Everybody wants to live in the Valley of the Stars, and it’s easy to see why. It offers the right mix of all the Los Angeles essentials: world-class attractions, amazing shopping and dining, exciting outdoor recreation, and historical sites with a couple of extra surprises thrown in.
Continue reading to learn everything you need to know, from the things to do in the San Fernando Valley to the best places to live in the area.
Where is the San Fernando Valley?
From the Los Angeles Basin, look to the northwest and you’ll find the San Fernando Valley. Affectionately known among locals simply as “the Valley,” the area is surrounded by mountains in nearly all directions.
A large chunk of the Valley is part of the City of Los Angeles, including the neighborhoods of Woodland Hills, Mission Hills, and North Hollywood. And then there’s Glendale and Burbank in the southeast, Calabasas in the southwest, and San Fernando in the northeast, a small bite surrounded on all sides by Los Angeles.
North of the Valley is Santa Clarita. To the west is Ventura County, and to the south, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, and Pasadena unfolds.
What is there to do in the San Fernando Valley?
A lot! For a glimpse of all the best things to do in the San Fernando Valley, I’ve divided this segment into four parts: places to see (which includes historical sites and other attractions), restaurants to try, and shopping options you wouldn’t want to miss.
Places to see in the San Fernando Valley
- Warner Brothers Studio, located in Burbank, is open to studio tours that take visitors all around its most famous sets, such as the Central Perk coffee shop from Friends.
- North Hollywood Arts District is the place to nurture your creative and artistic side. The neighborhood is home to dozens upon dozens of art galleries and theaters, such as the El Portal Theater and ACME Comedy Theatre.
- Mission San Fernando Rey de España in Mission Hills offers a slice of Spanish Colonial history. You can go on a guided tour or explore the place by yourself.
- The Leonis Adobe Museum in Calabasas dates back to the mid-19th century, making it one of the oldest surviving private residences not just in San Fernando Valley, but in all of Los Angeles County.
- Lake Balboa in Van Nuys turns a pretty color of pink when its collection of cherry blossom trees start to bloom. But even if you miss the flowers, there are trails to explore and the lake itself to experience.
Where to eat in the San Fernando Valley
- Scratch|Bar and Kitchen in Encino offers tasty New American fare made with seasonal ingredients at reasonable prices. If you want comfort food and some adventurous options, this one’s for you.
- Mistral in Sherman Oaks is all about French classics, served in this dark-wood bistro lit up by chandeliers, the walls decorated with various artworks.
- Bill’s Burgers in Van Nuys is a vast departure from Mistral. It’s a small hamburger shack along Oxnard Street, serving burgers you can marry (according to this article by Forbes). It’s that good.
- Nat’s Early Bite, another gem in Sherman Oaks, is a great place to indulge in breakfast favorites like house-made muffins and pancakes. Come for those (available all day) or for their traditional Mexican plates.
- VinhLoi Tofu in Reseda offers 100 percent vegan Vietnamese food that is both flavorful and good for you, made only using the freshest ingredients and the best spices available.
Where to go shopping in the San Fernando Valley
- Westfield Topanga & The Village in Canoga Park houses the largest Nordstrom in Los Angeles, not to mention other anchor stores such as Macy’s and Neiman Marcus.
- The entire length of Ventura Boulevard, from Woodland Hills to Studio City, is a true shopper’s haven. Malls, vintage clothing boutiques, and other stores line the street.
- The Americana at Brand in Glendale is another massive shopping center, as well as local dining and entertainment destination.
- Glendale Galleria is another classic example of one-stop places in Glendale. Go on a shopping spree, taste the local culinary offerings, or join the festivities.
7 things you need to know about moving to San Fernando Valley
Did you know that Clark Gable and Charlie once had a home in San Fernando Valley? Marilyn Monroe, too, grew up in the warm and welcoming neighborhoods of this desirable Southern California locale. This is, indeed, the Valley of the Stars.
There’s plenty to love about living in San Fernando Valley, and it goes more than just its impressive list of celebrity residents. From its relaxing and invigorating suburban vibe, to the broad range of recreational destinations and attractions, the entire Valley feels an entire world away from the bright lights and big city appeal of the Los Angeles metropolis.
Want to know what else to expect when you move to San Fernando Valley? This light and pleasant read will show you all you need to know. This article is just a peek of what’s in store for you when you live in the San Fernando Valley. I’ll be updating this page with more resources so you can experience the best of the Valley. For now, get in touch with me today to explore your real estate opportunities in the San Fernando Valley. I can’t wait to hear from you.
Top-rated schools in and around Sherman Oaks
The neighborhood of Sherman Oaks in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley region offers a family-friendly environment with many great destinations, superb restaurants, and plenty of recreational opportunities. One of the best things about living in Sherman Oaks however is the neighborhood’s close proximity to top-notch schools. This makes it very ideal especially for growing families, as there’s a great selection of quality schools to choose from. If you’re about to relocate and are looking for information on schools in the area, we’re here to make your search easier! In this page, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top-rated schools located in and around Sherman Oaks.
Walkable neighborhoods in the Valley
People consider the San Fernando Valley as one of the best places to live. This thriving region in Los Angeles County offers a variety of neighborhood options for the discerning buyer.
Buyers with their hearts set on living in the San Fernando Valley will find a lot of idyllic areas where they can comfortably set down roots. They can choose from several pedestrian-friendly areas with easy access to schools as well as the hippest shops, restaurants, and entertainment and recreational areas.
We bring you a list of the Valley’s most walkable neighborhoods and what they each have to offer. Read on for more.
Must-visit San Fernando Valley, CA destinations
San Fernando Valley is home to California’s most exciting shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. It’s home to the state’s entertainment capital, after all. If you’re looking for something fun to do in the area, you won’t be left wanting.
Aside from high-end retailers, film and television studios, and theme parks, there are tons of other places to see and things to experience in the area. Explore all you can but don’t skip these must-visit San Fernando Valley, CA destinations:
- North Hollywood Arts District
- The Great Wall of Los Angeles
- Sherman Oaks Antique Mall
- Lake Balboa Park
- Japanese Garden
- Northridge Skateland
Little-Known Places to go for your San Fernando Valley, California Visit
San Fernando Valley is a destination that is full of hidden gems to explore. Whether you’re passing by or looking to move in, you will always be able to find a fun activity to get involved in all-year round. Have a look at some of the little-known places that tend to be a favorite of the residents. You can get a real taste of the community by visiting these fantastic locations within the city.