Santa Clarita offers a range of reasons to visit: BMX and mountain biking at the Bike Park, trails for other activities, and places that tell the story of William S. Hart and film history. There is also an aquatic center and theme parks. When choosing accommodation, you can first consider whether biking, trails, culture, or water and recreational activities will shape your stay.
Bike Park and Trail Network
The Bike Park of Santa Clarita is free to visit seven days a week and is open from sunrise to sunset. Its seven acres offer opportunities for BMX and mountain biking, with several easy-to-moderate singletrack trails. There is also a pump track and BMX course more than 800 yards long, with step-ups, step-downs, rollers, and tabletop jumps. Conditions may change after weather events; check the latest visitor information in that case.
Santa Clarita’s trail network includes about 80 miles of trails and 20 miles of paseos for commuting and recreation. Activities include walking, horseback riding, jogging, and skating. The regional River Trail forms the backbone of the network; connecting trails provide access to parks, entertainment, shopping, educational institutions, and employment centers. This means the trail network serves a purpose in everyday life as well as offering recreational routes. Trail conditions and closures may change.
The Iron Horse Trail is a four-mile equestrian and hiking trail. It includes a historic railroad trestle bridge dating to 1898 and leads to the South Fork Trail. The Iron Horse Trail is a single, four-mile route, whereas the trails and paseos form a much larger network.
Ranch History, Museums, and Architecture
The William S. Hart Museum offers a guided house tour and a self-guided tour of the park. Both explore William S. Hart and Hollywood in the 1920s. The historic William S. Hart Museum Ranch House in William S. Hart Park dates to 1910 and is open for self-guided visits. It documents life at Hart’s Horseshoe Ranch and William S. Hart’s film career. Opening hours may change; check them before your visit.
Hart’s Mansion is accessible from the lower parking lot via a quarter-mile nature trail. The mansion features Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and offers impressive views. The Ranch House focuses on ranch and film history, while Hart’s Mansion offers a different emphasis on architecture and views.
Tesoro Adobe Historic Park in Valencia, California, offers visitors the chance to see a preserved adobe ranch house, stables, and lodging buildings. The park also offers scenic views. Another historic destination is the Saugus Train Station Museum at the Santa Clarita History Center, which is open Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and by appointment. Since access arrangements may change, check visiting hours in advance.
In Old Town Newhall, you can use the walking tour app to discover public art and filming locations. This complements guided or self-guided tours at historic sites with an offering that highlights public art and film locations.
Water and Recreational Activities
The Santa Clarita Aquatic Center, presented by Kaiser Permanente, has three pools: a 50-meter competition pool with a competition timing system, a 25-meter diving pool, and an activity pool with water play features and a 160-foot waterslide. You can choose between competition, diving, and activity pools. Seasonal schedules may change; check the current schedule before your visit.
Santa Clarita is also home to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor. Since operations and attractions may change, check the latest information if you’re planning to visit these theme parks.
Discover more destinations: Claremont, Glendora, La Verne, Malibu, Gardena, Compton, Arcadia, Burbank.
For the broader travel overview: Los Angeles.
