Traveling to Simi Valley and not sure how to spend your time there? Simi Valley is exploding with activities for the whole family!
Home to many rich cultural and historical attractions, Simi Valley is an unpretentious gem of a community in image-conscious Southern California. Just minutes away from many of Southern California’s most notable things to see and do, Simi Valley is a perfect base for exploring the region’s exciting activities.
Simi Valley is home to the prestigious Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Library and Museum. Examine artifacts and learn more about every aspect of former President Reagan’s life from his childhood in Illinois, to his acting career and term as president of the Screen Actor’s Guild, to his political career as Governor of California and two-term President of the United States. Former President Reagan in interred on the grounds here and visitors can pay their respects to one of America’s most well-loved leaders. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Library and Museum is a must-see for any Simi Valley visitor.
Also housed on the grounds of The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Library and Museum is the Air Force One Pavilion which opened on October 24, 2005. Visitors can board the Air Force One jet that served seven U.S. presidents including Reagan during his two terms. Also on display is a Johnson-era Marine One and President Reagan’s 1984 parade limousine.
Built in the mid 1920s to serve as the Simi Community Methodist Episcopal Church, the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center has gone through many incarnations including mortuary, high school, Jewish temple and residence. It was purchased by the city of Simi Valley in 1991 and reopened as the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center in 1995. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is the perfect place for the whole family to view various exhibits and take in enjoyable live performances. Check the Center’s schedule of events during your visit to find the event that’s right for you.
Arrange a tour of Grandma Prisbrey’s Bottle Village. This folk art masterpiece was built by Tressa “Grandma” Prisbrey over a 25 year period starting in 1956. Made out of discarded bottles and other items from local landfills, Bottle Village consists of 13 buildings and 20 sculptures. A California Historic Landmark, Bottle Village was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. Damaged extensively by the 1994 Northridge earthquake, which occurred just eight miles away, visitor access to Bottle Village is by appointment only.
Simi Valley’s Stathern Historical Park and Museum chronicles the lives the area’s early pioneers and showcases Simi Valley’s first house of worship dedicated in 1902. The Strathern Historical Park and Museum offers both guided and self-guided tours of the park. Teenagers will especially enjoy the Ghost Tour of Strathern Park available in October.
Teenage visitors to Simi Valley are sure to love the Skatelab Skatepark and Museum. Featured in the 2005 film “Bad News Bears”, Skatelab is frequently used as a location to shoot music videos for bands like Deftones, Limp Bizkit and others. Visitors can show off their skateboarding skills in this amazing indoor skatepark or learn about the history of skateboarding in the park’s free museum.
Shop, dine or catch a free outdoor Monday night movie at the Simi Valley Town Center. With over 100 different retailers to choose from there’s something for everyone at the Simi Valley Town Center. Shop until you’re ready to drop and then drop in to one of the Simi Valley Town Center’s great sit-down restaurants for a delicious meal to re-charge your energy!
Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the abundance of beautiful public and private golf courses that Simi Valley has to offer. Grab your clubs and head out to the green for a great day of 18-hole golfing underneath Southern California’s signature sunshine.
Simi Valley boasts a large variety of restaurants featuring cuisines to please every palette. From American, to Mexican, to Chinese, Greek, Italian, Vegetarian and more there’s a restaurant in Simi Valley serving just what you’ve been craving.
Once you’ve explored all that Simi Valley has to offer use Simi Valley as a base to explore Southern California. Six Flags Magic Mountain, the Hollywood sign, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, Moorpark Zoo, Disneyland, the Santa Monica Pier, the ocean and more can be accessed from beautiful Simi Valley. Enjoy your stay!
