Things to do around Santa Clarita

First things first: Morning coffee. There are several indie coffee shops or small regional chains in Santa Clarita that don’t rhyme with “marmucks,” including:

• Coffee Kiosk: A drive-thru coffee operation for when you need coffee, stat. The Newhall location is closest to campus (~2 mi.). More info.
• Henry’s Coffee: This mom-and-pop coffee shop in Newhall specializes in espresso-based drinks and matchas. On Saturday mornings, walk a few blocks to the Newhall Farmers Market. More info.
• Bodhi Leaf Coffee: Known for its cold brew, matcha, espressos, and seasonal drinks, the two locations in Santa Clarita offer an assortment of pastries and breakfast sandwiches. More info.
• Makenna Coffee: This Hawaiian-themed coffee shop, located in North Valencia, specializes in ice-blended coffees, Maui lattes, and other sweet coffees. Perfect for when you need a coffee fix with your sugar. More info.
• Havana Savannah: Located about six miles from campus, this coffee shop specializes in coffee drinks (including a good cafe con leche), teas, iced and blended drinks, paninis, and pizzas after 11 am. More info.
• Other coffee options: Honu Coffee, Wide Eye in Newhall and San Fernando Coffee Co. in Canyon Country.
• And what about tea? While many coffee shops offer tea, there are two establishments that specialize in afternoon teas, including Tea Elle C Garden Cafe and Teagan’s Enchanted Tea Room & Cafe.

Santa Clarita has nearly 80 miles of trails and 20 miles of paseos for walking, riding, jogging, and skating. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Towsley Canyon is one of the closest trails to campus, located about three miles south along the I-5, with the trailhead providing plenty of parking. There are several trails, but two of the most popular are the short loop (~2 mi.) and the long loop (~5.3 mi.). More info.
• Mentryville is an old ghost town about three miles from campus, built around the 1880s oil boom. About 100 families lived in Mentryville at its peak, until the oil dried up in the 1930s. There’s nearly 7 miles of hiking (out and back) with a shorter distance to the old oil well. More info.
• Placerita Canyon Natural Area: This shaded canyon, located about 11 miles from  campus, is great for easy hiking and picnicking. It’s also the site of the first gold discovery in California. More info.
• St. Francis Dam Ruins: The William Mulholland-built dam collapsed in 1928, killing more than 400 people in the middle of the night. Ruins remain from the dam, and the area is an easy space to walk and explore. More info.
• Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center: Located about 20 miles from campus, these rock formations have been seen in many TV shows and films, including the OG Star Trek series. There are several trails in the area for a range of expertise. More info.

• Six Flags Magic Mountain The park offers rides year round and a water park in the summer. More info.
• Canyon Theater Guild Local theater on Main Street in Newhall. More info.
• Laemmle Newhall: Movie theater that screens many indie and art house films. More info.
• Farmers Markets: Santa Clarita has three farmers markets offering great prepared foods, fresh produce, baked goods, and other artisanal products. A special treat for those from cooler climes: our farmers markets are year round.
  • Newhall Farmers Market (Saturday morning): The largest market in the area offers fresh fruits and veggies, as well as a number of prepared foods, including fresh bagels and breads, breakfast burritos and tacos, BBQ, and dim sum options). More info.
  • Santa Clarita Certified Farmers Market (Sunday morning): Located a mile from the CalArts campus, at College of the Canyons parking lot 5, this market offers good, healthy choices for your student. (And some decadent options, including crepes, French pastries, tamales). More info.
  • Valencia FivePoint Farmers Market (Sunday morning): Find this market behind Magic Mountain. This smaller market offers BBQ, smashburgers, sourdough toasts and breads, and fresh produce. More info.

While Los Angeles offers world-famous dining options, there are hidden gems in Santa Clarita for all budgets. Here’s a selection curated by local blog SCV Foodie.

Breakfast/Brunch

• While many people love the Egg Plantation in Newhall, our go-to breakfast/brunch spot is Eggs n Things on Newhall Ranch Road. Try their chile verde huevos or their Swedish pancakes.
• For more casual options, try the breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos, try The Flying Yolk, also located on Newhall Ranch Road. (The brioche egg sandwich ftw!) They also serve up paninis and burgers for brunch/lunch. Fiesta Taco Grill at the Newhall Saturday Farmers Market serves up bomb breakfast tacos, bowls, and burritos.

Casual Lunch/Dinner Options

• One Bite Dumpling: Serving up noodles, dim sum, and Szechuan dishes. More info.
• La Charrita: A sit-down Mexican restaurant that also has separate vegan menus. More info.
• Topper’s Pizza: Regional chain serving up salads and pizzas. More info.
• Mendocino Farms: This SoCal-based chain offers salads and sandwiches. More info.
• Omaya’s Lebanese Cuisine: Offers various kebabs, wraps, salads, hummus options, and a decadent array of baklava and other sweets. More info.
• Let’s Thai: Santa Clarita has a number of Thai restaurants to choose from, including this eatery located ~3.5 miles from campus. Their spicy noodles are 10/10. More info.
• Pink Salt Grill: Offers a sit-down Filipino food experience. But if you’re in a rush, Santa Clarita has two Filipino grocery stores with prepared foods, including Seafood City. More info
• Ananto Sushi: Reasonably priced sushi located close to campus. More info.
• Brewery Draconum: Offers California fare with a spacious back patio.  More info.
• In-N-Out: A SoCal institution known for their fresh burgers and fries. There’s a not-so-secret menu available, and don’t forget to ask for crispier fries and a Neopolitan shake. More info.

Splurgy Spots

• The Junction: Arguably the best restaurant in Santa Clarita offers a California take on American fare. More info.
• Piccolo Osteria: A family-owned Italian restaurant with fare and decor that rivals many LA eateries. SCV Foodie favs: Their classic bolognese and arancini. More info.
• Newhall Refinery: This is Santa Clarita’s first gastropub, offering a curated selection of beers and cocktails with American fare. Pro tip: Save room for dessert. And get whatever bread pudding they’re offering!  More info.
• Sabor Cocina Mexicana: An elegant Mexican restaurant with a modern twist. More info.
• The Social is an old-school eatery known for its steaks and pasta dishes as well as a lengthy martini menu. More info.
• Salt Creek Grille: Located in the Valencia Town Center, this eatery is a mesquite-grilled steakhouse with many other options. More info.
• Larsen’s Steakhouse: This classic steakhouse is also located in the Valencia Town Center. More info.