23/14), Nate 'n Al Deli (closed 1/4/12 in space now occupied by Umami Burger), Sushi Ko (2005 to August 2009 in Umami Burger space), Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (closed 7/18/11 in space that will be occupied by 9021Pho), Blizz Frozen Yogurt (closed early Spring 2011) and Ben & Jerry's (date

Ventura County Fairgrounds Swap Meet and Farmers Market on Wednesdays

There is a weekly Swap Meet and Farmers Market at Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Boulevard, every Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free parking. Admission is $1 (as of February 2014). For more information or to purchase booth space, visit www.snaauctions.com or call 818.590.5435.

China Flat Trail in Oak Park

China Flat Trail can be reached off Lindero Canyon Road in Oak Park, between King James Court and Wembly Avenue. The trail sits below Simi Peak, at 2,043 feet the tallest peak in the Simi Hills. Learn more at www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=83.

My kids particularly enjoy exploring the sandstone caves pictured above and below. Beautiful views abound hiking up here. It does get a little rocky and steep at times so just be aware. It is about a 4 mile loop. Hike another .8 mile to Simi Peak.

Beaches Spanning From Carpinteria Through Ventura County to Malibu

My kids and I love going to the beach but for many years we seemed to go to the same ones all the time. So I stopped by the Automobile Club and asked them if they had a brochure on all the local area beaches open to the public. They shrugged their shoulders and said no such guidebook existed. They handed me a fold out map, which was of no use to me as I wanted to know exactly how to get to these beaches, if they have restrooms, parking, etc.

Then I started searching around for information and found bits and pieces in various locations that were marginally useful. So I decided to consolidate this information into one place where I could find out about where to go to the beach around Ventura County on up the coast to Carpinteria and Santa Barbara and down to Malibu. So I hope you find the following links helpful in finding local area beaches in Ventura County and surrounding areas!

Carpinteria to Ventura

Oxnard to Malibu

Santa Barbara Area Beaches

This took a lot of time to compile, so I truly hope you benefit from these lists! So enjoy and provide feedback if you have comments and/or additional information. If you have a great photo you'd like to share, contact us or perhaps post it to the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ConejoValleyGuide.

Oak Park Campground in Simi Valley

Located at 901 Quimisa Drive in Simi Valley, the Oak Park Campground is a rustic 100.5 acre open space park that is surrounded by gentle, rolling hills and an abundance of coastal sage scrub brush. This natural environment supports a multitude of California native wildlife species, such as a raptors, roadrunners, sagebrush lizards, and alligator lizards. The park is ideal for group RV camping in a secluded setting.

It costs $3 per day for the campground and $2 per day ($4 on weekends) for day use (as of February 2014). I finally checked this place out after seeing the sign from the 118 freeway so many times. 

The playgrounds and other areas of the park definitely do not look anywhere near "new" like so many recreational parks in Ventura County. But heck, this is a campground. Plenty of things to explore in this 100 acre space! Learn more or make reservations at portal.countyofventura.org/portal/page/portal/GSA/parks_department_-_Directory/inland_parks/oak_park or call 805.654.3951.

The video shot below was on a Sunday night around 7 p.m. in July 2010. There was for the most part nobody there! What a great opportunity to camp with your kids locally! I guess my only concerns about the location would be that the park is sandwiched between the 118 freeway and the railroad tracks...though I did not encounter any noise issues in my brief drive-by.

Red Tile Walking Tour in Santa Barbara

The Red Tile Walking Tour in Santa Barbara is an informal, 12 block walk in the downtown area that will take you past a variety of Santa Barbara historical landmarks. It was originally developed by the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce. The walk is summarized below but visit Santa Barbara Car Free website at www.santabarbaracarfree.org for additional details and a printable map.

1. Santa Barbara County Courthouse
2. Public Library
3. Santa Barbara Museum of Art
4. Hill-Carrillo Adobe
5. El Paseo
6. Casa De La Guerra
7. Plaza De La Guerra
8. Orena Adobes
9. Presidio Avenue
10. Lugo Adobe
11. Santa Barbara Historical Museum
12. Casa Covarrubias
13. Rochin Adobe
14. El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park
15. El Cuartel
16. Main Post Office
17. Lobero Theatre

Simi Valley Town Center

The Simi Valley Town Center is a 600,000 sq ft open-air shopping, dining and entertainment center in the heart of Simi Valley, off the 118 freeway between First Street and Erringer Road at 1555 Simi Town Center Way.  This mall opened in fall 2005. 

Eateries at the Town Center include some of my personal favorites, Corner Bakery, California Pizza Ride the Train at Simi TC! Pic taken 7/25/10.Kitchen and Souplantation.  Macy's anchors both ends of the mall, allowing men and women to split up for shopping and meet in the middle.

This is also a nice mall for the kids, as there is plenty of room to run around and explore in the open air setting.  There is a kids' play area, oak trees, mosaic dragon, outdoor fireplace and gardens to explore.  There are also train rides available for $2 per child at Center Court.

There is usually a koi pond at the mall but as of February 2014 the koi have been temporarily relocated as the mall undergoes redevelopment. The koi will be back.

Small outdoor kids' play area (geared towards little ones)

The Center is open Mon-Sat from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sun from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Visit www.simivalleytc.com** or call 805.581.1430 for more information.

** The Simi Valley Town Center website has been displaying "A New Simi Valley Town Center Website is on the way!" since 2012, although they do post frequently to their Facebook page. The Center was sold in 2010 and the new owners are in process of implementing signficant renovations.

Ventura Flea Market - Ventura County Fairgrounds

The Ventura Flea Market is held near the ocean in Ventura and is a great place to shop. The event features antiques, used and new merchandise sold by over 500 vendors, more than 5,000 buyers visit the Market each time it is held.  The Ventura Flea Market is held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. A special Early Bird admission is available from 6am to 9am at $10.00 per person. Regular admission starts at 9 a.m. at $5.00 per person, all children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.  (Prices current as of February 2014) No pets are allowed.

Upcoming Dates as of 2/12/14

• February 23, 2014
• March 30, 2014
• May 18,2014
• June 29, 2014
• September 28, 2014
• November 23, 2014

Visit www.rgcshows.com/Ventura.aspx or call 323.560.SHOW (7469) for more information.