Twelve of My Favorite Things To Do in the City of Simi Valley

The City of Simi Valley was incorporated on October 10, 1969, less than 3 months after Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon. The City covers 42 square miles and as of 2013 was home to just over 126,000 people. Simi Valley is neighbors with Moorpark, Thousand Oaks and the San Fernando Valley.

According to the City's website, the name of the Chumash Indian Village “Shimiji” is believed to be the origin of the City’s name and Ta’apu is the origin of the names of Tapo Street and Tapo Canyon.

But enough of that. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Simi Valley.

I love hiking the Long Canyon Trail, with its views of Wood Ranch, Bard Lake and the rest of Simi Valley (not to mention you can hike to Lang Ranch in Thousand Oaks from here).

The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is a 220 seat theater at 3050 Los Angeles Avenue that hosts musicals, concerts, exhibits, children's theater and other events year-round.  The theater is a landmark Gothic structure built in the 1920s that was named Ventura County Historical Landmark #67 in July 1981. Visit www.simi-arts.org to learn more.

Views from the Long Canyon Trail

The magnificent Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a major draw to Simi Valley. This 243,000 sq ft museum at the top of 100 acres of land is a must see for its interactive displays, history, Air Force One and outstanding rotating exhibits. And the views, particularly on clear days, are quite memorable.

Lazertag Extreme opened in the Wood Ranch section of Simi Valley in 2013 and at over 5,000 sq ft is a great indoor, multi-level laser tag facility and arcade.

Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village is a historical and cultural landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located on a residential lot that contains shrines, walkways, sculptures and buildings from recycled items and discards, built over a 25 year old period by Tressa "Grandma" Prisbrey. An eyesore to some, a one-of-a-kind treasure to others. Open periodically to the public as the site is restored.

Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10049 and Simi Valley Town Center host an impressive display at the Museum of Military History Posters and Memorabilia. There are hundreds of military posters and historical artifacts on display that have been graciously provided by local veterans and collectors.

Museum of Military History Posters and Memorabilia in Simi Valley

There are two bowling alleys in Simi Valley - Harley's Simi Bowl (24 lanes) on the west side and Harley's Valley Bowl (formerly Brunswick Zone) (40 lanes) on the east side.

The Mt. McCoy Trail is located on the west side of Simi Valley, just a short hop, skip and jump around the corner from the Reagan Library. You can't miss the hill because there's a large, white cross at the top. A bit over a mile of well-maintained switchbacks takes you to the top.

Views galore from Mt. McCoy Trail peak.

Simi Valley Days takes place in mid-September each year over a four day period. The event has a long history, going back to 1934. It is a community celebration with carnival rides, games, live music, vendors, food, a parade and much more. 

Visit a fully restored Southern Pacific Railroad depot circa 1903 with both freight and passenger trains rushing by day and night at the Santa Susana Depot Museum and Model Railroad. Open on weekends from 1-4 pm, the depot is also home to the Santa Susana Model Railroad Club’s large operating HO scale model railroad, in a layout that portrays Simi Valley during the mid 1950’s. This is a lot of fun to see. And outside, you and the kids will be treated to up close views of Amtrak and Metrolink passenger trains rolling by. Wave and they'll honk at you.

The pristine Studio Movie Grill opened at the Simi Valley Town Center in October 2015. This 41,000 sq ft theater features 9 screens and over 950 seats. 

There is plenty more to see and do in Simi Valley that is not on this particular list. Check out:

• Upcoming events in Simi Valley

• Things to do in Simi Valley (all ages)

• Things to do in Simi Valley (geared towards kids)

• Fitness and sports activities in Simi Valley

Where to Play Pickleball in Ventura County

Pickleball court at Del Prado Playgrounds in Newbury Park.

Pickleball is oversized ping pong played on a badminton sized court with a tennis sized net. Pickleball originated in Bainsbridge Island, Washington in 1965 when congressman Joel Pritchard and his friend Bill Bell created the game for their families to play.

Pickleball is played with a perforated plastic ball similar to a wiffle ball that weighs about an ounce and composite or wooden paddles about twice the size of ping pong paddles. Pickleball is an indoor/outdoor sport that is easy to learn and, like tennis and ping pong, can be played singles or doubles. Learn more about pickleball at www.usapa.org.

Today, the sport of pickleball is governed in the U.S. by the USA Pickleball Association. which was founded in 2005 to promote the sport. There are over 19.8 million pickleball players in the United States over the age of six and over 68,000 pickleball courts across the country.

Pickleball continues to grow in popularity here in the Ventura County area. Here is a list of pickleball courts in and around Ventura County as well as adjacent areas:

Thousand Oaks:

• Two pickleball courts at Del Prado Playfield in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park. Lighted from sunset to 10pm. www.crpd.org/del-prado-playfield

• Six courts at Rancho Conejo Playfield at 950 North Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park that are lighted from sunset to 10pm www.crpd.org/rancho-conejo-playfields

• Picklewall (pickleball played in a racquetball court) at the Thousand Oaks Community Center www.crpd.org/picklewall

• Two courts at Estella Park, 300 Erbes Road, Thousand Oaks. www.crpd.org/estella-park

• The Pickleball Athletic Club at 2000-B Anchor Court, Thousand Oaks has 9 indoor, temperature-controlled acrylic courts. Open daily. There are monthly membership fees, but guests will also be able to reserve courts. Learn more at playatpac.com.

Westlake Village:

The City of Westlake Village constructed four pickleball courts for public use at Westlake Village Community Park, 31107 Thousand Oaks Boulevard. The courts are located in the northeast corner of the existing parking lot, east of the Yarrow Family YMCA and south of the skate park. Courts are open from sunrise to 9pm and have lights. www.wlv.org/pickleball.

There are 8 dedicated pickleball courts at the Westlake Athletic Club available to its members. wac.caclubs.com/pickleball

Simi Valley:

• Pickleball courts at Rancho Tapo Community Park, 3700 Avenida Simi offers 4 dedicated courts and 2 shared courts available daily from 7am to 10pm.

• Pickleball courts at Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Avenue offers 6 dedicated courts daily from 7am to 10pm.

• There are 12 pickleball courts available at Sinaloa Middle School, 601 Royal Avenue, on weekdays when school is in session from 4:30pm to dusk and on weekends, school holidays and summer break from 7am to dusk. www.rsrpd.org/recreation/sports___field_conditions/sv_tennis_pickleball/index.php

Oak Park:

There are six pickleball courts at Deerhill Park, 6700 Doubletree Road. www.rsrpd.org/business_detail_T9_R26.php

Port Hueneme:

Pickleball is available at Walter B. Moranda Park, 200 Moranda Parkway, Port Hueneme. There are 10 courts; 5 of them are reservable. www.ci.port-hueneme.ca.us/1169/Moranda-Park

Moorpark:

Pickleball courts at Tierra Rejada Park, 11900 Mountain Trail Street open 8am to sunset and dual tennis/pickleball courts at Miller Park, 4530 Miller Parkway open 7am to 10pm.

Camarillo:

• Six pickleball courts (4 permanent, 2 dual use courts) at Bob Kildee Community Park, 1030 Temple Avenue.

• Two dual use courts with lights and rollaway nets at Springville Park, 81 Via Zamora. as well as at Pitts Ranch Park, 1400 Flynn Road.

• Dual-use court at Springville Park, 801 Via Zamora. www.pvrpd.org/springville-park-pickleball

• There are four indoor pickleball courts at Camarillo Athletics that can be reserved for a fee. Located at 487 Dawson Drive #3S. camarilloathletics.com

Ventura www.cityofventura.ca.gov/pickleball

• Harry A. Lyon Park, 150 De Anza Drive, Ventura on Tuesdays from 3:30pm to dusk and Saturdays from 9am to noon.

• Juanamaria Park, Kimball Road and Loma Vista Road on Thursdays from 3:30pm to dusk and 2pm to dusk.

• There are three pickleball courts at the Lake Casitas Recreation Area that are open daily during regular park hours. They are available with a park entry fee or annual pass. Located at Picnic 1 Area. www.casitaswater.org/pickleball

Ojai

• The City of Ojai has 4 pickleball courts on City Hall Grounds at 401 S. Ventura Street, Ojai. Visit ojairec.com/389/Pickleball-Courts for hours and other information.

• Pickleball court are under construction at Soule Park, 1301 Soule Park Road, through July 2024. www.ventura.org/parks-department/inland-parks/soule-park-ojai

Calabasas

The privately-owned Calabasas Pickleball Club opened on June 1, 2024, with 16 courts at 5155 Old Scandia Lane. It is a members only club. Visit calabasaspb.com for more information.

Pickleball is offered at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/community-services-parks-recreation/tennis-swim-center/tennis-pickleball

There are 4 mixed-used pickleball courts at De Anza Park, 3701 Lost Hills Road, Calabasas. www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/community-services-parks-recreation/sport-fields-and-courts

Clubs:

Ventura County Pickleball Club venturacountypickleballclub.com

Ojai Valley Pickleball www.ojaivalleypickleball.com

Ventura County Pickleball League camarilloathletics.com/ventura-county-pickleball-league

Visit camarillopickleball.fun to connect with other pickleball players.

Veterans Day Services in Ventura County

Veterans Day is celebrated as a Federal holiday on the 11th day of November in honor of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Veterans Day coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark the anniversary of the end of World War I, which formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when Armistice with Germany took effect.

Here are some local Veterans Day 2025 service options to honor those who have served our country:

• Sat, Nov 8: Veterans Day Celebration at the Stagecoach Inn Newbury Park (1-4pm)

• Sat, Nov 8: Murder Mystery Fundraiser for Gold Star Families and Service-Disabled Veterans in Camarillo (5-8PM - Tickets on Sale)

• Mon, Nov 10: Veterans Day Ceremony in Calabasas (11am)

• Tue, Nov 11: Veterans Day Event at Reagan Library (11am)

• Tue, Nov 11: Veterans Day Services followed by Wellness Fair in Simi Valley (11am)

• Tue, Nov 11: Veterans Day Ceremony at Conejo Creek Park North (10:30am)

• Tue, Nov 11: GCVF Veterans Day Ceremony in Ventura (11am)

• Tue, Nov 11: Veterans Day Ceremony in Oxnard (11am)

• Tue, Nov 11: Veterans Day Ceremony in Malibu (11am)

• Tue, Nov 11: Veterans Day Celebration at CLU (Noon; RSVP)

A sampling of free Veterans Day offers for Active Military and Veterans with ID:

• Chili’s: Free meal on 11/11/25 for all veterans and active military. Dine-in only for select items. Must present military ID.

• Applebee’s: Free meal to veterans and active military on 11/11/25.

• Golden Corral: Free thank you meal from 4pm to close on 11/11/25.

• Red Robin: Free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and fries on 11/11/25.

Vietnam veteran David Stull stands guard while supporting a flagpole carrying the American flag at the Garden of Valor at Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village. This was one of three 30 minute shifts he stood guard. November 1984 photo by Scott Harrison/The News Chronicle

Back in the 1980s, Conejo Valley residents would observe a 24-hour vigil during the Veterans Day holiday. I took photos several times, but this 1984 photo at dusk remains my favorite. The current full name of Valley Oaks is Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park. The flame is still burning at the Garden of Valor.

Over 40 Things to Do in Malibu

This "27 Miles of Scenic Beauty" sign was swapped out for "21 Miles of Scenic Beauty" sign in April 2017 in order to correct the actual length of City of Malibu coastline.

The new sign updated in 2017.

Malibu was incorporated as a separate city in Los Angeles County on March 28, 1991, with 84% of Malibu voters supporting incorporation in a 1990 election.

The Conejo Valley lies just 8 to 10 miles away from the Malibu beachfront, making Malibu a natural choice to beat the heat and enjoy to its south-facing beaches. Here's a compilation of over 40 things to do in and around Malibu.

Beaches (East to West)

• Las Tunas Beach

• Carbon Beach

• Malibu Surfrider Beach

• Malibu Lagoon State Beach

• Dan Blocker Beach

• Escondido Beach

• Paradise Cove Beach

• Point Dume State Beach

• Westward Beach

• Zuma Beach

• Lechuza Beach

• El Matador State Beach

• La Piedra State Beach

• El Pescador State Beach

• Nicholas Canyon County Beach

• Leo Carrillo State Beach

• County Line Beach

• Sycamore Cove Beach

• Thornhill Broome Beach

• Mugu Beach

Surfrider Beach from the Malibu Pier

Hiking and Camping

• Solstice Canyon

• Grotto Trail

• Arroyo Sequit (Woolsey Fire Closure)

• Charmlee Wilderness Park

• Escondido Canyon and Waterfalls

• Chumash Trail in Point Mugu State Park

• Ray Miller Trail in Point Mugu State Park

• Sandstone Peak

• Mishe Mokwa Trail

• Rocky Oaks Nature Reserve

• Big Sycamore Canyon Campground

• Thornhill Broome Campground

• Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

Adamson House

Other Places

• Malibu Pier

• Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum

• Alumni Park at Pepperdine University

• Legacy Park

• Malibu Bluffs Park

• Serra Retreat

• Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University

• Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University

• Malibu Country Mart

• Large Sand Dune at Thornhill Broome Beach

• Mugu Rock

The Adamson House in Malibu is Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

The Adamson House at 23200 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu is a National Historic Site and a registered California landmark. The house and grounds share one of the most beautiful beach locations in Southern California, with a view of the Malibu Lagoon, Malibu Beach and the Malibu Pier. In addition to its world-famous Malibu Tile, the house contains hand-carved teak wood doors, hand-painted murals, molded ceilings, hand-wrought ironwork and lead-framed bottle glass windows.

The house was built in 1930 for Rhoda Rindge Adamson and Merritt Huntley Adamson, originally as a summer cottage and in 1936 as the family's primary residence. It is located on the 13,315 acre Malibu Rancho that was purchased by Rhoda's parents, Frederick and May K. Rindge, in 1892.  Mr. Rindge passed away in 1905 and left the ranch to his wife, who later gave the parcel to the Adamsons.

USC graduate Merritt Adamson met Rhoda Rindge while he was employed as foreman of the Rindge Ranch. The couple married in 1915 and in 1916 Merritt founded Adohr Farms in the San Fernando Valley, named after his wife's first name spelled backwards.

Rhoda inherited the property after Merritt's death in 1949 and she lived there until her passing in 1962. The land was later purchased by the State of California under eminent domain laws to create beach parking, but local groups and preservationists fought to preserve the property and succeeded. The house was restored and the garage was converted into the Malibu Lagoon Museum and they opened to the public in 1983.

Flooring in the backside of the house

The Adamson House Tour is a guided tour through the house which contains its original furnishings and is decorated with the renowned Malibu Potteries tile. Trained volunteer docents relate the history of the house, details of its architecture and furnishings, and the history of the family that lived in and created this distinctive home. Admission (as of November 2025) is $7 for ages 17 and up, $2 ages 6 to 16 and free for under 6. Cash only. Open for guided tours 11am to 2pm Wed to Sat. More information at www.adamsonhouse.org or call 310.456.8432.

Daylight Saving Time Ends on the First Sunday of November

Daylight Saving Time ends on the first Sunday of November each year in the U.S. (with the exception of Arizona and Hawaii). In 2025, that will be Sunday, November 2nd, at 2 a.m.

At 1:59:59 a.m. on that Sunday, your clocks will revert back to 1 a.m. Yes! FALL BACK!! An extra hour of sleep!

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 gave us an extra month of DST by starting DST 3 weeks earlier and ending it one week later.

For my more precise readers, it is officially called Daylight Saving (not Savings) Time. So if you want to annoy your friends, correct them any time they call it Daylight SavingS time.

Also as one website I found mentioned, Daylight Saving Time is technically inaccurate, since we don't really gain daylight. It would more appropriately be called Daylight Shifting Time but I don't see that being a high priority initiative.

Before the adoption of standard time zones in the United States, cities, towns, and communities set their own local times based on the sun’s position. In 1883, railroad companies adopted a system of standard time to synchronize movement and trade across the nation. The U.S. adopted an official system of standard time in 1918.

The Standard Time Act of 1918 incorporated a DST mandate from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. Congress repealed the DST mandate in 1919. President Woodrow Wilson vetoed the repeal. Congress overrode his veto.

Beginning in 1920, DST was a local state/city option. Here’s the history of DST legislation in California:

1930: Prop 7 was but on the ballot to implement DST at 2 a.m. on the last Sunday in April until 2 a.m. on the last Sunday in September. The initiative failed.

1940: Prop 5 was put on the ballot to implement DST. The initiative failed again.

1949: Third time’s a charm. This time it passed.

1962: Prop 6 was passed, which extended DST from the last Sunday in September to the last Sunday in October.

2018: Californians voted in favor of Proposition 7 by a margin of 59.75% to 40.25%. Voting in favor of the proposition allowed the California State Legislature to change the DST period by a 2/3rds vote and to establish permanent, year-round DST in California by a 2/3rds vote if federal law is changed to allow for permanent DST.

Why the holdup?

The holdup is at the federal level, not the state level: Voting yes on Prop 7 was just the first step in the process. California is one of 14 states that introduced legislation in 2019 to shift to permanent daylight saving time. States cannot move forward with permanent daylight saving time without authorization from the federal government.

H.R. 1556 “Sunshine Protection Act of 2019,” was introduced to the House in 2018 and 2019 but failed. It was reintroduced in 2021 as SB 623 and H.R. 69 as the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021. The bill would make DST the new, permanent standard time. States with areas exempt from DST may choose the standard time for those areas. SB 623 was passed by the Senate but the House bill died in committee

The Sunshine Protection Act of 2023 (H.R. 1279, SB 582) was introduced March 1, 2023 but went nowhere.

The Sunshine Protection Act of 2025 (H.R. 139, SB 29) was introduced in January 2025 and has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. No updates as of September 2025.

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