Planning to spend a day or weekend in Calabasas? Yes? Then you need to take a look at this list of the best things to do in Calabasas first! Believe it or not, there are many really cool things to do here.
This sun-dappled destination is notable for being home to Hollywood’s elite, mostly because of the thousands of acres of wide open spaces and gorgeous mountain vistas found in the vicinity of the city.
But the spectacular places and scenery found in this affluent zip code can be enjoyed by all! So don’t let the fact that you don’t have seven figures in your bank account stop you from planning a trip to Calabasas!!
Calabasas ticks the box for all types of travelers; historians, wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, movie buffs, and foodies. Whether you’re looking to learn about Southern California’s ecology, wildlife, early ranch life, or film history, you’ll find it here.
Do you prefer being outdoors and taking part in physical activities? Then you have hundreds of miles to choose from whether you’re looking for somewhere to hike or horse ride. And obviously there is no shortage of top restaurants for foodies.
So forget about celebrity sightings and focus on the awe-inspiring mountains and magnificent canyons!
Discover historical places and cute boutique stores in downtown Calabasas, then pick a windy canyon road to explore. There are several to choose from and they’ll all lead you through breathtaking countryside scenery. You’ll soon forget that you’re still in Los Angeles, one of the largest cities in the country!!!
Here are the very best things to do in Calabasas.
Best Things To Do In Calabasas
Old Town Calabasas Farmers Market
The Farmers Market in Old Town Calabasas is a terrific outdoor market in the heart of Calabasas where you’ll find local produce, flowers, wine, and other specialty items. Visiting the Farmers Market is one of the best things to do in Calabasas, so if possible, don’t miss the chance to stop by.
On offer are a variety of fruits and vegetables sourced from nearby farms in the San Fernando Valley and Conejo Valley. You’ll find all types of oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, pomelos, strawberries, blueberries, and of course, plenty of avocados!
The best part is that you can sample many of the fruits being sold here. You might even get to try unique produce not available elsewhere like gooseberries. There’s also a variety of other produce such as organic eggs, nuts, and seeds.
Vendors here sell delicious items like pistachio butter, grapefruit marmalade, Greek yogurt, and baked goods such as croissants, cakes, and quiche. For such a small farmers market, there is really a lot to choose from here. Bring your appetite!
Old Town Calabasas Farmers Market is held every Saturday morning from 8am to 1pm, throughout the year. Find it at 23504 Calabasas Road in Calabasas.
>>Read: What To Expect At Calabasas Farmers Market
Leonis Adobe Museum
The Leonis Adobe is a historic building located in Old Town Calabasas. Built in 1844, it is in fact one of the oldest surviving private residences in Los Angeles County.
At the property, you can take a deep dive into the history of ranch life in Los Angeles during the 1800s. There is a fascinating museum that covers the end of the “Old West” period and information about the original owner of the property, Miguel Leonis.
Miguel Leonis, born in France, was a wealthy rancher who once controlled much of the west end of the San Fernando Valley and part of Ventura County.
Leonis came to Southern California as a Basque sheep herder and blossomed into a robber baron holding feudal sway by the aid of a small army ofvaqueros. He acquired the existing property here in Calabasas some time in the 1850s or 1860s, and extensively enlarged and remodeled the dwelling into theMonterey Colonial-style mansion that remains today.
The Leonis Adobe was fully restored during the 1960s and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has since been converted into a living history museum to preserve the ranch’s past.
Learn what ranch life was like in Los Angeles through a number of interpretive exhibits, and see a collection of objects owned by the Leonis family. Kids will especially love the animals that live on the ranch which includes longhorn cattle, horses, goats, and sheep.
The Leonis Adobe Museum is open to the public year-round on Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm. Entry is by donation.
The Commons In Calabasas
If you love to shop, you’ll want to head straight to The Commons in Calabasas. The Commons is a shopping center in downtown Calabasas that has a number of high-end retail stores. Some of the retail outlets you’ll find here include Williams & Sonoma, Sephora, and LuluLemon.
But even if you’re not in the mood to shop or spend money, The Commons is a great place to visit to admire the unique Mediterranean architecture and lavish landscaping.
The most popular feature is the water fountain at the center of the shopping plaza known for its resident turtles. If you are traveling with kids, you will absolutely want to take them to see the turtles!
Looking for a place to lunch? There are several restaurants to choose from at The Commons that include eateries serving up gourmet hamburgers, pizza, and seafood.
Although The Commons is basically just another mall, it is the highlight of urban Calabasas and a must see if you want to get to know this city and where the locals like to shop.
If you’ve ever been to The Grove in West Hollywood, The Commons is basically the same thing but smaller.
Malibu Creek State Park
If you’re looking for outdoor activities in Calabasas, you need to head to Malibu Creek State Park! Touted as the “Yosemite of Southern California”, this stunning state park located in the Santa Monica Mountains offers miles of hiking, biking, and horse riding trails for outdoor lovers.
The 8,000 acre wilderness preserve is home to picturesque rolling grassy hills, impressive mountain peaks, and serene woodlands filled with gorgeous oak trees.
In the spring, this is one of the best places to see spring bloom in California where you can witness an explosion of California poppies and purple lupine.
Malibu Creek State Park not only offers nature lovers respite from the hustle and grind of Los Angeles city life, but is also a place where you can brush up on your film knowledge because this state park is an iconic film destination that was once owned by Twentieth Century Studios.
Several notable movies have been filmed here including “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “Planet of the Apes”. If you’re a film buff, you’ll definitely want to check this park out!
King Gillette Ranch
Across the road from the entrance to Malibu Creek State Park is King Gillette Ranch, a large ranch that was once owned by King Gillette, the inventor of the Gillette razor blade. Gillette purchased the 588-acre property in 1926, and built a sprawling mansion in the Spanish Colonial Revival style.
Today, King Gillette Ranch is a large park open to the public for hiking, picnics, and special events. There are several hiking trails through meadows and along mountain ridgelines. The most popular hike here is to Inspiration Point where you can see amazing views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the greater Calabasas area.
A number of wildlife native to Southern California call King Gillette Ranch home and if you’re lucky you may spot coyotes, deer, weasels, ground squirrels, and even rattlesnakes. Mountain lions also roam the area however you are unlikely to see these big cats.
The ranch is now owned by the National Park Service and onsite is the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area Visitor Center which is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
At the Visitor Center you’ll find exhibits that explain the natural and human history of the Santa Monica Mountains including some really cool photos of what Los Angeles looked like before the urban sprawl began. Children will enjoy learning about wildlife and ecology in Southern California through the interactive displays and short film.
M*A*S*H Site
The television series M*A*S*H which was on air from 1972 to 1983, was a black comedy set during the Korean War. It grew to become a landmark series garnering over 100 Emmy nominations during its eleven season, 251 episode run.
Although the show was set in Korea, it was actually filmed right here in Malibu Creek State Park! When filming first started in 1972, the state park was still owned and operated by Twentieth Century Fox (1946-1974), however during the period M*A*S*H was filmed, the property was sold off to become Malibu Creek State Park.
The state park now manages and preserves the former filming location as it is still a big hit with visitors and even attracts people from around the world who were big fans of the show.
The MASH set is located along Crags Road, the main hiking trail through the state park. From the park entrance, it is 4.75 miles round trip on mostly flat terrain to the old film set.
At the site you’ll find old military vehicles, ambulance, and helipad. Of course much of the equipment has somewhat deteriorated, but it’s still a fun place to explore when in Calabasas.
Malibu Hindu Temple
One of the most unique places you can visit in Calabasas is Malibu Hindu Temple. The temple which was first established here in 1981 and built in the traditional South Indian style, is actually one of the largest Hindu temples in the western hemisphere!
Visitors are welcome to wander through the temple and grounds to admire the beautiful building with its intricate carvings, and enjoy the spaces provided for meditation and picnics.
Keep in mind that you will need to take off your shoes when you enter the house of worship and that there is no smoking allowed on the premises.
Malibu Hindu Temple is open to the public on weekends from 10am to 5pm and closed during the week. The address is 1600 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas.
>>Read: Visit Malibu Hindu Temple: A Hidden Gem In The Santa Monica Mountains
Paramount Ranch
If you haven’t been to Paramount Ranch yet, add a visit to your Calabasas itinerary! The ranch is not only a fantastic place to enjoy the great outdoors and take in that fresh Santa Monica Mountains air, but also an iconic film destination.
In the late 1920s, Paramount Pictures purchased 2,700 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains to use as a movie-making ranch and between 1927 and 1943, the studio made more than 130 films here! Sets were constructed that depicted everywhere from colonial Massachusetts to ancient China, Africa and numerous western locations.
Some of the movies and TV shows filmed here include “The Cisco Kid” (1950-1956) and the heartwarming “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” (1993-1998) starring Jane Seymour which used Paramount Ranch as their permanent everyday set. More recent productions that filmed at this location include “The Lake House” (2006) and HBO’s “Westworld” (2016-2017). You can see a complete list of shows filmed here.
The National Park Service purchased Paramount Ranch in 1980, two years after the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area was established by Congress. This is the only site in the National Park System that is dedicated to telling the story of American filmmaking — both past and present.
After purchasing a portion of the original Paramount property, the National Park Service revitalized the movie ranch restoring the “Western Town” to its former glory and resumed using it as a filming location. For years, visitors could see set buildings and other film/tv show paraphernalia. That is until the Woolsey Fire swept through.
Unfortunately, in November 2018, a wildfire swept through Paramount Ranch and destroyed most of what was known as Western Town. However, the train depot used in “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” and the chapel used in “Westworld” survived the fire and remain on site. The good news is construction is underway to replace some of what was lost.
Although Paramount Ranch is not yet back to where it was, it is still a great place to enjoy the great outdoors. There are several miles of easy to moderate hikes that meander through chaparral and rare valley oak savannah plant communities. Wildlife sightings here could include red-tailed hawks, acorn woodpeckers, coyotes, and deer.
*Note that the park and its hiking trails remain open during construction but visitors will be diverted around the construction closure.
Saddle Peak Lodge
Nestled deep in the hills of Malibu, along a creek that flows through Las Virgenes Canyon to the Pacific Ocean, a fabulous and historic restaurant sits under a majestic rock formation known as Saddle Peak. The restaurant is the aptly named Saddle Peak Restaurant.
This restaurant has a long and storied past; from its origins as a general store along a rugged mountain trail where cowboys, hunters, oil riggers and miners stopped to quench their thirst, pick up supplies and swap stories, to becoming a roadhouse frequented by celebrities from Hollywood’s golden era.
After being discovered by Hollywood and noted for having the likes of Errol Flynn and Clark Gable turning up regularly in their Bugattis, Saddle Peak Lodge began a new chapter as an enchanting and exclusive restaurant.
Saddle Peak has since remained a place of enchantment, and the restaurant now offers a fine dining experience with a sophisticated menu. If you’re looking for a unique experience in Calabasas, or somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, you’ll want to reserve a table at this historic lodge.
Oh, and if you love whiskey, you have to check out the Double Barrel Room, a clever transformation of the restaurant’s attic into a whiskey mecca appropriately decked out with leather lounges, big cat pelts, and over 350 whiskeys from around the world that you can sip on while enjoying encompassing mountain views.
Their address is 419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday from 5pm to 9pm, Friday & Saturday from 5pm to 10pm, Sunday Brunch from 10:30am to 2:30pm, and Sunday Dinner 5pm to 9pm.
Calamigos Guest Ranch
If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider a stay at the luxurious Calamigos Guest Ranch, a ranch hidden in the hills of Malibu, not too far away from Calabasas. The lavish accommodations are situated on a private 250 acre property in Malibu Wine Country.
Accommodations consist of cozy and intimate private cottages, one and two bedroom bungalows, and estate rooms. Guests have access to multiple pools, a spa, and fitness center.
In addition, all guests have exclusive access to The Calamigos Beach Club, a private 5.5 acre beach estate located on Malibu’s stunning coastline. The Beach Club is a short twelve minute drive away which you can reach using the complimentary luxury shuttle bus.
This private hideaway is perfect for rest and relaxation, and the ultimate destination to indulge your loved one on a romantic retreat. Check prices and availability here.
Stop In For Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner At The Old Place
Located in the little hamlet of Cornell, not far from Calabasas is The Old Place, a hole in the wall establishment that is steeped in history.
The Old Place is indeed an old place, having first opened its doors in 1970 by none other than Tom Runyon, the famous fictional writer and sometimes actor who has a canyon named after his coal baron uncle in the Hollywood Hills. Yes, I’m talking about the popular hiking destination Runyon Canyon.
Runyon who grew up in Los Angeles, wanted his restaurant-saloon to reflect an Old West that had long disappeared, just as the city landscape of his youth.The aptly named Old Place took root in a structure built around 1914 at the juncture of Mulholland Highway and Troutdale Drive which once housed a general store and post office for Cornell, a place that is now better known as Agoura Hills.
The Old Place, which back then had just five booths and served only two entrees (steak and clams), was described as a ramshackle of a place. There was only one waitress, Tom Runyon’s wife, and Runyon was both cook and dishwasher. Nevertheless, the rough-hewn roadhouse on Mulholland attracted the famous and famously interesting. During those times, you may have seen Bob Dylan or Ronald and Nancy Reagan rubbing shoulders with the Malibu and Calabasas communities.
To this day, not much has changed here. The dining area is still small and the restaurant offers a limited menu, but that doesn’t mean food here isn’t in demand. On the contrary, you are likely to wait quite some time to be able to get a table at The Old Place. Ask anyone who’s dined here and they’ll tell you the food is absolutely outstanding!
The iconic spot is now run by Morgan Runyon, Tom’s son. So, if you’re looking for a charming place to enjoy lunch or dinner, or a one-of-a-kind dining experience, be sure to pay The Old Place a visit!
The Old Place is located at 29983 Mulholland Highway, Cornell. They offer inside and outside dining, but note that the hours differ for each.
Inside dining hours are Thursday through Saturday from 4pm to 9pm. Outside hours are Thursday from 4pm to 9pm, Friday from 12pm to 9pm (lunch and dinner), Saturday and Sunday they are open for breakfast 9:30am to 2pm, lunch 9:30am to 4pm, and dinner 12pm to 9pm. Here is the outside menu and the inside menu.
The Rock Store
If you live in the Calabasas or Agoura communities you know exactly where and what The Rock Store is, but for those of you unfamiliar with this territory, The Rock Store is one of the most famous motorcycle hangouts in the world! Seriously.
The Los Angeles Times called this place “one of best-known biker pit stops in the world” and Wall Street Journal referred to it as “a celebrity hangout where Hollywood’s motorcycle riders like to congregate”. Which celebrities you ask? Only John Travolta, Tom Arnold, Eddie Van Halen, Harrison Ford, John Goodman, Billy Idol, Matt LeBlanc, Tommy Lee and Hulk Hogan to name a few.
On any given Saturday or Sunday, you are likely to encounter dozens, if not hundreds of motorcyclists congregating at The Rock. Expect to see lots of leather and bikes that range from modern Harleys to restored vintage classics.
Legend has it that the owner of this place during the Great Depression was a bootlegger back when the place was a hot spring resort. It wasn’t until 1961 that The Rock Store became a general store and motorcycle pit stop.
This place is now somewhat of a tourist attraction in Calabasas, but still a popular haunt of motorcyclists and celebrities who like motorcycles. The store is located along Mulholland Highway in Cornell between Calabasas and the Malibu Hills.
It’s the perfect place to stop by for breakfast or lunch on a weekend when the weather is nice (which is pretty much almost every day of the year in Southern California).
Among the attractions are the rustic settings, impressive bikes, and of course the food! The Rock Store is most popular for their hefty breakfasts, BBQ tri-tip sandwiches, teriyaki chicken sandwiches, and homemade chili.
Even if you’re not hungry, you should at least stop in for a nice cold beverage. You never know who you might run into here, both Jay Leno and Arnold Schwarzenegger are regulars here.
This “mecca for motorcycles” is open on Friday from 9am to 5pm, Saturday & Sunday from 7am to 5pm. See their breakfast menu here and the lunch menu here.
Take A Private Horseback Ride Through The Mountains
If you’re looking to have a very cool experience in Calabasas, book a private horseback ride through the mountains with Stone Fox Ranch. These guided rides will take you along the mountain trails behind King Gillette Ranch where you’ll get to see local flora and fauna.
The mountain trails taken in the course of your private ride offer incredible views of the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Canyon and Malibu Creek State Park. You never know, you may encounter a family of deer or even spot a coyote during your ride.
This peaceful experience is one of the best ways to enjoy the stunning mountain vistas in Calabasas. So if you’re looking for unique and memorable ways to spend your weekend, consider arranging a trip with these outfitters.
Nights of the Jack
If you’re in Calabasas during the month of October, Nights of the Jack is a not to be missed event. It takes place almost every night of the week throughout October from 6pm to 10pm.
This event which is held at King Gillette Ranch, features spooky trails lined with hand-carved jack-o-lanterns and other scary Halloween-themed decorations. Afterwards you can grab a bite to eat from one of the many food trucks and enjoy a hot cider or seasonal co*cktail at the Spookeasy.
The spooktacular festival is family-friendly and open to all ages. Keep in mind it is a ticketed event. The show takes place rain, hail, or shine!
Where To Stay In Calabasas
Affordable Stays In Calabasas
If you’re looking for modest accommodation in Calabasas that won’t break the bank, take a look at this cozy trailer in Calabasas listed on Airbnb. This Airbnb stay is very affordable and has incredible views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Not only that, but the property is located adjacent to both King Gillette Ranch and Malibu Creek State Park.
If you would prefer to stay in downtown Calabasas, consider staying at The Anza Hotel which is located very close to The Commons and a variety of restaurants. This hotel has an onsite coffee shop, bar, restaurant, and outdoor swimming pool.
Luxury Stays In Calabasas
For extended stays, take a look at vacation home listings in Calabasas on VRBO where you can get a whole house complete with pool and hot tub from anywhere between $300 to $800 per night.
If you don’t mind the short drive between Malibu and Calabasas, which is only a mere eight miles, I highly recommend staying in Malibu where you can stay in beachfront property like this bungalow at Carbon Beach (better known as Billionaire Row). Click the link to see how amazing the nightly rate is!
But if you’d prefer hotel accommodations, choose either Calamigos Guest Ranch (as mentioned above) or The Surfrider Malibu, a four-star hotel located across the road from Surfrider Beach.
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