Discover Simi Valley: History, Culture and Trails

Simi Valley combines American history, unusual cultural attractions and extensive trails to create a multifaceted destination. Those looking for a vacation rental or holiday home can choose the location based on their own interests: Their stay might focus on historical insights, distinctive architecture or activities on foot and by bicycle.

History to Discover

An important starting point for culturally minded visitors is Strathearn Historical Park. The park covers 6½ acres and serves to preserve many of the earliest buildings in Simi Valley. A visit is easy to fit into your schedule, as the park is open to the public free of charge: Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. During opening hours, an audio guide is available seven days a week.

The campus of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute is also part of Simi Valley’s distinctive character. It occupies 400 acres on a hill. The Reagan Library features exhibitions covering more than 125,000 square feet. At the Air Force One Pavilion, visitors can board the same aircraft on which President Reagan flew more than 660,000 miles to 26 foreign countries and 46 U.S. states. They can also walk around an actual Marine One helicopter used by President Johnson.

Unusual Cultural Attractions

Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village makes its own unique statement. The site is designated California State Historical Landmark No. 939 and comprises 14 structures. Its walls and ceilings are made of cement into which recycled waste and multicolored bottles have been embedded. For families who enjoy discovering unusual details while traveling, this site offers a different cultural focus from the major historic institutions.

The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is housed in a restored building dating from 1924 and provides a venue for live theater. It complements the historic sites with a cultural use centered on the performing arts. The former Corriganville Movie Ranch was the filming location for more than 3,500 movies, television shows and commercials. Corriganville Park also features a 1.1-mile trail with 20 interpretive signs about the local plant and animal life.

Trails and Landscapes

Simi Valley offers several different options for active days. The Arroyo Simi Bike Path runs east to west through a large part of Simi Valley. In addition, the city is surrounded by green spaces, protected areas and trails. The trail network covers more than 50 miles and extends as far as Los Angeles. This information can help with travel planning if you would like to combine cultural sightseeing with bike rides or walks.

When searching for accommodation, you can therefore consider which travel rhythm suits your group: A stay focused on museums, historic sites and exhibitions calls for a different daily schedule than a trip centered on trails, nature observation and cycling routes. Simi Valley accommodates both interests within its documented character, without every activity having to share the same focus.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Simi Valley, you can find Moorpark, Santa Paula, Port Hueneme, Ojai, Ventura, Oak View, Thousand Oaks and Somis here.

To the higher-level travel overview: Ventura.