Halloween Events and Activities In and Around Ventura County

Halloween season is upon us again! Halloween 2025 looks to be a fun time with this compilation of Halloween events taking place in Ventura County and surrounding areas.

Dates/times subject to change; contact event organizers to confirm. This list will be updated regularly. For calendar view, click here.

Pumpkin Patches in Ventura County and Surrounding Areas

EVENTS COMING UP

Oct 24-26: Boo at the Zoo at the Santa Barbara Zoo (5-8PM)

Sun, Oct 26: Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Strathearn Historical Park (11AM-5PM)

Sun, Oct 26: Seaside Trick or Treat at Ventura Harbor Village (1-3PM)

Sun, Oct 26: Thriller Zombie Dance at Ventura Harbor Village (2:45-3:15PM)

Sun, Oct 26: Trunk or Treat at Inside Car Guys Newbury Park (4-6PM)

Mon, Oct 27: Moorpark College Music “Aca-BOOza” Halloween Concert (7PM)

Wed, Oct 29: Trunk or Treat at Thousand Oaks Post Acute (5-7PM)

Wed, Oct 29: Halloween in the Park in Camarillo (5-8PM)

Thu, Oct 30: SHINE Homeschool Halloween Carnival in Thousand Oaks (12:30PM RSVP)

Thu, Oct 30: Moorpark College Music “Requiem X Dia de Los Muertos” (1PM, 7PM)

Fri, Oct 31: Halloween Carnival in Oak Park (3-6PM)

Fri, Oct 31: Halloween Carnival in Simi Valley (3-6PM)

Fri, Oct 31: Trick or Treating at The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks (3-6PM)

Fri, Oct 31: Trick or Treat at the Camarillo Premium Outlets (4-6PM)

Fri, Oct 31: Haunted High Street Event in Moorpark (4-7PM)

Sat, Nov 1: Dia de los Muertos Celebration in Downtown Ventura (11AM-6PM)

Sat, Nov 1: Festival de los Muertos Event in Newbury Park (4-8PM)

Sun, Nov 2: Dia de los Muertos Events at Three Locations in Santa Paula (11AM-5PM)

ONGOING EVENTS

Sep 27 to Oct 31: Underwood Family Farms Fall Harvest on the Farm in Moorpark

Sep 26 to Nov 2: Reign of Terror Haunted House at Janss Marketplace Thousand Oaks

Sep 26 to Nov 1: Nights of the Jack Halloween Experience at King Gillette Ranch

Sep 27 to Oct 31: Fall Festival at Prancer’s Farm in Santa Paula

Oct 10-12, 17-19, 24-26: Santa Paula Theater Center “Ghostwalk” Event

Through Oct 26: Imaginarium’s “Atlantis” at the Camarillo Premium Outlets

Cool Residential Displays (Click links for footage and more info)

10 Carob Drive, south of Borchard in Newbury Park

Residential display synchronized to music at 1455 Valley High, Thousand Oaks

Golden Crest Avenue in Newbury Park (Cross Street Antelope Place) - Two homes

Lakota Loop Family-Friendly Walkthrough Halloween Experience at 1881 Lakota Street, Simi Valley on October 26, 30 and 31 from 6:30-9PM.

“Blackwood Cemetery” annual display at home on Blackwood Street in Newbury Park

Mapleleaf Ave west of Madrid Ave in Newbury Park

Camino Dos Rios west of Lynn Road in Thousand Oaks

Flaming Star and Shenandoah in Thousand Oaks

Donald Avenue, just east of Wendy Drive in Newbury Park

Annual awesome display at this home on Yew Drive in Newbury Park

Bernadine St and Wauneta St in Newbury Park

Orangewood and Felton in Newbury Park

Backwoods Massacre Haunted House at 2360 Bryson Place in Simi Valley (quite scary - not for all ages).

PAST EVENTS

Sun, Oct 5: Trunk or Treat at Iceoplex Simi Valley (2:15-6PM)

Sat/Sun Oct 11-12: Mizel Family Foundation Harvest Festival in Thousand Oaks (10AM-2PM)

Sat, Oct 12: California Joe Halloween Magic Show at Camarillo Library (11AM-Noon)

Sat, Oct 18: Free Pumpkin Patch at Simi Valley Town Center (10AM)

Sat, Oct 18: Simi Valley YMCA Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat (3-6PM) (RSVP)

Sat, Oct 18: Trail or Treat at Camarillo Grove Park (10AM-1PM; $10 hike requires RSVP)

Sat, Oct 18: Halloween Haunted Trail, Costume Contest and Trick or Treat Street in Thousand Oaks (6-9PM)

Oct 17-19: Boo at the Zoo at the Santa Barbara Zoo (5-8PM)

Oct 18-19: Boo at the Zoo at The Teaching Zoo in Moorpark

Sun, Oct 19: Calabasas Pumpkin Festival (10AM-5PM)

Wed, Oct 22: VC Dept of CSS 4th Annual Trunk or Treat in Camarillo (4-6PM)

Wed, Oct 22: Trick-or-Treat at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard (5PM) (RSVP)

Wed, Oct 22: 4th Annual Spook-Tacular Celebration in Port Hueneme (5-8PM)

Thu, Oct 23: Oxnard Police Department Trunk or Treat Spooktacular (5-7PM)

Fri, Oct 24: Ventura Harbor Witches Paddle (4-5:30PM)

Fri, Oct 24: Spooky Swim at Pleasant Valley Aquatic Center in Camarillo (5:30PM) (RSVP)

Fri, Oct 24: City of Malibu Bu Bash Halloween Carnival (Ages 2-10) (3-6PM)

Fri, Oct 24: Spooktacular Bash at Camarillo Community Center (5-7PM Age 50+)

Fri, Oct 24: Spooky Town at the Simi Valley Town Center (5-9PM)

Fri, Oct 24: Terrifying True Stories in a Haunted Church at Heritage Square Oxnard (6-10:30PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Inaugural Pumpkin Paddle at Channel Islands Harbor (10AM)

Sat, Oct 25: Halloween “BooFest” Event in Old Town Camarillo (Noon-4PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Harvest Festival at Stagecoach Inn Museum (1-4PM)

Oct 25-26: Boo at the Zoo at The Teaching Zoo in Moorpark

Sat, Oct 25: Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest in Camarillo (10AM-1PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Peace Pumpkin Fest in Camarillo (10AM-3PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Trick or Treat Event at Mae Boyar Park in Oak Park (10AM-1PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at Ventura Harbor Village (Noon)

Sat, Oct 25: Pumpkin Party at the Leonis Adobe Museum in Calabasas (1-4PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Eastside Little League Trunk or Treat in Oxnard (2-7PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Pumpkin Festival at Christ the King Newbury Park (3-6PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Downtown Ventura Costume Contest and Trick-or-Treating (3-7PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Halloween Haunt in the Park at Plaza Park in Oxnard (4-7PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Parade of Frights Marketplace at Channel Islands Harbor (2-8PM; Parade at 7PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Ventura Family YMCA Trunk-or-Treat in Ventura (5-7PM)

Sat, Oct 25: Fall Festival at Conejo Valley Church of Christ (4-6PM)

Sat Oct 25: Terrifying True Stories in a Haunted Church at Heritage Square Oxnard (6-10:30PM)

Pumpkin Patches in Ventura County and Adjacent Areas

The star of the Halloween show is the pumpkin. According to my favorite resource Wikipedia, the name pumpkin originated from the ancient Greek word pepon ("large melon"). The French called it pompom. The British changed it to pumpion. Then American colonists changed it to pumpkin.

Pumpkins are gourd-like squashes and technically are a fruit. They can range in size from 1 lb to 1,000 lbs.

But who cares about all that...what we REALLY want to know is, where are the pumpkin patches in Ventura County and surrounding areas for the 2025 fall season!? Well, here are some choices...but make sure to call before you go for hours, etc.

OTHER HALLOWEEN EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

Big Wave Dave's Pumpkin Patch will be operating its pumpkin patch again this year at the Pacific View Mall under the big tent in the Trader Joe's/Target parking lot from September 26th through October 31st, 2025. Free admission to the pumpkin patch, with kids’ activities, photo opps and more. BBQ tri tip sandwiches available on weekends. Open Wednesday to Sunday. Hours 2:30pm-7:30pm Wed/Thu, 2:30pm-8:30pm Fri, 11am-8pm Sat and 11am-6pm Sun. Visit bigwavedaveschristmastrees.com/pumpkin-patch.html

Conejo Family Farms is a new local pumpkin patch in 2025 located at 5937 Ridge View Street in Camarillo. There is a pumpkin patch, 5 acre corn maze, hay rides, bounce house, weekend music, and more. Opens Wednesday, September 17th. Entry fee $10 for ages 5 and up. Visit www.conejofamilyfarms.com for more information. From Thousand Oaks, take the 101 north to Camarillo Springs Road, go south to Ridge View Street and take a right. The patch will be on the right.

Mizel Family Foundation You Pick Pumpkin Days in Hidden Valley on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4-5:30PM, October 14-30. Visit Mizel Estate Wines on a fall afternoon where you can select and harvest your own pumpkins. Mizel’s Pumpkin Patch features a wide variety of pumpkins in all sizes, shapes and colors. Located at 1050 W. Potrero Road. www.mizelestate.com

Boccali Ranch Pumpkin Patch at 3277 E. Ojai Avenue in Ojai will be open 7 days a week from 10am to 7pm from October 4-31, 2025. They offer tiny to extra-large “Big Mac” pumpkins, squash, gourds, Indian corn and seasonal produce. More details at boccalipumpkins.com.

Prancer's Pumpkin Patch Santa Paula is located at 18540 East Telegraph Road and their Fall Fest will take place September 27 to October 31, 2025. Pumpkin patch events on weekends from 9am to 6pm with the following themes:

• 9/27-9/28: Animals of the Farm

• 10/4-10/5: Heroes on the Farm

• 10/11-10/12: Wild West on the Farm

• 10/18-10/19: Fiesta at the Farm

• 10/25-10/26: Harvest Fest on the Farm

Fall fest includes 10 acres of pumpkin patch, wagon hay ride, animal center, corn field expedition, farm games, live entertainment and more. Admission $26 ages 3 and up. Ages 2 and under free. Check for details at prancersfarm.com.

Stu Miller's Pumpkin Patch just east of the Simi Valley Town Center.

The 2025 Underwood Family Farms Fall Harvest Festival in Moorpark is back from September 27 to October 31 at 3370 Sunset Valley Road. Admission includes huge pumpkin patch, tractor-drawn wagon rides, corn maze, giant tractor display, hay pyramids, animal center, and many other family-friendly activities. Themed weekend events include animal shows, pig races, live performers, roaming entertainment and more. Weekday admission is $16 at the gate only. Weekend admission varies from $25 to $34 per person purchased online. Children 2 and under and parking are free. More details at www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com/fall-harvest.

The Underwood Farm Center in Somis at 5696 Los Angeles Avenue also has a pumpkin patch along with its year-round animal center. Open 9am to 6pm.

McGrath Brothers Great Pacific Pumpkins is located at 5100 Olivas Park Drive in Ventura. Call 805.644.1235. They are open the entire month of October from 9am to 6pm. Admission is $3. Tractor ride is $2. Hay Maze is $2. Check their Instagram page at www.instagram.com/mcgrathgreatpacificpumpkins for updates.

Bennett's Best Pumpkin Patch has locations next to the Whizin Market Square at 28900 Roadside Drive and at the corner of Kanan and Agoura Roads.

The Four Seasons of Fun Adventureland pumpkin patch at the Simi Valley Town Center in the parking lot open daily through November 2nd. Hours vary. Bounce house activities available. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581115013603

There will not be a Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch this year in Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley as in years past. However, they will be hosting a Pumpkin Patch at the Pierce College Farm Center, 7100 El Rancho Drive, Woodland Hills. The patch will be open daily from October 1st to 31st, 2025. Hours 4-9pm Mon-Thu, 4-10pm Fri, 11am-10pm Sat and 11am-9pm Sun. Free admission and parking. Attractions require tickets. www.seasonaladventures.com/pierce-college

Over 25 Things to Do in Agoura Hills

The City of Agoura Hills incorporated in 1982 and is part of Los Angeles County. But we consider Agoura to be part of our family, consisting of Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park and other communities that form the Conejo Valley.

Agoura Hills has an area of 7.86 square miles, with a population of approximately 20,000. It became the 83rd city in Los Angeles County when residents voted to incorporate, just one year after neighboring city Westlake Village incorporated.

Here is a compilation of things to do in the City of Agoura Hills.

Trails and Hiking

• Malibu Creek State Park is an 8,000 acre wonderland of trails, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities. The Hike to the Rock Pool at Malibu Creek State Park is extremely popular. Equally if not more popular is the hike to the M*A*S*H television show set.

• Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons include 4,000 acres of terrain with dozens of miles of trails to explore in the northernmost section of the Santa Monica Mountain range. Popular with cyclists, runners and hikers.

• Paramount Ranch, maintained by the National Park Service on Cornell Road in Agoura Hills, was used by Paramount Pictures for over 80 years of film and television production. Sadly, the Woolsey Fire in November 2018 destroyed the historic structures at the park. However, four new structures will be constructed by the fall of 2024.

• The 64 acre Peter Strauss Ranch in Agoura Hills is also managed by the National Park Service and features hiking and an outdoor amphitheater area.

A "must do" in the Agoura Hills area is the hike to the old M*A*S*H TV series set in Malibu Creek State Park.

Kids

• Kids World Indoor Playground is technically in Oak Park but hey, we'll list it here as it is so, so close to Agoura Hills and is quite popular.

• We Rock the Spectrum is a kids gym located on Canwood Street in Agoura Hills which has a particular emphasis on sensory based play.

• The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley hosts several middle school age club in Agoura Hills.

• A compilation of other kids' activities in Agoura HIlls is at THIS LINK.

• YES FACTORY walk-in creative studio for all ages opened in Agoura Hills on April 1, 2024.

Fitness Related

• Looking for some fresh air on the golf course but don't golf? That's ok, try FootGolf at the Lake Lindero Country Club in Agoura Hills. Quite fun and no experience necessary.

• Other fitness and sports activities in Agoura Hills compiled at THIS LINK.

Ah yes, comic relief courtesy of Caltrans signmakers in 2013 when a new Agoura Hills sign on the 101 was put up filled with typos. It was subsequently corrected.

Other Entertainment, Things to Do and Annual Events

• The Canyon is the "go to" local club for a wide variety of great performers.

• Whizin Market Square on Roadside Drive is a collection of eateries and unique stores, including antique stores and more.

• The Reyes Adobe Historical Site in the heart of Agoura Hills is the first home built in the area, dating back to 1850. The City owns and maintains this adobe structure as a museum and cultural center, with an adjoining park.

• The Annual Reyes Adobe Days Fall Festival takes place in October of each year at the Reyes Adobe Historical Site and Park. Great family fun.

• The Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center hosts senior programs and teen programs "The Garage" and has a cool outdoor interpretive play area.

• Water Wings Swim School is an indoor facility located in the Agoura Hills Town Center on Agoura Road.

• The Agoura Hills Library is an 18,000 square foot facility near Agoura City Hall. It is part of the County of Los Angeles Public Library System.

• The Great Race of Agoura Hills is the largest annual running/walking event in the Conejo Valley - an assortment of 7 races on roads and trails ranging from a family fun run to a 5K, 10K and two half marathons. Takes place in the March/April time frame.

• For other events in Agoura Hills, visit THIS LINK.

The old Agoura sign on Agoura Road at Lewis Road.

Closed: Troutdale was a local fishing pond for those looking for the experience of fishing but without the hassle of driving far! Located just off of Kanan Road, near Triunfo Canyon. It appears to be closed as of summer 2018. Regency Agoura Hills 8 movie theater closed in February 2025.

Indoor Play Places In and Around Ventura County

There are hundreds of parks with play areas throughout the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County compiled at THIS LINK, but if you are looking for an indoor playtime experience with your little ones, from toddlers to teens, here are a number of options to check out.

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center in Thousand Oaks and Ventura has both classes for various age groups as well as open play at designated times.

• The Oaks Mall Indoor Play Area is a small area open for kids up to age 5 anytime the mall is open. Located on the first floor, adjacent to the Food Court area and near JC Penney.

• Jumpify Indoor Playground is located at The Oaks Mall on the 2nd floor. Inflatables, bounce houses, ball/foam block pits and more. Geared towards ages 1 to 12.

• Jump n’ Jammin Children’s Entertainment Center opened at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard in January 2020. Fun indoor place with similarities to Kids World in Oak Park.

• Rockin' Kids Play Center at Simi Valley Town Center is for kids up to age 7 for open play seven days a week.

• Reign & Shine Play Lab in Oak Park opened in September 2025, providing imaginative, sensory-based interactive play areas for kids ages 6 months to 10 years.

• We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym in Agoura Hills has open play for kids up to age 13 on weekdays and weekends when there are no special events planned.

• Kids World Indoor Playground in Oak Park is open daily for open play, geared towards ages 2 to 15. Huge play structure, climbing tubes, slides, foam balls and much more.

• Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Ventura offers open jump and toddler time on designated days and times.

• Sky Zone Trampoline Park Thousand Oaks at Janss Marketplace offers wall to wall trampolines, ball pits, foam block pit and much more.

• Imagymnation Gymnastics in Simi Valley offers open play on designated days and times.

• Play Out Loud Indoor Playground in Agoura Hills is a 3100 sq ft facility that opened 2/16/24. Geared towards little kids.

• How could we leave Chuck E. Cheese’s off this list for indoor play! A local staple for young set birthday parties and drop-in play.

• K1 Speed Indoor Go Karting and Arcade in Thousand Oaks has karts for kids that go up to 20 mph as well as an arcade.

This is just a small sampling of kids' activities highlighted here on Conejo Valley Guide.

FUN FOR THE KIDS AT LOCAL VENTURA COUNTY AREA SHOPPING MALLS

The three story foam ball projectile and climbing area at Kids World in Oak Park.

Things to Do Around Ventura County When It's Really, Really Hot Outside

It's sure hot out here! What's there to do around town that will cool me off!? Looking for things to do when its really, really HOT outside!? This list of mostly indoor activities is somewhat random in order so take a close look and you'll find something cool to do in and around Ventura County.

Community Pools, Splash Pads and Water Parks in Ventura County

Conejo Valley/Agoura Hills/Oak Park

• Hitting Zone Indoor Batting Cages in Westlake Village

• Build-a-Bear Workshop at The Oaks Mall

• We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym in Agoura Hills

• Kids World Indoor Playground in Oak Park

• Chuck E. Cheese's in Thousand Oaks

• Reign & Shine Play Lab in Oak Park (ages 6 months to 10 years)

• Monarchs Gym in Newbury Park and Agoura

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center in Thousand Oaks

• The Oaks Mall Indoor Play Area (up to age 5)

• Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing in Thousand Oaks

• The Arterie Art Studio in Thousand Oaks

• Open Gym at Conejo Recreation & Park District Facilities

• Sky Zone Thousand Oaks

• 101 Escape Rooms in Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks

• K1 Speed Indoor Go Kart Racing and Arcade in Thousand Oaks

• The Mighty Axe in Thousand Oaks

• Play Out Loud Indoor Playground in Agoura Hills

• Jumpify Indoor Playground at The Oaks Mall

• YES FACTORY in Agoura Hills

• Escapology Escape Rooms at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks

Camarillo/Oxnard/Ventura/Ojai/Port Hueneme

• Ventura Harbor Village

• Golf N' Stuff in Ventura

• Jump 'n Jammin Children’s Entertainment Center

• Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Ventura

• Red Door Escape Room at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard

• Lakeshore Learning Free Crafts on Saturdays in Ventura

• Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center in Ventura

• Skating Plus Roller Rink in Ventura

• Pacific View Mall Kids Club in Ventura

• Firefly Ceramics in Ventura

• The Ultimate Escape Rooms at Ventura Harbor Village

• Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing in Ventura

• Bee Fun Zone at the U.S. Seabee Museum in Port Hueneme

Moorpark/Simi Valley/Fillmore

• LA Kings Iceoplex Ice Arena in Simi Valley

• Imagymnation Gymnastics Center in Simi Valley

• The arcade at Big Z Family Fun Center in Simi Valley

• Lazertag Extreme in Simi Valley

• Rockin' Kids Play Center at the Simi Valley Town Center (ages 0-6)

• The Ronald Reagan Library and Museum in Simi Valley

• Color Café Pottery Painting Studio in Simi Valley (formerly As You Wish)

• Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum in Simi Valley

Other Locations and Activities

• Museum of Santa Barbara Sea Center

• MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation in Santa Barbara

• Over 50 museums in Ventura County

• 150 movie screens around Ventura County

• Over 40 local area public beaches from Carpinteria to Malibu

• Ventura County bowling alleys

• 17+ libraries in the Ventura County area

• Ventura County shopping malls

• Color Me Mine Ceramics Studio in Calabasas

These are just a sampling of the various activities and events in Conejo Valley Guide, so make sure to explore and find something fun to do!

Things to Do With the Kids in Ventura County When It's Wet Outside

It doesn't rain nearly often enough here in Ventura County, but when it does, that's a great excuse for staying inside. You are in the right place as we have compiled this extensive list of well over 200 indoor activities from Agoura to Simi Valley to Ventura and everywhere in between!

Geared Towards Little Kids

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center in Thousand Oaks and Ventura

• The Oaks Mall Indoor Play Area (up to age 5)

• Build-a-Bear Workshop at The Oaks

• Rockin' Kids Play Center at Simi Valley Town Center

• We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym in Agoura Hills

• Jumpify Indoor Playground at The Oaks Mall

• KidzCity Indoor Play in Woodland Hills

• Kids World Indoor Playground in Oak Park

• Jump ‘n Jammin Children’s Entertainment Center in Oxnard (RiverPark)

• Play Out Loud Indoor Playground in Agoura Hills

• Reign & Shine Play Lab in Oak Park

Gaming and Arcades

• Chuck E. Cheese's in Thousand Oaks and Ventura

• Big Z Family Fun Center in Simi Valley

• The arcade at Golf N' Stuff Ventura

Other Indoor Fun

• Nearly 30 libraries in the Ventura County area

• The Ronald Reagan Library and Museum in Simi Valley

• Over 50 museums in and around Ventura County

• 150+ movie screens around Ventura County

• Escape room places in Ventura County

• MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation in Santa Barbara

Indoor Action and Sports

• Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Ventura

• Sky Zone Thousand Oaks (formerly Defy Extreme Air Sports)

• Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing in Thousand Oaks

• Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing in Ventura

• Lazertag Extreme in Simi Valley

• Bowling Alleys in Ventura County

• Open Gym at Conejo Recreation & Park District Facilities

• Imagymnation Gymnastics Center in Simi Valley

• LA Kings Iceoplex Ice Arena in Simi Valley

• Skating Plus Indoor Roller Rink in Ventura

• Monarchs Gym in Newbury Park and Agoura

• Indoor Batting Cages in Camarillo, Oxnard, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks

• Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum in Simi Valley

• Sky Zone Trampoline Park Thousand Oaks

• K1 Indoor Go Kart Racing and Arcade in Thousand Oaks

Arts and Crafts

• Lakeshore Learning Free Crafts Two Saturdays a Month in Ventura

• Color Café Pottery Painting Studio in Simi Valley (formerly As You Wish)

• Color Me Mine Ceramics Studio in Calabasas

• The Arterie Art Studio in Thousand Oaks

• Firefly Ceramics in Ventura

• YES FACTORY in Agoura Hills

These are just a sampling of the various activities and events in Conejo Valley Guide, so make sure to explore and find something fun to do!

Compilation of Public Beaches Spanning From Oxnard to Hueneme to Malibu

In a separate post, we highlighted beaches ranging from Carpinteria down south to the beaches at the Ventura Harbor. This is the 2nd installment of local area beaches that stretch from McGrath State Beach on down to the beaches gracing Malibu. We hope these compilations prove useful in guiding you to all the oceanfront fun Ventura County and adjacent areas have to offer!

Additionally, here's a compilation of beaches in the Santa Barbara area (excluding Carpinteria).

McGrath State Beach has been closed due to flooding issues since 2019. Visit parks.ca.gov/?page_id=607 or call 805.968.1033 for more information.  McGrath has 2 1/2 miles of beach available. Swimming, surfing, and water sports are discouraged because of rip currents. McGrath is 5 miles south of Ventura off the 101 freeway via Harbor Boulevard.

Mandalay State Beach is 94 acres of undeveloped beachfront land located south of Reliant Energy's Mandalay Generating Station. The natural sand dunes and the wetlands ecosystem are recognized for their important natural value and houses several threatened bird species. This is a passive, natural open space park with no support facilities. The sandy ocean beach and adjacent coastal dunes are available for public day use only. The beach is managed by the County of Ventura on behalf of the California State Parks Department. Located at the corner of Harbor Boulevard and 5th Street in Oxnard. Visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=609. No dogs allowed.

‘ololkoy Beach Park (formerly Oxnard Beach Park) has one of the best kids play areas around town, restrooms, lots of grass, and easy access to miles and miles of beach. The park is located at 1601 S. Harbor Boulevard. visitoxnard.com/directory/oxnard-beach-park

Oxnard Beach Park looking towards the beach.

Hollywood Beach is a great spot for swimming, sunning and viewing the Channel Islands. Free public beach volleyball courts, public restrooms on the north end of the beach, on-street parking and lifeguards on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Located right next to Channel Islands Harbor off of Harbor Boulevard. Dogs are allowed at Hollywood Beach on leash before 9am and after 5pm. West-facing beach means it’s great for catching the sunset!

Hollywood Beach

Silver Strand Beach is a 1 mile long beach near Channel Islands Harbor, about 150 yards in width. It is capped by north and south jetties, both of which have small parking lots; one next to San Nicholas Avenue (at Ocean Drive), the other next to Sawtelle Avenue. Free parking from sunrise to sunset with limited restroom facilities. This is a sandy bottom beach break which may have rip tides and an undertow, so be careful. Dogs on leash allowed before 9am and after 5pm. Lifeguards on duty daily during summer months. Accessed via S. Victoria Avenue. Visit visitoxnard.com/things-to-do/beaches/silver-strand-beach for more information.

There's a Kiddie Beach Park off of S. Victoria Avenue at Sunset Drive with available parking, restrooms and benches. It is a small sliver of sand that fronts the south end of Channel Islands Harbor and thus does not face ocean waves.

Hueneme Beach Park is a 50 acre area with picnic tables, barbecue pits, walking paths, a fishing pier, sand volleyball courts, Surfside Seafood snack bar, lifeguards and restrooms. Beach parking lots and Surfside Drive parking available for a fee. No dogs allowed. Visit www.ci.port-hueneme.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=926 for more information. Located at 550 E. Surfside Drive, Port Hueneme. 

Ormond Beach is a 1,500 acre area composed of agriculture, industry and wetlands. A two mile long beach extends from Port Hueneme on the north to Naval Base Ventura County on the south. This is one of the few areas in southern California with an intact dune transition zone marsh system, hosting over 200 migratory bird species. The California Coastal Conservancy is restoring these wetlands. A bit off the beaten path, it is probably more geared towards bird watchers and hikers. Get there via Hueneme Road, going south on either Perkins Road on the north and Arnold Road on the south.

Naval Base Ventura County occupies roughly 6 miles of oceanfront space between Ormond Beach on the north and Point Mugu State Park on the south. This space is not accessible by the general public. However, there are periodic opportunities for civilians to catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean from NBVC during organized events open to the public.

Mugu Beach is the first publicly accessible beach area south of Naval Base Ventura County off of PCH, located adjacent to the prominent Mugu Rock. For the most part this is the most quickly accessible beach to Camarillo and Conejo Valley residents. There is paid parking ($12 last time I was there) as well as parking available on PCH. Popular with fisherman. One thing to be aware of here is that there is a significant undertow. If you bring the little ones, best to stay out of the water or just be extra careful.

South of Mugu Rock there is also some beach that is accessible with plenty of parking on PCH. No facilities and not a lot of beach, but beautiful views and a quick place to explore.

Thornhill Broome Campground and Beach is also part of Point Mugu State Park, located a mile or two south of Mugu Beach. This is a campground right on the beach with a capacity for about 60 or so RVs. But of course you can visit for the day for a parking fee. Plenty of parking also available on PCH. Porta-potties available. Dogs are allowed around here as long as they are on a leash (and paleeeze...pick up after them).

Across the street on PCH is a gigantic, steep sand dune that I've always found to be interesting. Learn more about that sand dune here.

Unusually large sand dune on the east side of PCH across from Thornhill Broome Campground

Sycamore Cove is at the southernmost beachfront portion of Point Mugu State Park. Point Mugu State Park features 3.6 miles of ocean shoreline (Sycamore Cove to Mugu Beach), with rocky bluffs, beaches, sand dunes, rugged hills and uplands, two major river canyons and wide grassy valleys dotted native trees.

Sycamore Canyon Campground across PCH from Sycamore Cove has 58 campsites. For a challenge, ride or hike down through Sycamore Canyon from Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park. You'll most likely have to pay to park here (most recently $12 for day use) as there are not many spots on PCH available on the south side...watch out...there are no parking signs all over the place.

Sycamore Cove Beach has a number of picnic benches shaded by trees and is thus a popular spot on summer weekends for the BBQ crowd as well as with the campers from the campground on the other side of PCH. Located at 9000 Pacific Coast Highway. Visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=630.

Trees shade the picnic tables at Sycamore Cove Beach

In the 3.3 mile stretch of PCH between Sycamore Cove Beach and County Line Beach (below) there are three or four places where you can park on PCH and access the beach.

One of these beaches I refer to as Call Box 1-35 Beach, about a mile southeast of Sycamore Cove Beach. This is not the official name of this beach in the unincorporated section of Ventura County northwest of Malibu city limits. But since the dilapidated staircase leading down to the beach is next to this call box, it seems appropriate. The address is approximately 9649 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu (yes, technically not Malibu, yet in Google maps the address says Malibu).

About half a mile southeast of Call Box 1-35 is Call Box 1-27 Beach, which I also refer to as 26 Steps Beach. 26 Steps Beach is approximately 1.9 miles northeast of County Line Beach (see below) and 1.5 miles southwest of Sycamore Cove Beach (see above), at approximately 9999 PCH, just west of Deer Creek Road. I made up the name 26 Steps Beach because there is a well-worn, tagged up staircase that leads you from your parked car on PCH near the 1-27 Call Box sign to the beach. This is not a bad little section of beach that rarely has many people. No restrooms. Parking is free on PCH.

County Line Beach is located across the street from the iconic Neptune's Net, 3 miles south of Sycamore Cove at 42505 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Lots of surfers and places to explore. Park on PCH. Watch out for bikers...there can be hundreds of them hanging out here on many a weekend. There are outer reefs for scuba diving that have an abundance of sea life. Activities include diving, surfing, and tide pools. No lifeguards on duty. There are a few porta-johns here. Technically, County Line Beach is located in Solromar, an unincorporated community in Ventura County - but they use the Malibu zip code so hey, it’s ok to say it is in Malibu.

Before the main Leo Carrillo State Beach area while heading south on PCH is the Leo Carrillo State Park Staircase Beach area. There’s a California State Parks parking lot at 40000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Parking is available for approximately 50 cars. There’s a moderately narrow trail that takes you down to the beach, which is also a fairly narrow beach with lots of rocks. You can also walk to this beach from the main Leo Carrillo Beach. Dogs allowed on leash.

Leo Carrillo State Park Staircase Beach parking lot.

Leo Carrillo State Park consists of 1 1/2 miles of beach for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing and beach combing; one of our favorites for exploring sea caves, rocks and tidepools. Located at 35000 West Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, Leo Carrillo is about 1 1/2 miles south of County Line Beach. On the north side of PCH, there are 135 campsites in over 2,500 acres. Visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=616 or call 805.488.1827. Dogs on a leash are allowed in day use areas, campground and north beach (north of lifeguard tower 3). Dogs are not allowed on back country trails or south beach (south of lifeguard tower 3). Park on PCH or in the state lot ($12) and take the tunnel under PCH to the beach. More details on how to get to Leo Carrillo from the 101 freeway at this link.

Nicholas Canyon County Beach is one mile east of Leo Carrillo at 33850 Pacific Coast Highway. Great beach where you can hang out, fish, picnic, surf and more. About 150 parking spaces available. Generally $10 to park on summer weekends, or park on PCH. More info at beaches.lacounty.gov/nicholas-canyon-beach. Restrooms available.

A view of Nicholas Canyon County Beach, just a mile east of Leo Carrillo.

Located between Leo Carrillo and Point Dume State Beaches, Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach is made up of a number of cove or cliff-foot strands known as "pocket beaches" along the west end of Malibu, including El Pescador, La Piedra and El Matador. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=633 Dogs are not allowed on state beaches.

El Pescador State Beach is 1.4 miles east of Nicholas Canyon at 32900 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Steep, uneven stairs lead to about 10 acres of narrow, sandy beach. It is just east of Decker Canyon, the curvy, steep road that takes you up to Hidden Valley/Westlake Village. Dogs are not allowed on state beaches. Limited parking is available (fees vary) or park on PCH. Small, secluded beach. When the tide is not too high, you can trek you way east towards La Piedra Beach and back.

Porta-potty available. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=633.

Sign on PCH east of Decker Canyon Road, prior to El Pescador State Beach to the west of it.

La Piedra State Beach is .3 miles east of El Pescador at 32700 Pacific Coast Highway. A fairly long hiking path (may be a bit challenging for those lugging a lot of stuff) leads to 9 acres of narrow, sandy beach. Dogs are not allowed on state beaches. Limited parking available for a fee (which vary) or park on PCH. Porta potty available. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=633.

El Matador State Beach is .3 miles east of La Piedra at 32350 Pacific Coast Highway, just east of where Encinal Canyon Road intersects with PCH. A dirt path, then dozens of stairs, leads to 18 acres of narrow, sandy beach with stunning, rock formations and caves.

Dogs are not allowed on state beaches.  There is a parking lot with room for 25 or so cars where you can pay $3/hour or $10 for all day (as of June 2025).  You can also park on PCH, but on the north side...for whatever reason parking is prohibited on the south side of PCH. This means you have to cross PCH, which can be a challenge. There are porta-potties available. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=633

Stunning rock formations at El Matador State Beach.

Lechuza Beach in Malibu, a mile east of El Matador State Beach, is maintained by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. It is a small, sandy beach with beautiful rock formations and views up the coast. Accessible via the northeast end of Broad Beach Road.  More information and specific access points at mrca.ca.gov/parks/park-listing/lechuza-beach. Dogs not allowed on the beach.

Zuma Beach is located at 30000 Pacific Coast Highway about 3.5 miles east of El Matador. With 1.8 miles of beach, Zuma is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Los Angeles County, Zuma is known for its long, wide sands and excellent surf. Plenty of facilities, including several food stands, restrooms, showers, volleyball, etc. Plenty of street parking on PCH and over 2,000 parking spaces (currently $8 weekdays and $15 weekends). Visit beaches.lacounty.gov/zuma-beach for more information. Zuma is known for riptides, so do be careful out there.

NOTE: Fires, including BBQs, are not allowed on any beach in Malibu; the exception is that fires may be allowed in designated spots at some state beaches. Dogs not allowed on the beach also.

Zuma Beach

Point Dume State Beach is a 63 acre promontory that juts out into the Pacific and features headlands, cliffs, rocky coves and vast beach access for swimming, surfing, scuba diving and fishing. Westward Beach borders Zuma Beach at Zuma's south side. There is plenty of parking on Westward Beach Road, which parallels Westward Beach. To the southeast of Westward Beach is a small 300 foot or so beachfront area called Pirate's Cove Beach (which due to its seclusion was once used as a nude beach).

At the end of Westward Beach Road (WBR), access to the protected 34-acre Point Dume Natural Preserve begins from the cul-de-sac. A gradual ascending trail leads to an ancient coastal bluff sand dune with spectacular views...we've seen whales, seals and dolphins over here. A stairway from the east side of the bluff-top preserve allows access to a more isolated beach and tidepools (look but don't touch). Location/Directions: Take Kanan south to PCH and turn right. WBR is over the rise, at the foot of the hill. Park free on WBR or pay a fee at Westward Beach lot. No restrooms at the Preserve but some can be found on WBR. Call 310.457.8143 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=623 for more information.

NOTE: Dogs are not allowed on trails in the Point Dume Natural Preserve or on the beach.

Looking down on the beach at Point Dume

Paradise Cove Beach is located at 28128 Pacific Coast Highway, accessed via Paradise Cove Road. Parking (as of August 2025) is $10 weekdays ($15 weekends/holidays) for if you spend up to 4 hours at the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe (and spend at least $30 there) or $45/$65/day (weekdays/weekends) if you park there just for the beach. Or, you can park on PCH and walk there. There are restrooms, cabanas, lounge chairs and chairs for rent, and a small pier. Visit www.paradisecovemalibu.com.

Escondido Beach is a short, narrow strip of beach accessible just west of Geoffrey's Malibu via a long stairway at 27420 PCH or near the corner of Escondido Beach Road and Malibu Cove Colony Drive. Look for access signs. No dogs allowed. No facilities.

Dan Blocker Beach is located at 26000 Pacific Coast Highway (between Solstice Canyon and Corral Canyon Roads. A sandy, narrow beach that draws surfers and scuba divers. Limited free roadside parking. Restrooms are available. Corral Canyon (trail map HERE) is located across the street at 25623 PCH. The trailhead is on the north side of PCH next to Malibu Seafood restaurant. The beach can be accessed from via a seasonal trail under PCH. 310.305.9546

On June 14, 2016, a new beach stairway access was completed at 24038 Malibu Road. Very little parking available there and no facilities at the beach. Read more at THIS LINK.

Malibu Beach is a 167 acre beach at 23050 and 23200 Pacific Coast Highway that includes Malibu Lagoon, Malibu Lagoon Museum and the Malibu Pier. Malibu Surfrider Beach next to the pier is quite popular with local surfers. Parking available for a fee, or park on streets surrounding Malibu Country Mart and walk across PCH at the signaled crosswalk at Cross Creek Road.

Malibu Surfrider Beach viewed from the Malibu Sportfishing Pier

Perhaps the most expensive strip of beach in the world is Carbon Beach, which stretches about a mile and a half between the Malibu Pier and just east of Carbon Canyon Road. This wide beach is a beautiful strip of sand, but public access points can be challenging to find and parking can be a challenge. Learn specifics at THIS LINK but specifically, the public accessway points are at 22670 PCH, 22466 PCH and 22126 PCH. No restrooms and no dogs allowed at this beach.

Las Tunas Beach is located at 19444 Pacific Coast Highway, about 4 1/2 miles east of the Malibu Pier. It is a narrow beach beneath the bluffs that holds a special attraction to surf casters. Free parking lot. Located between Tuna Canyon and Las Flores Canyon Roads.

And there's more...the California Coastal Commission Shoreline Public Access Program helps maximize public access to the beach along the California coast. When you see one of those "Coastal Access" signs, that means you can get to the beach. More on the program at www.coastal.ca.gov/access/accndx.html. The L.A. County Dept of Beaches and Harbors has published Malibu beach accessways at file.lacounty.gov/dbh/cms1_151453.jpg, including 11 accessways on PCH, Malibu Road and Broad Beach Road. But if you do check them out, be mindful of those who live there!