Kirsten Anderberg's Things To Do In/Around The San Fernando Valley
Things To Do In/Around The San Fernando Valley
I have begun this webpage to journal cool things to do and see around the San Fernando Valley area. I will be adding more things in time, so check back.
As a kid, I used to ride my bike all over the northern end of the San Fernando Valley, around Granada and Mission Hills, Northridge, Canoga Park,
San Fernando, Pacoima, and Sylmar. I used to like to hang out at the Lemon Tree Bizarre in the early 1970's, and would also ride my bike in the back of the San Fernando Mission
on the seminary grounds often. As I got to driving age, we would cruise Van Nuys Blvd on Wed. nights, and spend a lot of time in the hills at night above the city.
I grew up in the Valley and will use this page to eventually highlight things you can do in the Valley that might not be obvious to the tourist or the person who has newly moved to the area.
One of my favorite places in the Valley is CHATSWORTH PARK. The rocks are truly fabulous and you will see snakes, lizards, and all kinds of things there. I remember walking through the
train tunnel there as a kid. It was scary. LOL! There is a lot of history at Chatsworth Park, and anyone with any interest in history, nature or geology will find it very
interesting. There is an old stagecoach path up in Chatsworth Park which still bears the ruts from the wheels. The park also has traditional park uses, with open lawn
areas for frisbee, picnics, BBQ's, etc. A late summer picnic in the park was one of my favorite things to do as a kid in the Valley.
Another interesting spot in the south end of the Valley, on the way to the beach, is the 20TH CENTURY FOX RANCH. My family was friends with the grounds
keepers there int he 1970's, and thus we used to go to this ranch and spend hours exploring the site. As a teen, I remember playing on the sets of the city of the Planet of the Apes,
there were the MASH tents from the TV show MASH, the F Troop stilted structures were there, as was the Swiss Family Robinson house for the movie. We would walk through the canyons there,
then stumble upon yet another set. It was the ultimate fantasy playground for a kid. I loved it there. My sisters and I had MASH 4077 coats in high school fomr the MASH sets at this ranch,
and I have always loved visiting this place. I believe the public can go in if they ask at the front gate. Directions: From downtown Los Angeles, take the 101 Freeway West.
Exit at Las Virgenes Road and turn left (south). Entrance to the ranch is on the right (west side) just after Mulholland Highway.
The William S. Hart Park north of the San Fernando Valley, in Saugus, is an interesting place. It has a beautiful natural area full of wildlife
and plants, including buffalo, but it has gorgeous architecture as well. There is an adobe mansion on the estate, as well as pools, overlooks, out buildings, and more. Make sure
to check out the little tea house by the buffalo overlook. The lower area of the park has animals for little kids to feed and look at and there are more buildings
that have been preserved with artifacts, etc. from the old Western times in the Valley. I have been going to this park since I was a little child, I have taken my own son there,
and it is a nice hidden treasure of this area. This is a great place for a day trip with light hiking and a picnic.
The Odyssey Restaurant overlooking the San Fernando Valley is a nice spot for a romantic evening. The restaurant windows
show sweeping views of the Valley lights at night. This restaurant has never gotten rave reviews for its food, unfortunately, but the ambiance of the location makes up for it.
There is a firepit outside for warm summer nights as well. Another unfortunate situation at the Odyssey is the constant encroachment by condos around it on the hill. I grew up in
one of the only two houses on Odyssey Hill as a kid in the 1970's and it is a shame to see it so packed with condos now.
Kirsten Anderberg. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint/publish, please contact Kirsten at kirstena@resist.ca.
Kirsten Anderberg. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint/publish, please contact Kirsten at kirstena@resist.ca.