The rolling hills of Conejo Valley offer hiking trails with spectacular sunsets just an hour north of Los Angeles, a perfect escape for travelers seeking nature without venturing far from urban comforts. Photo courtesy of Visit Conejo Valley
In the age of overtourism, 2025 seems to be shaping up as the year of the “detour traveler” – the wanderers who hit the iconic spots but are also savvy enough to explore the hidden gems nearby. While Los Angeles has all the glitz and glam, just an hour north, you’ll find Conejo Valley, a surprisingly calm haven where suburban charm meets stunning nature.
During my last trip to LA, I decided to spend a few days in this under-the-radar area, and what I found was a unique vibe that the locals proudly claim has “nothing to do with LA.”
Whether you’re looking to unwind in nature, try local dining spots, or simply soak in the small-town atmosphere, Conejo Valley offers an authentic California experience without the LA crowds.
Conejo Valley: A Brief Overview
Conejo Valley is made up of five towns—Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village—each with its own distinct vibe. Outdoor lovers will appreciate the hiking and biking opportunities and the nearby Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The area also has a rich arts and culture scene, with local museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing everything from contemporary art to local history.
What to Do in Conjeo Valley
Hiking and Nature
Conejo Valley is pure heaven for outdoor lovers. Thanks to its mild, sunny weather year-round, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors in every season. The area has over 150 miles of hiking and biking trails, ranging from peaceful, beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes for seasoned adventurers.
One of the biggest draws is the easy access to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, a sprawling natural playground filled with rugged canyons, oak woodlands, and panoramic vistas.
If you’re in the mood for a quick morning hike or a full-day adventure, you’ll find plenty of options surrounded by rolling hills, quiet forests, and breathtaking views of the coastline and valley below. Wildlife sightings are common, and in spring, the trails come alive with colorful wildflowers.
Trails and Other Outdoor Activities in Conejo Valley
Gardens of the World
A true horticultural gem, the Gardens of the World feels like taking a mini world tour through French, Italian, Japanese, and California-themed gardens. You can wander through manicured hedges, vibrant flowers, serene koi ponds and native plants. It’s a great place to relax and recharge, surrounded by beautiful, carefully curated landscapes.
Stagecoach Inn Museum
For a glimpse into SoCal history, head to the Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park. It’s open Saturdays from 1-4 PM and gives you a peek into the area’s past, from its days as a stagecoach stop to the suburban haven it is now. If you love history, you’ll find this place fascinating.
Bouquet Making at XO Bloom
One of the highlights of my trip was experiencing XO Bloom, a boutique floral studio in Westlake Plaza. This isn’t just a place to buy flowers—it’s where you can learn to make your own bouquet from passionate experts.
I went in knowing nothing about bouquet making, but the amazing owner, Laila, walked me through selecting the perfect blooms, considering both their appearance and role in the arrangement. It was a hands-on experience that cost $100, including the class and a finished bouquet.
This would be a great activity for anyone visiting from within the state (since flying with a bouquet can be tricky). If you’re attending an event in the LA area, consider coming with a bouquet as a gift. It was especially fun to bring my creation to a friend’s mom—her face lit up with joy.
Travel Guide to California
Where to Eat and Drink in Conejo Valley
Selvin’s
Sevlin’s is part of The Palm Garden Hotel, where I stayed during my visit (more on that later). My friend from LA and I shared an incredible dinner, starting with craft cocktails and appetizers like truffle fries, charred broccolini, and garlic mashed potatoes. For our mains, I had the Creamy Brown Butter gnocchi and my friend had the Smash Burger. We wrapped up with tiramisu, my friend’s all-time favorite dessert.
After dinner, we stumbled across a lively dance party right next to the restaurant, filled with people more than twice our age. They spotted us peeking in and invited us inside. We kept getting called up to dance, but these people were dancing experts—salsa, ballroom, you name it. I don’t know the first thing about formal dancing, but eventually, I gave in to the peer pressure and went up there with my friend. It was as embarrassing as I expected, but definitely a story we’ll remember. The event is open to the public every first Monday of the month if you want to experience it yourself.
Tuscany Il Ristorante
Italian food is always on my mind, so I decided to try Tuscany Il Ristorante, one of the many highly rated spots in the area. They had a plethora of pastas—my typical order at Italian restaurants—and each one was unique. I had the Tortelloni with Creamy “Quattro Formaggi,” doused in red sauce with swirls of a four-cheese fondue. That, along with a crème brûlée for dessert, made for the perfect evening.
The Cliff Diver
For a more vibrant, lively atmosphere, check out The Cliff Diver. Their menu blends innovation with comfort, and the energy is perfect for kicking off your night before heading out for some local nightlife. Take a look at their menu at thecliffdiver.com.
Crawford’s Social
Located in Westlake Plaza, Crawford’s Social combines sophisticated dining with a laid-back vibe. It’s the perfect place to indulge in Conejo Valley’s growing food scene for either lunch or dinner. They take reservations via crawfordssocial.com.
Whizin Market Square
Whizin Market Square is a must-visit for food lovers. Here, I stumbled upon a little cafe called Carrara’s Pastries with the most glorious croissants I’ve seen outside of France. Shiny, golden and flaky, they were tempting me through the glass. Paired with chai tea garnished with rose petals, it’s the best way to start any day. The market also features Blue Table for artisanal sandwiches and Agoura Wine and Beer Co. for local brews.
Restaurants at Whizin Market Square
Not only is Whizin Market Square a foodie’s paradise, it’s also the place for treasure hunting. The shops here specialize in eclectic, unique home décor, art, vintage goods and more.
I spent over an hour lost in Agoura Antique Mart, digging through old clocks, quirky lamps, vintage books, and even some old car memorabilia. Every corner felt like a new discovery.
Each shop in the complex has its own vibe, but they all share a common thread—you’re not going to find anything like this in a chain store. It’s the true heart of Conejo Valley’s shopping scene.
Other Shopping Centers
- Westlake Plaza: Located on South Westlake Boulevard, this elegant shopping center blends retail, dining, and services in what they describe as a “retreat-like setting rich in history.” The beautifully landscaped grounds make even everyday errands feel like a pleasure rather than a chore.
- The Oaks Shopping Center: Fashion lovers will appreciate this expansive mall featuring popular retailers like Apple, Michael Kors, J. Crew, and Anthropologie. With its diverse selection of stores, The Oaks offers enough shopping variety to satisfy even the most dedicated retail enthusiast.
Where to Stay in Conejo Valley
The Palm Garden Hotel
If you’re heading to Conejo Valley, The Palm Garden Hotel is the perfect spot to call home base. Situated in Thousand Oaks, the place is charming and offers a range of rooms, from poolside suites with full kitchens to spacious living rooms and comfy master bedrooms.
When I arrived, I was welcomed by a thoughtful touch—my bed adorned with rose petals and towels folded into swans, creating a sweet, inviting atmosphere. But the highlight? A massive soaking tub, perfect for relaxing.
The hotel grounds are equally delightful. You’ve got a heated pool with lounge chairs, a bubbling jacuzzi, lush gardens, and a cute gazebo. It’s casual luxury at its best.
Book Your Stay at The Palm Garden Hotel
Final Thoughts
Conejo Valley is the epitome of “detour travel”—a place that rewards the curious traveler willing to step off the beaten path. Whether you’re here for its natural beauty, its food or its unique character, Conejo Valley offers a refreshing contrast to LA’s tourist crowds. Sometimes, the best trips are the ones where you take the exit less traveled.
Learn more about Conejo Valley here.
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Isabella Miller is a travel journalist and editor at Go World Travel Magazine. She is a passionate world explorer with an appreciation for the vast range of the human experience. She wants to live it all, from backcountry camping in the Great Sand Dunes to marinating in a saltwater geothermal pool in the Italian Alps. She loves the yin and yang of cities and nature, celebrations and peace, adventure and relaxation. The best kind of trip is when all of the above coexist. This world is nuanced and delicate, filled with infinite stories to tell. She takes great pride and joy in sharing her discoveries with the world.
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