Westlake Village (Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica: travel, work, college)

[mitraveler]

Hi - My husband will be going to Westlake Village for work and I am going to tag along. As we have never been to California before, is there "must do" places that we should visit? Any places we shouldn't waste our time on? We will be there June 10 thru June 15. Thank you for your help!

[Charles]

Originally Posted by mitraveler

Hi - My husband will be going to Westlake Village for work and I am going to tag along. As we have never been to California before, is there "must do" places that we should visit? Any places we shouldn't waste our time on? We will be there June 10 thru June 15. Thank you for your help!

Are you open to seeing things all over Southern California, or, are you pretty much interesting in things local to the Westlake Village region? If the former, there are tons of existing threads on things to do in Los Angeles/Southern California so I won't mention them - it will be really easy for you to find them, even just searching the internet.

If you are looking for stuff say within 30-60 minutes then:

Zuma Beach (very nice sandy beach, family orientated, clean, close)
Moorpark College EATM (Exotic Animal Training Management)
Stagecoach Museum
Point Mugu Rock
Ventura Pier and the Buenaventura Mission in Ventura
Chumash Interpretive Museum on Lang Ranch Parkway
Malibou Lake Malibou Lake Mountain Club Movie Locations
Spahn Ranch (which isn't there anymore but the concrete foundation may still be, Manson's family historical place up Santa Susana Pass Road)
Sycamore Canyon for Mountain Biking, nine miles from Newbury Park to the beach all down hill, very pretty and scenic
Boney mountain Trail (longer) or the trail up to Boney Peak from Circle X Ranch (easier); Boney Peak is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains


Here's the way Westlake used to look before the Hawaiian Land Company developed the Russel Ranch in 1968.

Russell Ranch

Looking Back Through Time


(photo not protected by copyright)

[mitraveler]

Thank you very much! We are looking to do things within 60-90 minute drives as my husband will have to work during the day and we have only the weekend to really stretch out and sightsee. I appreciate the help!!

[BRinSM]

Santa Barbara should definititely be within 60-90 minutes from Westlake Village. Also, Malibu is about 20 minutes. Santa Monica is about 45 minutes away and LA/Hollywood/Beverly Hills are about an hour away.

[Mrzipityduda]

I would forget the time spent to see the Stage Coach M....unless you are really into the old west. Go to Santa Barbara and have some CHowder at Brophys Sea Food Rest. they have agreat Blackened sea bass. Walk down Mian street in Santa barara if you like antiquing.... only 5 days? Does hubby get time off with you? good luck.
PS if you go toward LA you want toleave around 930 am (no earlier) and come back before 4 pm....also...if you havent been to aplay..."WICKED" is still playing...awesome...see about tickets.

[PecanPie]

This isn't really site seeing -- but if you have time maybe one evening after your husband gets off work, have dinner at The Landing in Westlake, on the lake. Make reservations, and go after 7 for the cooler weather and the setting sun.

Sushi Restaurant - Westlake Village - The Landing Grill Restaurant & Sushi Bar Restaurant In Westlake Village
(it isn't just sushi, check out the menu)

There is also another restaurant at the same location, if you prefer it, though I think the Landing has more seating. Both are pretty much intended for outdoor eating. Dress nice casual for comfortable outdoor dining.

Boccaccios Restaurant - Welcome

[mitraveler]

Thank you all! I think I'm off to a great start!