5 Really Cool Things To Do In Moorpark, California

Whether you’re a local looking for something different to do in your hometown or a visitor on a day trip, you are certainly going to be impressed by this list of cool things to do in Moorpark. Moorpark offers a variety of opportunities for weekend visitors to enjoy and is a great place to appreciate Southern California’s beauty.

Known for its rolling hills and citrus groves, Moorpark is a perfect place to take a day trip from Los Angeles. This city has a quaint downtown area and offers a variety of unique restaurants, but if it’s fresh air you’re looking for, there are plenty of places to enjoy the outdoors in Moorpark.

Moorpark is rich in agriculture and surrounded by farmland and wide open spaces. There are numerous citrus and avocado orchards, as well as several horse ranches that encompass the city’s residential areas.

For outdoor recreation, there’s lots of open space and trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. There are also several farms and gardens open to the public that both children and adults will enjoy.

If you’d prefer to stick to the city’s urban core, head to High Street in downtown Moorpark, a street lined with buildings built in a style of architecture referred to as “Prairie Deco“. This location is often used for film shoots and has been featured in numerous Hallmark movies!

Moorpark’s historic downtown area dates back to 1900 which is when the city was first founded by Robert W. Poindexter. He named the city after the Moorpark apricot, which in those times was growing abundantly throughout the valley. Prior to European settlement, the Chumash inhabited this area and although it isn’t clear how long the Chumash lived on these lands, it is likely it was at least a few hundred years.

As you can see, Moorpark is a hidden gem in Greater Los Angeles. Being situated less than 50 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Moorpark is an easy destination to visit for Angelenos seeking new places to explore close to home.

So escape the bustle of the inner city suburbs and drive out to Moorpark for a day of fun. You’ll be shocked by this city’s range of attractions and activities, some of which are the coolest things to do in Los Angeles!

Best Things To Do In Moorpark

Underwood Family Farms

If you’re looking to have a family-friendly fun day out in Moorpark, head to Underwood Family Farms! This popular Moorpark destination offers super fresh, locally grown produce that you can pick yourself.

They have a huge variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that include everything from strawberries to artichoke, cauliflower, broccolini, mandarins, lemons, turnips, grapefruits and so much more! Produce is seasonal and you can check which fruits and vegetables are in season at the farm’s website on their “Pick Your Own – This Week” page.

Picking your own produce is not only a great educational experience for the children, but also a great excuse to get outside! Whether you bring the family or just yourself, the wide open spaces here are guaranteed to bring joy into your day. The farm is so surprisingly large that you’ll need to check out this map to find what you’re looking for.

But if you don’t want to pick your own produce, there is a Farm Market onsite full of fresh fruit and veggies which also carries pickled produce, honey, nuts, dried beans, farm-fresh eggs, and fresh-cut flowers. Staff are available to answer questions and to offer you samples so you know exactly what you are getting.

In addition, Underwood Family Farms also has an Animal Center with a range of cute critters such as baby goats, chicks, ponies, sheep, bunnies, ducks, and even emus and alpacas. Young children will no doubt love interacting with all of the animals on display! On weekends, the farm hosts thirty minute interactive shows that are designed to be fun and educational for the children.

Find Underwood Family Farms at 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark. Hours of operation are 9am to 6pm. Admission is $7 on weekdays and $10 on weekends and holidays.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum pays tribute to America’s 40th president and his accomplishments by capturing his patriotic spirit, his respect for individual liberty, his belief in global democracy and his support of economic opportunity.

At the museum you’ll find numerous exhibits with interactive displays and hundreds of artifacts that are absolutely fascinating. The exhibits are highly engaging and are designed to be immersive experiences. For example, you can act in a movie with Ronald Reagan, set the table for a state dinner, or deliver President Reagan’s inaugural address on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

Also at the museum is a full-scale replica of the Oval Office decorated as it was during President Reagan’s presidency. Each president decorates the Oval Office to suit his tastes and President Reagan who was inspired by the West, added earthy colors and western art including a collection of bronze saddles to the room.

Your admission to the Presidential Library will give you access to step aboard the same Air Force One plane that flew President Reagan over 660,000 miles to countries around the world. This plane actually served seven other presidents including Presidents Nixon, Carter, Ford, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton and George W. Bush.

There are 18 galleries in total so be sure to set aside a few hours to fully explore all of the exhibits which includes several other planes, a battle tank, and even a small portion of the Berlin Wall. Don’t forget to tour the museum’s replica of the White House Rose Garden and White House South Lawn where you can enjoy fresh air and phenomenal sunsets.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm. General admission costs $29.95. You’ll need about three to four hours to fully explore and appreciate the museum. The Museum and grounds are wheelchair accessible except for the interior of Air Force One.

America’s Teaching Zoo

If you enjoy visiting zoos and observing exotic animals, plan a trip to America’s Teaching Zoo which is situated on the Moorpark College Campus. This student-run zoo is a hefty five acres and houses over 130 animals that include lions, hyenas, cougars, primates, and more.

There are three wildlife presentations held every Saturday and Sunday in the Wildlife Theater. Showtimes are 12pm, 1.30pm, and 2.30pm. Visitors can also watch other demonstrations held throughout the day such as alligator and lion feedings. Learn more about show times and demonstrations here.

The zoo is part of the college’s Exotic Animal Training and Management Program which is one of the best schools in the country for students wanting a career in zookeeping. It is open on weekends from 11am to 4.30pm. Admission costs $10 for adults and $8 for children.

The Zoo is located at 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark. Directions: Take the 101 North to the 23 North, and then the 118 East. Exit Collins and turn left at the stop sign. Go through two stoplights and turn right into the 2nd entrance past the stoplights. Turn right in the parking lot and continue up the short hill to the right.

Grimes Canyon Overlook

For one of the best views in Moorpark, hike up to Grimes Canyon Overlook. This lookout point above Grimes Canyon Road is a popular spot among photographers who flock here to capture the alluring curves of the windy mountain highway.

The unique viewpoint offers adventurous photographers and road trippers the opportunity to capture shots of the twisting road from above, and to take in some glorious views of Grimes Canyon and the Santa Susana Mountains.

Grimes Canyon Road is a two-lane section of Highway 23 that connects Moorpark and Simi Valley to the Fillmore area. The 11-mile stretch of road begins its journey as Walnut Canyon Road in Moorpark and within a few miles begins a gradual climb to the crest of the ridge that straddles the Santa Susana Mountains.

This old stagecoach route is undoubtedly one of the most photogenic roads in Los Angeles! It’s a great location to shoot long exposure captures of light trails from the evening traffic too like in the photo below.

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Here’s how to get to Grimes Canyon Overlook: Wind your way along Grimes Canyon Road until you reach 8884 Grimes Canyon Road. Once you arrive at this destination, you’ll see a small dirt pull-off area where you can pull off beside the road to park. Don’t worry, it’s not illegal to park here.

From the parking area, walk about 100 feet along the road until you reach the trailhead. Then begin to hike up the mountain along the unmaintained trail. The hike up is very steep, but short and shouldn’t take more than ten minutes to reach the top.

Where To Stay In Moorpark

Four Seasons Hotel: If you’re the type that enjoys luxurious accommodations, look no further than the Four Seasons Hotel in nearby Westlake Village. This four-star hotel features decadent rooms with views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Check rates at Four Seasons Hotel.

Best Western Posada Royale Hotel: The Best Western Posada is a mid-range hotel located in Simi Valley that offers large, clean and comfortable rooms. Most rooms face the outdoor swimming pool or courtyard. The highlight here is the breakfast buffett which features a custom omlette bar. Check rates are Best Western Posada Royale Hotel.