15 Fun & Best Things to Do in Calabasas, California

Calabasas, meaning “squash” in Spanish, is located in the southwest region of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County. With views of the Santa Monica Mountains and a profusion of cultural amusement, this city is a sun-dappled destination for all.

Over the years, Calabasas has been known for being home to a number of Hollywood stars, including actors, athletes, and reality television stars. For its privacy and proximity to Hollywood, celebrities like the Kardashians, Justin Bieber, John Travolta, Drake, Will Smith, Kanye West, and Jerry O’Connell and Rebecca Romijn have called Calabasas home.

Celebrity stalking aside, there are plenty of other activities to get involved with in this Southern California city. The Commons at Calabasas is one of the most popular spots to shop in the area, while the Malibu Creek State Park ticks the box for anyone looking for outdoor fun and activities. For those looking for an indoor activity with a bit of history, the Leonis Adobe Museum is dedicated to and explores California ranch life in the 1880s.

If you’re planning a trip to this celebrity-studded metropolis, read on for our guide on the best things to do in Calabasas, California.

TL;DR

Category	Choice
Best park	Malibu Creek State Park
Best free activity	King Gillette Ranch
Best family-friendly activity	Universal Studios Hollywood
Best activity for adults	Saddle Peak Lodge
Best food	Pedalers Fork
Best shopping	The Commons at Calabasas
Best all-around accommodation	The Anza Hotel

Fun & Best Things to Do in Calabasas, California

1. The Commons at Calabasas

Address: 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas, CA 91302

Yes, this is a mall, but it’s a fancy mall, okay? The gorgeous Mediterranean architecture, fine dining, and boutique shops all make this beautiful open-air mall an experience not to be missed. After shopping at popular stores like lululemon, Sephora, Barnes & Noble, or more novelty shops such as Bonjour Fete and elysewalker, enjoy a decadent meal at one of the 13 eateries.

The Commons at Calabasas also features annual events. Current and past events include Host Your Party at Sephora, Wine Down Wednesdays at Marmalade Cafe, Personal Styling at elysewalker, Happy Hour Is Back at Toscanova, Complimentary Hemming at lululemon, and Coffee Goes Green at Starbucks Coffee.

The Commons is open every day of the year, so stop by this gorgeous spot when you’re in Calabasas. Complimentary car and bicycle parking are available to shoppers.

See Related: 38 Best Things to Do in California

2. King’s Fish House

Address: 4798 Commons Way, Calabasas, CA 91302

King’s Fish House is a popular destination for seafood lovers with a prime location on the bustling Commons Way. The restaurant has 12 locations, with 10 in California and the other two in Nevada and Arizona. Guests at King’s will find all the usual fresh seafood fare, including oysters, shrimp, crab, lobster, and more.

Popular dishes from their wide-ranging menu include the Grilled Wild Chilean Sea Bass Tacos, the New England Clam Chowder, the Farmed Peruvian Bay Scallops, the Sauteed N’awlins BBQ Shrimp, and the Macadamia Nut Crusted Wild Alaskan Halibut with orange ginger butter sauce.

King’s also has a Kid’s Menu with fried shrimp, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, grilled salmon, macaroni, and more. They make it a particular point not to reuse their kids’ menus and recycle all crayons after one use.

3. Malibu Hindu Temple

Address: 1600 Las Virgenes Canyon Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302

The Malibu Hindu Temple, built-in 1981, is part of the Hindu Temple Society and is one of the largest Hindu temples in the Western world. The temple’s founder was Vasan Srinivasan, who raised funds for the temple’s construction and recruited priests from India. The priests live near the temple and preside over services.

You can book several Pooja services (worship rituals) and temple services, including certain landmark birthdays, funerals, and weddings. If you plan to visit, the temple is closed for services during the week but is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am – 5 pm.

For a stay near the Malibu Hindu Temple, the Good Nite Inn will serve you well if you are on a budget. Amenities include free parking, complimentary tea and coffee, an outdoor pool, and free Wi-Fi.

See Related: 45 Best & Fun Things to Do in San Diego, California

4. Malibu Creek State Park

Address: 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302

If nature is your thing, Malibu Creek State Park, opened to the public in 1976, is not to be missed. With superb hiking trails from the mountains to the beach, nature lovers will enjoy the peaceful beauty of their surroundings. Known as the “Yosemite of Southern California,” this 8,000-acre wilderness is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The most incredible aspect of this park is how little it has changed since the Chumash Indians lived here over 5,000 years ago. Enjoy myriad activities, including hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, horseback riding, and camping. The park is open from 8 am – 6 pm daily.

If you do go, please remember to pick up any litter you might have to keep the trails pristine for other hikers and animals there. Dogs are allowed on the paved roads and in the campsites but not on the hiking trails. 

See Related: 13 Fun & Best Things To Do in Cambria, California

5. Calabasas Community Center

Address: 27040 Malibu Hills Road, Calabasas, CA 91301

While you probably have a community center in your town, does yours have a 35-foot rock climbing wall? Or a dance studio? How about pro-level basketball courts and a full-service fitness studio? If you have the energy to burn, this is the place to do it.

The Calabasas Community Center also offers classes for kids through seniors, including chess, exercise, art and cartooning, music, and many others. This 30,000-square-foot center also houses a banquet hall that can be rented for private events.

See Related: 19 Fun & Best Things to Do in Murphys, California

6. Marmalade Cafe

Address: 4783 Commons Way, Calabasas, CA 91302

With seven locations in the vicinity, including Malibu, Santa Monica, and El Segundo, this Marmalade Cafe is situated at none other than The Commons.

Marmalade is a cute neighborhood eatery with delectable food known primarily for its breakfast service. Guests love the Crispy Short Rib Hash, the Corned Beef Hash, the Smoked Salmon Benedict, the Marmalade Breakfast Tacos, and Spicy Chorizo Benedict.

Feel free to bring your dog, sit outside on their pet-friendly patio, and spot turtles in the nearby pond.

7. Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park

Address: 5068 Old Scandia Lane, Calabasas, CA 91372

You might think this is a strange concept, but yes, the rich and famous don’t seem to bury their animals in the backyard like the rest of us schmucks. Enter the Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park, established in 1929.

This pet cemetery offers burial services, cremations, and “pre-need planning,” so you already have a plan in place for when Rover passes on! Celebrities who have furry companions buried here include Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, Jimmy Durante, Rudolph Valentino, and Mae West.

The nearby Hilton Garden Inn is in a prime location, with modern amenities, clean rooms, and food service available in the evening hours. This family-friendly hotel is a fantastic option for easy access to The Commons and Downtown Calabasas.

See Related: 15 Fun & Best Things to Do in Antioch, California

8. Leonis Adobe Museum

Address: 23537 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302

The private residence of the wealthy rancher Miguel Leonis has been converted into a museum to preserve the ranch’s past.

Take a deep dive into the history of California ranching life in the 1800s in Leonis’ architecturally charming adobe house. The museum’s ranch is home to longhorn cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and poultry.

Enjoy a group or private tour of the museum, ranch, and grounds, and eat afterward at the Sagebrush Cantina. For those unable to see this historical land in person, the website offers virtual tours and a plethora of information about the ranch, Miguel Leonis, and his wife, Espiritu.

See Related: 9 Fun & Best Things to Do in Visalia, California

9. Calabasas Creek Park

Address: 23527 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302

Located on the Leonis Adobe Museum Grounds, Calabasas Creek Park showcases a recreated Chumash Village, a replication of the original Calabasas jail, and the original 1880s-style park.

Calabasas Creek joins Bell Creek in Canoga Park to become the Los Angeles River. Calabasas Creek Park is open from 10 am – 4 pm Wednesday through Sunday. While you can take a virtual park tour, you will have a much better experience if you go in person.

The Anza Hotel is a boutique accommodation located near Calabasas Creek Park. This hotel differs from others in that while it is most certainly luxurious, it also has a cozy neighborhood feel. It features an outdoor pool, and all rooms have free Wi-Fi.

10. Pedalers Fork

Address: 23504 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302

Right across the street from Calabasas Creek Park is the one and only Pedalers Fork. What sets this restaurant apart from others in the area, or even further reaching than that, is its fusion of exceptional food, craft beer, and cycling culture.

Pedalers Fork houses a full-service bike shop and regularly hosts group rides and cycling events, making it a popular gathering spot for cyclists. Also part of the setting is yet another cycling-inspired venue, 10 Speed Coffee.

Especially popular is their weekend brunch with items like their gluten-free and vegan Chilled Chia Seed Porridge, vegetarian Pistachio Orange Pancakes, and vegetarian Impossible Sausage Muffin. Don’t worry, though, meat-eaters; you have choices too. Their Crabcake Benedict, “Fork” Burrito, and Brisket Hash are all top-notch.

If you’re pedaling around town, headed here for a ride, or making this a pit stop on a longer journey, it goes without saying that they have racks for your bike. They provide locks and your own key.

11. Calabasas Film Festival

Address: 23548 Calabasas Rd #206e, Calabasas, CA 91302

Founded by sisters Kelley and Nicole Fries, this non-profit film festival takes place over the course of a week every September and presents more than 40 films to the public as well as workshops and Q&As. A unique facet of this festival is that it screens not only professional films but is open to student filmmakers as well.

But it is not the only representation of the youth that is important to the Fries sisters: in the 2019 film festival, over 60% of the movies shown were produced or directed by women. Girl Power!

12. Nights of the Jack

Address: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302

If you’re in Calabasas during October, Nights of the Jack is a not-to-be-missed event. Taking place every night that month between 6 pm and 10 pm, guests can view the myriad hand-carved jack-o-lanterns along a 2/3 mile spooky trail in King Gillette Ranch.

Afterward, grab a drink at the Spookeasy bar from their selection of craft beer, wine, and spirits. They also have coffee and cider, plus a bevy of Halloween snacks.

This event is ticketed and is open to all ages. While the trail is not scary, it can be spooky at times, so that is worth keeping in mind if you bring little ones. Aside from the trail and the delicious food and drink, Nights of the Jack has many family-friendly activities.

Watch the light show while you’re sipping your favorite beverage, and then observe Jack-o-Lantern experts at work (did you know there was such a thing?).

At the end of the night, stop by the souvenir shop for a token to commemorate this one-of-a-kind experience. Nights of the Jack is ADA accessible and will take place rain or shine. Pets are not allowed.

13. King Gillette Ranch

Address: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302

Built in 1926 by the man who created the Gillette razor, this mansion sits on almost 600 acres of land just opposite Malibu Creek Park. After Gillette died, the ranch passed to Hollywood directors and actors (including Bob Hope!), became a seminary and a university, and finally was acquired by the National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains Conservatory, California State Parks, and Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority.

Today the public can hike or bike the grounds and take in the birdwatching before popping into the visitor center for a detailed history of the lands. And yes, if it looks familiar to you, it’s because it was where TV’s The Biggest Loser was filmed.

The Cambria Hotel Calabasas is an excellent nearby option if you are traveling with your family. With several “family rooms,” a pool, a fitness center, a tennis court, and a fantastic location, there will always be something for you and the kids to do.

14. Saddle Peak Lodge

Address: 419 Cold Canyon Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302

If you have a couple (or more) hundred to spare and are looking for a ritzy place to eat, look no further than the Saddle Peak Lodge. With gorgeous views on a fairytale-like patio, this is the perfect place to dine with that special someone.

Prices are not listed online, so it’s worth considering when reserving a table. This meal is an experience, and the food is unparalleled, so it will cost you a second mortgage.

If you choose to dine here, look forward to such delicacies as Tartare of New Zealand Elk, Mushrooms and Bone Marrow Sandwich, and Faroe Island Salmon.

See Related: 50 Fun & Best Things to Do in Los Angeles, California

15. Universal Studios Hollywood

Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

A worthwhile day trip from Calabasas is heading east down the 101 to Universal Studios Hollywood. If you’re in this neck of the woods, it’s a no-brainer. The trip to the theme park will take about 25 minutes, and you’ll pass Woodland Hills, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and Studio City along the way.

Opened in early 2023, Super Nintendo World is the theme park’s latest attraction. Guests enter the iconic, giant green pipe into the Mushroom Kingdom to experience the park’s highly immersive and interactive area. Look to battle Team Bowser on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and dine at Toadstool Café.

Universal is also home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where wizards and muggles alike can experience the rides of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and the kid-friendly Flight of the Hippogriff. Remember to wander Hogsmeade, sip butterbeer, and choose (or be chosen by) your own interactive wand at Ollivanders.

Getting Around Calabasas

Car

Traveling by car is the easiest option for getting around Calabasas. If you’re flying into either Hollywood Burbank Airport or Los Angeles International Airport, renting a car is the best option.

Trolley

If you can’t get a hold of a car, the Calabasas Trolley runs on Saturdays and is a fun way to loop the city. 

Shuttle/Bus

Consisting of Lines 1, 2, 3, and 4, these shuttles (buses) are a great way to get around the city. A perk for public transportation users is that Line 1 is free of charge! Stay up to date directly with the City of Calabasas for shuttle schedules.

FAQ

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