Santa Clarita: Family-Friendly Fun on a Budget

Experience the magic of Santa Clarita as you create everlasting memories for the whole family.

19 July 2023

Santa Clarita, located in Southern California, offers an ideal family-friendly trip with its plethora of exciting attractions. Families can explore Six Flags Magic Mountain, an exhilarating theme park boasting thrilling roller coasters and entertainment for all ages. Additionally, they can visit the picturesque Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, perfect for hiking and picnicking amidst unique rock formations, or indulge in outdoor activities at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, providing swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Fun in the Sun:

Start the day at Six Flags Magic Mountain, a thrilling amusement park with adrenaline-pumping roller coasters.
Embark on an epic mini golf adventure at Mountasia Family Fun Center.
Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Central Park, perfect for picnics and relaxation.
Catch a family-friendly movie at the enchanting Edwards Valencia Stadium 12 theater.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at The Pie Hole, where mouthwatering slices of heavenly pies await!

Day 2

Wild West Wonders:

Channel your inner cowboy at the William S. Hart Museum, showcasing authentic western artifacts and stunning gardens.
Explore the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, where hiking trails lead to captivating waterfalls and unique wildlife.
Saddle up for a horseback riding adventure with Santa Clarita Guided Trail Rides, traversing scenic landscapes.
Quench your thirst at Wolf Creek Brewery, a lively brewpub offering delicious craft beers and scrumptious pub fare.
End the day with a flavorful Mexican feast at the lively El Pueblo Mexican Grill, where every bite is a fiesta!

Day 3

Artistic Escapade:

Discover the captivating art exhibits and sculptures at the California Institute of Art's Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater.
Tour the William S. Hart Park and Museum, showcasing western art and memorabilia in a stunning outdoor setting.
Unleash your creativity at Color Me Mine, a pottery painting studio where masterpieces come to life.
Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at The Old Town Junction, a charming restaurant with a rustic and artistic ambiance.
Catch a magical performance at the Canyon Theatre Guild, showcasing local talent and captivating storytelling.

Day 4

Outdoor Delights:

Indulge in some retail therapy at the Westfield Valencia Town Center, featuring a wide array of shops and boutiques.
Experience the unparalleled beauty of Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, filled with stunning rock formations and desert landscapes.
Take a scenic hike along the Pico Canyon Trail, leading to breathtaking views of the Santa Clarita Valley.
Enjoy a delicious dinner at the Rustic Burger, a local favorite serving mouthwatering gourmet burgers and handcrafted shakes.
End the day with a family-friendly movie under the stars at the Drive-In at the Valencia Marketplace.

Day 5

Castaic Lake Adventure:

Spend a thrilling day at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, offering swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities.
Take a memorable boat tour with Blue Whale Cruises, where you can spot majestic wildlife and enjoy scenic views.
Enjoy a leisurely picnic by the lake, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature.
Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking on the peaceful waters of Castaic Lake.
Relish a delightful dinner at Salt Creek Grille, a waterfront restaurant offering delicious seafood and stunning sunset views.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Santa Clarita by plane is to fly into Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank, which is about 26 miles away from Santa Clarita. From there, you can take a taxi or rent a car to get to your destination.

Car

The most convenient way to get to Santa Clarita is by car. You can take the Interstate 5 or State Route 14 to get to your destination. If you are coming from Los Angeles, it may take around 30-45 minutes, depending on the traffic.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no train service that directly goes to Santa Clarita. However, you can take the Amtrak train to Los Angeles Union Station, and then transfer to the Metrolink train to Santa Clarita. The total travel time may take around 2-3 hours, depending on the schedule and transfer time.

Boat

There are no ports or harbors in Santa Clarita as it is a landlocked city. Therefore, taking a boat is not an option to get to Santa Clarita.

Bus

Taking the bus is also a good option to get to Santa Clarita. Greyhound and Amtrak offer bus services that go directly to Santa Clarita Transit Center. From there, you can take a taxi or walk to your destination.