Commemorative Air Force Aviation Museum at Camarillo Airport

Located at the Camarillo Airport at 455 Aviation Drive, the Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force has hangars devoted to preserving, maintaining, displaying, and flying World War II aircraft.

The Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing Aviation Museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday noon to 4pm.

Donations requested of $15 for adults, $10 for ages 10 to 18, $5 for ages 6 to 10 and active military. Kids under 6 are free (as of November 2025). Visit www.cafsocal.com or call 805.482.0064 for more information.

Also, take a vintage WWII airplane ride on the only remaining U.S. Navy/Marine Mitchell B-25 PBJ Bomber, the open cockpit Primary Trainer PT-19, the SNJ Texan and the Aircoupe. Details at www.cafsocal.com/warbird-ride-program.

Docents are enjoyable to speak with as they have a lot of history to share at this museum. Two 15,000 sq ft hangars and a 32,800 sq. ft. hangar complex serve as a Museum Hangar and a Maintenance and Restoration Hangar.

The Museum Hangar contains some of the many artifacts that are currently on display as well as a gift shop. It also houses any of the aircraft that are not away on a mission or undergoing maintenance.  For safety reasons the maintenance hangar is not available for a walk-through, however visitors can observe any work in progress from behind a safety perimeter.

There are a number of aircraft on display, including several you can physically inspect, which is always fun to do with the kids. There are some interesting WWII exhibits on hand too. 

The only authentic Marine BPJ-1J variant of the famed Mitchell B-25 Bomber. It flew into Camarillo from Midland, TX in 1993 for a 20 year restoration project. It is now flight-ready!

The Kakovlev Yak-3 is widely considered the lightest fighter aircraft between 1939 and 1945.

Santa Rosa Trail and Lower Butte Trail in Thousand Oaks

The Santa Rosa Trail connects Wildwood Park to the hills above Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, about a 3 mile hike one way along the Mount Clef Ridge. Enjoy beautiful views of the Conejo Valley and Santa Rosa Valley, then loop around the hills behind CLU.

From Wildwood Park, you can take the Mesa Trail west and turn right onto the Santa Rosa Trail. Or start from the other direction...park at CLU near the Samuelson Community Pool and hike towards Wildwood.

Juncture of Santa Rosa Trail and Lower Butte Trail.

Or take an alternate route with the Lower Butte Trail. The Conejo Open Space Foundation website has a map of the Santa Rosa/Lower Butte Trail loop hike that is about 6 miles in length from Wildwood Park at cosf.org/trails/wildwood/wildwood-park-moderate-hike-santa-rosa-lower-butte-loop.

Two benches and a cross abpve CLU, east of the CLU sign, with panoramic views of the Conejo and Santa Rosa Valleys.

Harmon Canyon Preserve in Ventura

Look for this address sign on Foothill Road to access the trailhead.

Established in 2020, the Harmon Canyon Preserve is owned and managed by the Ventura Land Trust. The 2,100 acre preserve located at 7511 Foothill Road, Ventura (just west of Kimball Road) contains about 6 1/2 miles of well-maintained trails in the canyons and hills. It is the largest permanently protected open space in the Ventura area with public access.

Open to hikers, bikers and runners. Dogs on leash allowed, but only to the 1.8 mile marker. Open daily, sunrise to sunset.

Free parking is available at the preserve trailhead off of McVittie Place. You can park on the west side of Kimball, or park a few blocks down Kimball and Loma Vista Road at Juanamaria Park, and walk a few blocks to the trailhead.

More details and trail map at www.venturalandtrust.org/harmoncanyon.

Trailhead

Old Jeep on the trail

The Calabasas Stairs

The Calabasas Stairs is a set of 375 stairs located in the Santa Monica Mountains, leading up to a residential area above a locked gate.

To get there, take Calabasas Road west to its endpoint, then turn around and park near the Anza Loop Trail trailhead, which is a paved area. (There’s a different trailhead at the very end of Calabasas Road that will take you elsewhere.)

Take the Anza Loop Trail about half a mile until you can see the stairs. Veer right to the New Millenium Loop Trail when you see that sign. At some point you’ll reach another fork in the trail which is unmarked. Veer left to hike into canyon, where you’ll eventually reach the path to the bottom of the staircase.

This is the unmarkeded split where you veer left down into the ravine to get to the stairs

Chumash Indian Museum / Oakbrook Regional Park

Located in Lang Ranch at the top of Westlake Boulevard near Avenida de los Arboles at 3290 Lang Ranch Parkway, Thousand Oaks, the Chumash Interpretative Center / Chumash Indian Museum contains Chumash artifacts and historical items, nature walks and tours of the beautiful local Oakbrook Regional Park area.  The museum is open Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm and Sundays from noon to 4 pm. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors 65+ and $5 for children under 12 (as of October 2025).

There is no charge to walk the trails in the park, which is open from sunrise to sunset daily.

The Chumash Indian Museum is located on a historical Chumash village site and contains a large collection of Chumash artifacts.

Stroll around the 436 acre Oakbrook Regional Park, a Ventura County historical landmark #90 (designated in 1983). More on Oakbrook Regional Park at www.crpd.org/oakbrook-regional-park

Contact the Center for more information about these and other events, field trips, weddings and birthday parties at www.chumashmuseum.org or 805.492.8076.

Examples of the Chumash Home - called an ‘ap (not to be confused with app). more on ‘aps at THIS LINK.

Beautiful canopied oak tree configuration at Oakbrook Regional Park, behind the Chumash Indian Museum.

Oakbrook Vista Trail in Thousand Oaks

The Oakbrook Vista Trail is a moderate out and back climb that provides nice panoramic views of the Lang Ranch area of Thousand Oaks. Access to the trail is on the south side of Lang Ranch Parkway, just east of Westlake Boulevard. See access point below.

The first portion is a narrow trail that zig zags its way to a bench, where you can rest and enjoy the views. But I'd estimate this is only 1/4 of a mile, so keep going if you're game!

After the bench, the trail opens up and continues up and up and up and if you reach the top, roughly a mile or so up the hill, you'll be enjoying 360 degree views towards Boney Mountain on the west, Lang Ranch/Woodridge trails on the north and more.

Same view as above, in May 2020.www.cosf.org/website/html/oakbrook-vista-trail.html

For a trail map and additional information, visit the Conejo Open Space Foundation website at cosf.org/trails/lang-ranch/lang-ranch-woodridge-easy-hike-oakbrook-vista-trail.

Charmlee Wilderness Park in Malibu

Charmlee Wilderness Park is a 532 acre park located at 2577 Encinal Canyon Road in Malibu, just 10 miles from the Conejo Valley. It is located within the Santa Monica Mountains. There are over eight miles of hiking trails, a nature center (currently closed), picnic areas and more. Park hours are 8 a.m. to sunset. Parking is free of charge.

Visit www.malibucity.org/561/Charmlee-Wilderness-Park for more information.

To get there from the Conejo Valley, take the 23 (Westlake Boulevard/Decker Canyon Road) toward the ocean and turn left on Lechusa Road. Continue on Encinal Canyon Road and look for the sign on the right.

Photos below courtesy of Suzy Demeter Photography.

Santa Rosa Loop Hike in Wildwood Park

The Santa Rosa Loop Hike at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks is a 6 1/2 mile trek with moderately challenging uphills and downhills. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the Conejo Valley and Santa Rosa Valley.

Start at the main Wildwood trailhead at the west end of Avenida de Los Arboles. Take the main Mesa Trail towards Lizard Rock. You'll soon reach the Santa Rosa Trail sign, which points you north.

As you crest the hill, follow the arrows toward the Lower Santa Rosa Trail.

So you're heading east and almost feeling like maybe you're getting lost, but this indeed is the Santa Rosa Trail. Just stay towards the left. It is single track much of the way over here. Then, you'll see the following sign as you get closer to the bottom of the Santa Rosa Valley.

So now you are zig zagging down the Shooting Star Trail, which eventually merges into the Lower Santa Rosa Trail.

(That said, you can continue east from the above juncture and make your way to Cal Lutheran.)

Now you're going to turn left (west) on Lower Santa Rosa Trail for some gentle slopes alongside private residences and farms in the Santa Rosa Valley for about a mile or so.

Some old farming equipment on the side of the Lower Santa Rosa Trail.

Then soon you come to the end of the trail and there's a sign that tells you to get back into Wildwood Park via the Box Canyon Trail, take the road up ahead 4/10ths of a mile. You're actually in Camarillo now on Rocky High Road.

The trail ends at the juncture of Talal Ct (private) and Rocky High Road.

At the end of the short stretch of road is the trailhead back into Wildwood Park.

And soon you'll see the Box Canyon Trail sign. Veer left (although I think if you go right it loops around to the main trail also).

It's about a 300 foot climb over less than half a mile up the Box Canyon Trail that gets you back to the main Mesa Trail artery in Wildwood Park. Take your time...you're almost there!

Then you'll see the Lizard Rock / Box Canyon sign that signifies you are back at the Mesa Trail to head about half a mile back to the parking lot. Or turn right to check out the views from Lizard Rock before you go.

To see a map of this hike, visit www.cosf.org/website/html/santa-rosa-loop.html.

OK, so if you're looking to take a break and sit back and enjoy the view near the juncture of the Mesa Trail and Box Canyon Trail?  Then head back (west) from the "Lizard Rock/Box Canyon" trail sign above toward Box Canyon and take the trail on the left to the Box Canyon Overlook, where you will find the following place to park your rear end. Not a bad view, eh?

Bench at Box Canyon Overlook.

Historic Dudley House Museum in Ventura

San Buenaventura Heritage, Inc. (SBH) is a non-profit educational and charitable organization founded in 1978 with a primary focus of preserving the Dudley House, an 1892 Victorian farm house, located at 197 N. Ashwood, Ventura. The Dudley House is one of 35 Ventura County properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The house is a living history museum reflecting the life of the Dudley family. The terraces and pergola for outdoor events have been installed on the north side side of the house, and the lavender garden with some 100 plants featuring over 20 varieties is on the south side of the house. The basement is used as a community room and visitor center with cooking facilities and is available for small events and receptions. Larger events can be held outside on the grounds.

The Dudley House is open for tours the first Sunday of the month from 1pm to 4pm from January to November.

Visit dudleyhouse.org or call 805.644.3286 for more information.  Admission is free but donations are accepted and appreciated.

Dudley House Boutique 2025

Open November 28-30 and December 6-7, 13-14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find quality crafts, home decor, antiques and collectibles.

Historic Recording Series

During open houses, pre-1930 recordings transferred to CDs are played. A new recording is played each month on the Victrola console in the parlor.

Old Time Radio Series

CDs of radio shows are performed in the radio console on the 2nd floor hallway.

Conejo Canyons Bridge and Trails in Thousand Oaks

In 2012, the Conejo Canyons bridge was constructed in Thousand Oaks, opening up more trails to explore in the Western Plateau area of Thousand Oaks, which ties into Wildwood Park. Visit cosf.org/conejo-canyons for trail maps.

Access the Conejo Canyons bridge via Santa Rosa Road. Coming from Thousand Oaks, take Moorpark Road north down the Norwegian Grade, where it intersects with Santa Rosa Road. Continue about 3.7 miles on Santa Rosa Road and make a left on Hill Canyon Road. Drive down Hill Canyon Road and you will see a large, flat dirt parking area on the right, adjacent to Santa Rosa Valley Regional Park.

Sign on Santa Rosa Road at Hill Canyon (coming from Camarillo)

Parking area on Hill Canyon Road, as seen from the Canyon Overlook Trail leading to Lizard Rock.

Park and you'll see the Conejo Canyons bridge just south, which takes you to the Hill Canyon Trail, a flat path that after a mile takes you to an intersection. At the intersection, you can turn around, go straight ahead to the Hawk Canyon Trail, take a right turn to the hilly Western Plateau Trail or veer left to make your way to the Arroyo Conejo Trail that ultimately takes you about 2 1/2 miles to the Rancho Conejo Playfields in Newbury Park.

Or go west to the steep Canyon Overlook Trail, a zig zagging hill that takes you to Lizard Rock in Wildwood Park. The hill is a fun challenge with the kids and you'll be rewarded with great panoramic views towards Boney Mountain, Camarillo, Ojai and Simi.

Conejo Canyons Bridge that takes you to the Hill Canyon Trail

Conejo Canyons views

View towards Lizard Rock

Conejo Valley Botanic Garden - Thousand Oaks

The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is a 33 acre retreat of hiking trails and natural habitat adjacent to Conejo Community Park off of Lynn Road and Gainsborough. 

CVBG now offers plant sales (weather permitting) every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. featuring California native and drought tolerant plants. Reasonable prices! Enter at the Kids' Adventure Garden entrance (400 W. Gainsborough Road).

This is really a special place to bring the kids for low key hike.  There are numerous trails and a short walk/hike to the top of the mountain rewards you with sweeping views of the entire Conejo Valley, from Westlake Village to Thousand Oaks to Newbury Park.

Here is what you'll find at the CVBG:

• The Nature Trail is 3/4 of a mile long and meanders above the creek through oaks and willows. This is a moderate trail.

• The Little Loop Trail leads you above the creek, through chaparral and around a meadow.

• The Native Plant Section and Lower Meadow feature southern and northern California plants.

• Lillian's Meadow showcases perennials, shrubs and trees that thrive with minimal water.

• The Salvia Garden delights hummingbirds and butterflies.

• The Butterfly Garden is a safe haven that provides nectar and food sources for butterflies and caterpillars.

• The Nursery houses workspace for the plant propagation team and hosts plant sales.

• The Herb Garden exhibits an extensive and unusual collection of medicinal, kitchen and aromatic herbs.

• The Bird Habitat has a fresh water source and is planted with native plants that provide year-round food source for birds.

• The Australian Section features collection of plants from down under.

• The Desert Garden hilltop landscape features cacti, succulents and desert trees and provides a panoramic view of the Conejo Valley.

• The Rare Fruit Orchard holds an extensive collection of trees.

• The Tranquility Garden is planted in the Japanese style featuring California native plants.

• The Oak Tree Grove has many species of North American and other oak trees.

• The Trail of Trees exhibits 50 trees with a variety of genera.

If you have small kids, they will love the Kids' Adventure Garden and treehouse, open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  They'll enjoy hiking through the trails and exploring the streams and bridges.

Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is located at 400 West Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks.  For more information visit www.conejogarden.org.

Desert Garden at the top of the hill, featuring cacti, succulents, etc.

Japanese style Tranquility Garden featuring native California plants

CLICK THIS LINK FOR MORE CVBG PHOTOS!

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 2,405 feet, the tallest peak in the Simi Hills.

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 two miles to the top, making it about a 4 mile hike. Hike another .8 mile to Simi Peak.

Mysterious caves the kids enjoy exploring.

Here's a gate near to the top of the trail that tells you you are close to your destination.

Follow the trail to reach the China Flat area.

You can also get to China Flat from the Palo Comado Trail.

Sure is pretty up here when it is green!

View from Simi Peak towards Oak Park.

Map excerpt courtesy of National Park Service.

Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara

Dolphins greet you at the entrance to Stearns Wharf.

Stearns Wharf is located at the juncture of W. Cabrillo Road and State Street in Santa Barbara. Originally constructed in 1872 by lumberman John P. Stearns as the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco, it is now one of the most visible and visited tourist destinations in Santa Barbara. In 1980-81, the City of Santa Barbara restored the wharf, constructed new buildings on it and assumed operation of the facility.

Our family particularly enjoys visiting the Museum of Santa Barbara Sea Center located on the wharf, followed by a stop at Mother Stearns Candy Company or the Great Pacific Ice Cream Company. Of course, The Harbor Restaurant and Longboard’s Beach Bar and Grill are crowd favorites. There's also wine tasting at Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room, Moby Dick Restaurant, fish and chips, souvenir shops and other places.

View from the end of Stearns Wharf back toward the mainland.

View from Stearns Wharf

You can get onto the wharf in a number of ways. There is limited parking on the wharf. Cost (as of September 2025) is $3/hour, but the first 90 minutes are free. Or you can park along Cabrillo Road or in a local beach parking lot and walk onto the wharf. Or do what we enjoy...park at the Santa Barbara Harbor and ride bikes onto the wharf. The wood planks are a bit bumpy but you'll survive!

Learn more about Stearns Wharf at www.stearnswharf.org.

Beautiful views of the harbor area as you'll see below from the pier. If you walk onto the wharf, you may encounter some locals that "live off the land" with sand sculptures and other monuments on the sand for your viewing pleasure (and perhaps some spare change). They are part of the carnival atmosphere. And of course on Sundays you'll be treated to the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show that has been running since 1965.