Conejo Valley is a hidden gem in Southern California that is waiting to be explored. It is located approximately 45 minutes from Los Angeles, which makes it easy and convenient to visit Conejo Valley and experience a gorgeous day trip that’s filled with idyllic nature preserves, hiking, shopping, and dining options. It is also convenient to get to as it is only 10 miles inland from Malibu’s top beaches and approximately 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Whether you are looking for a quick getaway or you want to experience what Conejo Valley has to offer, you will be spoiled by the amazing hospitality the region offers. Check out this full guide on where to stay, what to eat, and do while in Conejo Valley.
By Kinya Claiborne & Abigail Castro Sinsona, STYLE & SOCIETY
Photo & Video Credit: Marselle Washington, Rev-Engine
STAY
Courtyard by Marriott Thousand Oaks
There is no shortage of lodging properties and accommodation options in Conejo Valley. As a popular tourist destination in Southern California, it’s more than ready to welcome tourists who would like to get to know its beauty and the adventure that awaits. Courtyard by Marriott Thousand Oaks is one of the most sought-after places to stay when in Conejo Valley. Located along Newbury Road in Thousand Oaks, it is accessible within minutes from Westlake Village. It offers a comfortable, relaxing, and luxurious escape and also serves as a gateway to your outdoor adventures in Thousand Oaks.
You can relax and experience ultimate pampering in their beautifully curated room designs with a variety of room configuration options. Comfort and luxury are well-integrated into the hotel room designs so guests can enjoy the break they deserve, whether for leisure or business travel. There’s also a Courtyard Bistro serving cocktails, ala carte dishes for breakfast and dinner, fitness room, outdoor pool, and more.
EAT
If you came to Conejo Valley expecting world-class dining, you won’t be disappointed. There are plenty of restaurants in the region so there is something to satisfy your discerning palate.
Holdren’s is one of the must-try restaurants in Conejo Valley and a can’t-miss experience for serious foodies. It is a dining destination for seafood and steak lovers in Conejo Valley. Holdren’s is open for dinner and the menu includes salads, steaks and chops, seafood items, chicken, ribs, and more. They also have a special ‘Happy Hour’ menu so you can enjoy great food with your favorite cocktails. Meanwhile, Holdren’s selection of wines and specialty cocktails are among the best in the area.
You can’t go to Southern California without sampling some of the best wines produced in the region. For that, make sure to head to the West Tasting Room. This wine tasting bar offers an impressive wine menu that would impress even serious wine connoisseurs. Their world-class wines can be enjoyed with their light-fare food menu that includes a cheese board, charcuterie board, salmon tartine, a burrata board, salads, and more.
The wine menu at West Tasting Room showcases the best wines from California, Oregon, and Washington. From red wines, to white wines, and rosé, you will be in awe at what you can find and sample here. They also have a West Wine Club that you can sign up for if you want to be one of the first to try their curated wines. If you want to come by for a private tasting, they do have a private tasting room available for booking for up to 12 people.
Marmalade Café was built on the desire to offer fresh, high quality, and eclectic food from California to their diners. This café has been around since the 1990s when the original Marmalade Café opened its doors in Santa Monica. Since then, Marmalade Café has been synonymous with casual dining that satisfied even the most discerning palates. The neighborhood café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition to their food menu, Marmalade Café also impresses with its crafted cocktails, beer, and wine menu.
PLAY
If you are looking to explore something unique in Conejo Valley, aside from the wineries, you will be in for a thrilling surprise when you visit the Paramount Ranch. It is a historic area and is closely linked to film history since the 1920s. This is the only site that is recognized by the National Park Service for its link with the American film history. It is a working movie ranch that lets you see and experience a historic movie backlot that is located on the border of the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, which takes you through various plant communities and landscapes. Due to its importance to the film-making industry, the hiking trails in Paramount Ranch are also named after the movies that were in production here. Some of the notable movies and TV shows that were filmed at Paramount Ranch are HBO’s Westworld, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Love Bug, Scream, and more.
