Things to Do in Santa Clarita and Valencia: A Local Guide for a Day Out
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Santa Clarita often gets described as “the place with the roller coasters,” but the valley just north of Los Angeles has far more to offer than one famous theme park. Canyon trails, Old West history, a walkable old town and one very unusual dinner “flight” all sit within a short drive of each other. Whether you live in the area or you are driving up from the city for an evening at the Pan Am Experience, here is a practical guide to the best things to do in Santa Clarita and Valencia, and how to plan a day around them.
Getting to know Santa Clarita and Valencia
Santa Clarita is a city in northern Los Angeles County made up of several communities, including Valencia, Newhall, Saugus and Canyon Country. It sits in the Santa Clarita Valley along Interstate 5 and State Route 14, which makes it an easy trip from the San Fernando Valley and the rest of Los Angeles outside of rush hour. Valencia is the planned community at the heart of the city, known for its parks and its network of off-street walking and cycling paths called paseos.
The Pan Am Experience takes place at Air Hollywood, 27615 Avenue Hopkins, Valencia, CA 91355. That puts a 1970s-style dinner flight within easy reach of everything below.
Outdoor things to do in Santa Clarita
Hike or stroll the canyons
The Santa Clarita Valley is ringed by hills and open space, and the city maintains an extensive trail system. Placerita Canyon Natural Area, between Newhall and the Angeles National Forest, has shaded oak woodland trails and a nature center. It is also home to the Oak of the Golden Dream, which marks the site of a documented gold discovery in 1842, several years before the famous Gold Rush further north.
See the rocks from the movies
A short drive east of the city, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park in Agua Dulce is known for its dramatic, tilted sandstone formations. The landscape has appeared in many films, television shows and commercials over the decades, so it may look familiar even on your first visit. Go early in the day in summer, as it can get hot and there is little shade.
Walk or bike the paseos
Valencia’s paseos are pedestrian and bike paths that connect neighborhoods, parks and shopping areas, many of them passing under streets through tunnels so you rarely need to cross traffic. They are a relaxed way to spend an afternoon, especially with kids or a dog.
History and culture
William S. Hart Park and Museum
In Newhall, William S. Hart Park preserves the hillside home of the silent-era Western film star William S. Hart. The grounds include the museum, picnic areas and walking paths, making it a pleasant stop for anyone interested in early Hollywood.
Old Town Newhall
Old Town Newhall is the valley’s historic downtown, with a walkable Main Street lined with local restaurants, shops and the Walk of Western Stars, which honors performers from Western film and television. The area is also home to live community theatre, so check local listings if you would like to add a show to your trip.
Thrills and family fun
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia is the best-known attraction in the valley and a favorite with roller coaster fans, with Six Flags Hurricane Harbor water park next door during the warmer months. If you are planning a full park day, give yourself plenty of time and check the parks’ own websites for current hours and tickets.
Things to do in Santa Clarita at night
Evenings in the valley tend to be relaxed: dinner in Old Town Newhall or around Valencia, a community theatre performance or a movie. If you are looking for something you cannot do anywhere else, the Pan Am Experience is designed to be an evening event in its own right.
Your night begins at the First and Clipper class check-in desk, where you receive a 70s-style boarding pass, ticket jacket and carry-on tags. You then relax in the Clipper Club among vintage Pan Am memorabilia before boarding “Clipper Juan T. Trippe,” a detailed recreation of a Boeing 747 interior. The uniformed crew welcomes you with a cocktail, performs an in-flight safety demonstration and serves a gourmet five-course dinner, with entertainment such as music, fashion shows and a trivia contest along the way. At the end of the flight, passengers are offered an optional tour of production sets at Air Hollywood, including the original cockpit from the film Airplane!
The plane never leaves the ground, so there are no airport lines and no jet lag. You can read more about each stage of the evening on The Experience page.
Sample itineraries
A day out for couples
- Morning: An easy hike in Placerita Canyon or a walk on the paseos.
- Afternoon: Lunch and browsing in Old Town Newhall, then a visit to William S. Hart Park.
- Evening: Dress up, check in at Air Hollywood and enjoy a 1970s-style dinner flight. Our guide to dressing for a retro flight has outfit ideas.
A weekend with visiting friends or family
- Day one: A full day of rides at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
- Day two: Morning photos at Vasquez Rocks, a slow afternoon, then a group dinner flight aboard the 747.
A group or company outing
For teams and larger groups, the Pan Am Experience can be booked for private events. The 747 seats up to 48 guests for dinner, and the Clipper Club holds up to 150 guests for cocktails or 125 for a seated banquet. See our corporate team event ideas for more inspiration.
Tips for planning your visit
- Allow for traffic. Interstate 5 and State Route 14 can be slow at rush hour, so leave extra time if you are driving up from Los Angeles for an evening reservation.
- Check seasonal hours. Parks, museums and attractions change their hours through the year, so confirm before you go.
- Bring layers. The valley can be hot during the day and noticeably cooler after dark.
- Mention dietary needs early. At the Pan Am Experience, guests with dietary restrictions can request a roasted chicken with peppercorn sauce or a vegetarian pasta entree in advance in place of the Chateaubriand.
Frequently asked questions
What is Santa Clarita known for?
Santa Clarita is known for Six Flags Magic Mountain, its canyon trails and open space, the Western film history of Newhall, and filming locations such as Vasquez Rocks. It is also home to Air Hollywood, the aviation-themed film studio where the Pan Am Experience takes place.
What is there to do in Santa Clarita at night?
Popular options include dinner in Old Town Newhall or Valencia, community theatre and movies. For a one-of-a-kind evening, the Pan Am Experience offers a 1970s-style dinner flight aboard a recreated Boeing 747 at Air Hollywood in Valencia.
Where is the Pan Am Experience located?
The Pan Am Experience is at Air Hollywood, 27615 Avenue Hopkins, Valencia, CA 91355, in Los Angeles County. You can reach the team at 818-890-0444.
Can I book the Pan Am Experience for a private group?
Yes. The 747 seats up to 48 guests for dinner, and the Clipper Club holds up to 150 guests for cocktails or 125 for a seated banquet. Send an inquiry through the Private Events page.
Make your trip to Santa Clarita one to remember
From canyon hikes to Old West history, Santa Clarita rewards visitors who look beyond the roller coasters, and a dinner flight back to the 1970s is a memorable way to finish the day. Check upcoming Pan Am Experience flight dates, browse our frequently asked questions, or call 818-890-0444 to plan your evening.