Exploring Los Angeles is magical any time of year (thank you, sunshine!), but where do you start? We’re sending you west on the 101 to Calabasas and Agoura Hills for a brush with the county’s rugged side—expect some local wildlife sightings along the way.
By Teena Apeles, adapted from WHERE Los Angeles magazine
Morning
Breakfast at Pedalers Fork
Start your day at this trendy eatery, which boasts arustic vibe. Before you settle in for weekend brunch or a cup of joe at the in-house café, 10 Speed Coffee, walk around to enjoy the restaurant’s unique architectural details and fun decor. Oh, yes, and the food’s good, too! 23504 Calabasas Road, Calabasas, 818.225.8231. pedalersfork.com
Tour Leonis Adobe Museum
It’s not every day that you get to meet a Texas longhorn. And across the street from Pedalers Fork, at Leonis Adobe, there are several, as well as a menagerie of Percheron horses, Black Spanish turkeys and other feathered and furry friends. Explore the historic grounds and Victorian-style Plummer House, and stroll through Calabasas Creek Park to see a re-created Chumash village. 23537 Calabasas Road, Calabasas, 818.222.6511. leonisadobemuseum.org
Afternoon
Takeout from Sagebrush Cantina
The Sagebrush is a party all week long, so stop through to get a taste of the scene, but opt for takeout to continue your Western adventure. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu—popular dishes include the Sagebrush carne asada and the deep-fried taquitos dorados, which are prepared with flour or corn tortillas made fresh daily. 23527 Calabasas Road, Calabasas, 818.222.6062. sagebrushcantina.com
Picnic at Paramount Ranch National Park
Next, head to nearby Agoura Hills to step onto a motion-picture set at this ranch purchased by Paramount Pictures in 1927. There, in the Western Town, built in the 1950s for filming such TV shows as The Cisco Kid, enjoy a picnic in the shade, followed by a hike to learn about local plants and wildlife in the Santa Monica Mountains. 2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills, 805.370.2301. nps.gov
Giddyap with Malibu Riders
Now, give your feet a rest and hitch a ride at the ranch on a horse, care of Malibu Riders. Make sure to book your ride in advance—there are generally three afternoon ride times (note the minimum age is 6). Choose from two routes: Further explore Paramount Ranch, including its streams and forests, or discover Malibu Creek State Park, with its hills and a view of Malibou Lake. 2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills, 818.510.2245. maliburiders.com
Evening
Dine at the Old Place
There is perhaps no more fitting restaurant to bring your Western adventure to a close than the family-run Old Place, housed in an old general store and post office. Your kids will enjoy the noodle and cheese bake, while adventurous parents can try the “Chef’s Selection” of local game. Come as you are—there’s no dress code, “though some customers might come in their hillbilly-chic getups,” says owner Morgan Runyon. And look out for the wild peacocks that roam the property. 29983 Mulholland Hwy., Cornell, 818.706.9001. oldplacecornell.com
Photo credits: Pedalers Fork by Gideon Kleinman. Malibu Riders courtesy of the company. Old Place courtesy of the restaurant.
