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City in California, United States
Photo: Jeffrey Beall, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Santa Clarita is the third largest city in Los Angeles County in Southern California, with a population of 229,000 in 2020. It is generally considered to be a suburb of Greater Los Angeles. It consists of the neighborhoods of Canyon Country, Newhall, Saugus, and Valencia. It is part of the Santa Clarita Valley, which also includes the unincorporated "satellite communities" of Castaic, Stevenson Ranch and Val Verde,
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Open since 1971, is the leading attraction in Santa Clarita. Movie buffs will recognize this park as "Wally World" in the 1983 film National Lampoon's Vacation. Buy your tickets online at their website and you'll usually get a deal like $10 off or buy one get one free. Parking costs $17 for self parking and $30 for valet. Six Flags Magic Mountain, the Thrill Capital of the World, firmly holds the coveted "Coaster Capital of the World" crown — with a total of 18 roller coasters — more than any other theme park on the planet.
Adjacent to Six Flags Magic Mountain is its sister, Park Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. This tropical themed water park features more than 23 slides and activities that keep you cool in the summer months.
Overrun with young kids during the day, and slightly older kids in the evenings, this spot is nevertheless a fun place to go for miniature golf, batting cages, go-carts, and sundry other entertainment. Miniature golf costs $6.50 per round, but a AAA membership gives a two-for-one discount. Parents of young children might be interested in birthday parties, during which children can be infused with cake, soda, and pizza and then unleashed on a climbing wall, video games, and other activities designed to maximize their sugar buzz.
An animal sanctuary where you can hug cows, pet turkeys, and give potbellied pigs a belly rub. Open on Sundays, reservations required.
One of the oldest land marks in Santa Clarita. This restaurant has been here since the beginning. Great pizza and Italian food at good prices. Many residents will tell you it's the best pizza or Italian food in town!
Nice atmosphere with cozy booths and tables. Outdoor seating available as well facing Town Center Drive. Huge menu of mostly American food. Large portions. The Strawberry Lemonade is fantastic. For those with a sweet tooth, you must save room for dessert, the pizookie is one of a kind (a cookie of your choice in a deep dish pizza pan with ice cream on top). Also has a full bar with mounted flat panel televisions around the bar usually tuned to sports. Excellent choice for the beer lover. Custom brews as well as a wide selection of other beers from around the world. If you're unsure which beer to choose they will give you a free sample of their custom brews to help you decide.
Highlights small vineyards, particularly from the Paso Robles area. You can bring your own food to this wine tasting.
Well furnished rooms, basic breakfast.
Days Inn Castaic Six Flags Magic Mountain.
An outdoor shopping area starting at the corner of McBean Pkwy and Magic Mountain Pkwy gives way to a mall as you go East on Magic Mountain Pkwy. Several boutique stores, coffee shop, restaurants in the outdoor shopping area as well as Edwards Valencia Grand Palace Stadium Movie Theater. Restaurants at the Town Center include Salt Creek Grille, Poquito Mas, Johnny Rockets, Larsen's Steakhouse, Lazy Dog Cafe, Tilted Kilt, Sisley Italian Kitchen, T.G.I. Friday's, and BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Department stores in the mall are Macy's and JCPenney.
Suburban shopping mall close to many of the hotels in Santa Clarita.
By train
The closest full-service Amtrak station is Los Angeles Union Station. From there, you would take the Metrolink Antelope Valley line up to Santa Clarita. At Union Station follow the Metrolink signs.
By car
Interstate 5, which runs between Downtown Los Angeles and points north, runs along the west of the city, while the Antelope Valley Freeway ("the 14") runs along the east side.
By taxi
By bicycle
Santa Clarita has many bike paths and paseos. You can easily get around by bicycle as everything is connected by paseos where you can avoid waiting for traffic lights.
By horse
There is a large equestrian community in Santa Clarita and horse trails throughout the city. A map of the horse trails can be found online.
By train
On weekdays, four bus lines have service to/from the Metrolink station that connects Santa Clarita to Los Angeles. Routes 501-504.
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Burbank · International · BUR
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