10 Things to Do in San Fernando Valley: Hiking, Jazz Clubs, Cafes, & More
The San Fernando Valley is a bit underrated. Everyone’s heard of Los Angeles or Santa Monica, but what about the Valley that’s right next to these famous regions? You may be surprised to learn that the Valley has its own unique set of landmarks, entertainment options, peaceful escapes, and activities that cater to locals and tourists alike.
This guide outlines the best things to do in the San Fernando Valley, from free activities to the ideal spots for nature lovers. Planning a trip to the Valley—or just ready to try something new? Keep reading for the top 10 things to do.
Stroll Through The Japanese Garden at Lake Balboa
For nature lovers or those seeking an escape from the city, the Lake Balboa district is a peaceful haven in the Valley. Featuring a 27-acre lake, 1.3-mile paths for walking or biking, and endless recreation opportunities, this area is the oasis you’re looking for after a long day.
Tucked away in Lake Balboa is the infamous Japanese Gardens. This 6.5-acre garden features three distinct areas: a “wet-strolling” garden, a tea garden, and a dry Zen meditation garden. Admission to the gardens is currently free, so if you’re looking for something free to do in the San Fernando Valley, take advantage of this beautiful outdoor space. It’s open Monday through Thursday, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, making it the perfect weekday activity.
Not only can you enjoy the sights of Lake Balboa’s Japanese Gardens, but the space also hosts several cultural events and experiences. From Japanese arts and music celebrations to meditative reflections through audio tracks and haiku workshops, visitors are invited to experience the full richness of Japanese culture through various modalities.
2. Visit a Coffee Shop With a Cause
Craving a mid-week pick-me-up and want to feel good about the business you’re supporting? Inicio Coffee Company is a locally owned coffee shop in San Fernando Valley that supports anti-trafficking causes while serving delicious coffee and pastries to visitors. Our menu includes housemade specials like the Ohana Latte and the Sweet Cinnamon Cold Brew. We also provide fresh pastries from local bakeries, as well as loose leaf tea and ceremonial-grade matcha for those who’d rather skip the coffee.
With free Wifi, views of the Hansen Dam and surrounding foothills, friendly baristas, and a greater cause, Inicio is a must-visit cafe in the Valley. Several locals refer to us as a “local gem,” raving about our specialty coffee and welcoming environment. Whether you’re planning a coffee date or looking for a new study spot, Inicio Coffee tops the list of places to visit in the Valley.
3. Grab a Bite to Eat for Breakfast
Perhaps you’re craving a breakfast place to stop by before going out and exploring the San Fernando Valley. U Crave Grill in San Fernando is a delectable spot serving savory and sweet crepes, burritos, and other comfort foods. From the banana split waffle to the tres queso crepe, you’re sure to find something to satisfy you before hitting up fun things in the Valley.
4. Take a Hike in the Foothills
If you’re looking for free things to do in San Fernando Valley, the area offers plenty of hikes with beautiful views of the city.
Wilson Canyon Park in Sylmar offers a 2.9-mile loop with views of the San Fernando Valley and benches along the way. The path is a mixture of loose sand, gravel, and pavement—and you may even see a horse or biker along the way.
O’Melveny Park in Granada Hills is home to several moderate to challenging hikes that feature oak groves, valley views, and wildlife. The 3.1-mile Bee Canyon Loop or the challenging Mission Point are a few popular hiking trails in the park.
La Tuna Canyon Park, Wildwood Canyon Park, and Stough Canyon Park all boast several moderate to challenging hiking trails. Whether you’re in the mood for La Tuna Canyon Trail’s hard 5.2-mile loop with a 1,309-foot elevation gain or the more moderate Wildwood Canyon Loop at 2 miles with a 675-foot elevation gain, this area boasts a variety of trails with breathtaking views of the Valley.
5. Enjoy Live Music at a Jazz Club or Recording Venue
Why not go out and enjoy some music in the San Fernando Valley? You have a couple of options to choose from:
Escape into the world of jazz at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Open since 1970, it is the oldest jazz club in Los Angeles. With nightly live shows, delicious baked potatoes, and unique artists playing at the club, you’re in for something special at The Baked Potato. The small scale of the space creates the perfect atmosphere for jazz music to truly shine. The jazz club’s menu features several varieties of baked potatoes, from the marinated steak with pizzaiola potato to the buffalo bleu chicken potato.
Kulak’s Woodshed is a live music video recording venue that seats 49, creating an intimate atmosphere to enjoy every tune. Ranging from emerging artists to Grammy winners, you never know what you’re in for when you enter Kulak’s Woodshed’s doors. Every Monday night, from 8 to 10:30 PM, is open mic night, with every style of music welcome. Kulak’s a genuinely inclusive, community-oriented space you won’t want to miss in the Valley.
6. Take the Family to the Wildlife Learning and Conservation Center (WLCC) or the Discovery Cube
Are you curious about things to do in San Fernando Valley with kids? The Wildlife Learning Center or the Discovery Cube Los Angeles in Sylmar are special places to bring the entire family for a day out.
WLCC is a zoological park in the center of an old olive grove in the Valley. At the center, you can learn about animals from around the world, as well as conservation and the environment.
WLCC serves as a refuge for displaced or endangered animals, caring for over 100 zoo-born and rescued wild animals. The center is open Monday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Apart from general admission, WLCC offers a variety of special activities that the whole family will enjoy. Their private, interactive tours with biologists educate visitors on different animals and invite them to get up close and personal with them. WLCC also offers individual animal experiences, such as the Sloth Social or Snake Soiree, where kids and parents can learn about the animals and interact with them face-to-face.
Discovery Cube is open 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Sunday. The educational space features permanent and rotating exhibits the whole family will love, from the Eco-Adventure Carousel to Cube Studios: Broadcast Booth. You can purchase an annual family pass to the Cube to get the most out of the kid-friendly museum, or you can buy a one-time ticket. Discovery Cube Los Angeles also hosts numerous events year-round, including the LA Winter Camp, Noon Year’s Eve, and much more. Spark a love for learning at a young age at the Valley’s Discovery Cube!
7. Tour Warner Bros. Studio or Universal Studios
The San Fernando Valley is a mecca for film and production studios. For film enthusiasts, there are two world-famous studios you won’t want to miss out on: Universal Studios and Warner Bros. Studios. Both situated in the Valley, these studios are responsible for films like Clash of the Titans, Batman Begins, Happy Feet, Jason Bourne, Oppenheimer, Mamma Mia!, and the Harry Potter movies, among many other award-winning masterpieces.
At Universal Studios, visitors can visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Super Nintendo World for a truly immersive experience into fictional worlds. Or, if you’re feeling daring, ride one of the several rides at Universal, such as the iconic Studio Tour or the coaster Revenge of the Mummy. Universal Studios’ CityWalk features iconic dining and shopping destinations to spend hours browsing and enjoying delicious foods from your favorite movies.
The Warner Bros. Studios offers a can’t-miss tour where you can explore famous movie and TV sets, see props and costumes from beloved classics, or walk famous backlots like New York Street and sit on the couch from Friends at Central Perk. Since backlock availability is constantly changing due to productions happening on the lot, no two tours are the same. If you want to see what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite film or TV series, take the trip out to Warner Bros. Studios.
8. Get Drinks at Tonga Hut
For something fun to do in San Fernando Valley, take a trip to LA’s oldest Tiki Bar in North Hollywood. Tonga Hut has been around since 1958, offering a tropical escape with fun cocktails and a lively atmosphere. Although it looks unassuming on the outside, the minute you step inside, you’ll be transported to a Tiki paradise.
Low lighting, booth seating, ever-flowing drinks, and an outdoor patio await visitors at Tonga Hut. The NoHo location even offers events like DJ performances, parties, and live music on select weeknights. Happy hour is every weekday from 4 PM to 6 PM, when you can get $1 off menu cocktails. From the classic Mai Tai to Tonga Hut’s very own Blue Hawaiian, the menu features a variety of drinks to fit whatever you’re in the mood for.
9. Valley Relics Museum
Step into the Valley’s past and visit the Valley Relics Museum. This unique space has a collection of pieces from San Fernando Valley’s history. The museum’s collection includes old photographs, rare documents, vintage neon signs, postcards, negatives, clothing, books, art, automobiles, a playable retro arcade, and BMX bikes from the Valley.
It’s a nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve and protect the Valley’s local history while educating the public on the region’s past. The Valley Relics Museum is open weekends, 10 AM to 3 PM. The museum is free for children 10 and under, making it the perfect family outing to learn about the San Fernando Valley’s history.
10. Go Shopping For Unique Finds
If you’re looking for things to do in San Fernando Valley, you can’t pass up shopping. The Valley is home to several malls and centers where you can spend hours browsing for the latest trending clothing or accessories.
Burbank Town Center is located just off the I-5 in Downtown Burbank. Home to over 170 retail shops, entertainment venues, and restaurants, the 3-level shopping mall is a must-stop destination.
Northridge Mall features over 1 million square feet of retail space, home to premium brands such as JCPenney, Carter’s, OshKosh, DSW, and more. It’s a great shopping center that the entire family will enjoy, featuring a play area for kids, a movie theater, and a bustling food court serving scrumptious eats. Northridge Mall is the ideal fun thing to do in San Fernando Valley for the whole family.
Westfield Fashion Square is a 2-level mall featuring retail stores, a food court, and sophisticated boutiques. The mall frequently hosts events, including group workout classes, brand experiences, and holiday-themed parties.
What Will You Spend Your Days Doing in San Fernando Valley?
So, where will you go first? Perhaps you’ll visit Inicio Coffee first and try one of our signature drinks off the menu. Maybe you’ll plan a trip to Universal Studios and go to Lake Balboa’s Japanese Gardens the next day. Whatever you decide to do, the San Fernando Valley offers plenty of activities to suit your needs, whether you're looking for something for the whole family or planning a date night. Use this guide to plan your time in the Valley and experience the magic of this sun-drenched region for yourself.