Itinerary Inspiration: WESTERN
Itinerary Inspiration: WESTERN
One of Santa Clarita’s biggest claims to fame is its Western history…and rightly so. The city, long before it was known for record breaking roller coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain, had a rich Hollywood Western culture. Many of its relics s ll exist today, so take a tour of the city and go back in me to the early days of the American West.
Day One
Start your day at the Halfway House Café, a favorite restaurant among its patrons since 1931. The café resembles a diner that you would likely see in the days of William S. Hart and Gene Autry. Get your fill of the classics like eggs and bacon or indulge in Halfway House special es like Eggs Floren ne. As you enjoy your meal, look around and you’ll no ce that the café has been featured in Gene Autry’s Westerns from the past to modern produc ons such as the iconic Cindy Crawford Pepsi commercial and the TV show, “Heroes.”
Consider visi ng the William S. Hart Park and Museum a er you have had your fill of a hearty breakfast. William Hart, a silent film star and Western film producer, lived in Santa Clarita and donated his sprawling ranch to Los Angeles County. The 256‐acre ranch is now William S. Hart Park and Museum, a member of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, and is open to the public at no charge. Hart’s former home, now a museum, exhibits an impressive collec on of Western artwork, personal furnishings, and addi onal Hollywood mementos. Guided tours of the Museum’s mansion are offered year‐round, and the Ranch House is open for unguided tours. End the tour with a one‐of‐a‐kind souvenir from the Western‐themed gi shop. A er visi ng both of those it is me to explore the park, where you will find plenty of space to hike and visit the barn yard animals and natural surroundings. Pack a lunch and enjoy it on one of the numerous picnic tables and chairs.
Located at the base of Pico Canyon and just a few minutes away from Hart Park, you can explore Mentryville. Historical 19th Century Western structures give visitors an authen c look into the past of California's "black gold" boom town era. Mentryville was home to over 100 families un l the early 1930’s. It was the site of the first commercially successful oil well in the western United States. Pico No. 4 went on to become the longest con nually opera ng oil well in the world, closing in 1990. Historic buildings s ll standing include Charles Mentry’s grand thirteen‐room mansion, which was built in 1898 and featured in the HBO hit show “Big Love”, a one‐room school house, and a period barn. Mentryville and Pico No. 4 are registered as California State Historical Landmarks.
Con nue on your historical journey at Melody Ranch Mo on Picture Studio and Museum. The Studio houses one of the world’s largest collec ons of one‐of‐a‐kind movie memorabilia from the last nine decades. The Museum, located on the 22 acre studio lot, offers Western and Hollywood fans alike an opportunity to experience movie sets in the old west, military camps, 1930s gangster se ngs, never‐before‐seen photos from movie and television shoots, vintage cars, military tanks and original props. Make sure to schedule a private tour for a behind‐the‐scenes look at some of Hollywood’s most beloved movies.
At the end of your day, you’ll have a hankerin’ for a big supper just like the cowboys had. The no‐nonsense, high‐quality steaks served at The Backwoods Inn are just what you need. The restaurant “where the locals eat” serves up steak cooked over mesquite charcoal. Our favorite…the twice baked potatoes. Itinerary Inspiration: WESTERN
Day Two Get some history with your breakfast at the longest opera ng restaurant in Los Angeles County, Saugus Café. Opened in 1886, this well‐known café offers home‐style cooking at great prices. Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, and John Wayne were served in their spacious booths during the 1930's. While most commonly known for its film history and service to film stars, the Saugus Café has also dished up meals for historical legends such as President Theodore Roosevelt and Charlie Chaplin, and modern‐day stars such as Whoopi Goldberg and Drew Barrymore. This café is truly one of a kind; here can you eat inside a living legend while ge ng that hometown diner experience.
A er breakfast, head to Main Street, adjacent to the Old Town Newhall Library, and check out the Walk of Western Stars. Stars are emblazoned on the ground throughout Old Town Newhall memorializing the stars of the Westerns that have filmed in Santa Clarita for centuries. You’ll see stars for Roy Rogers, John Wayne, Jack Palance, Sam Ellio , John Ford and William S. Hart, among many others. A Walk of Western Stars map can be found on VisitSantaClarita.com
While on Main Street, be sure to check out the Out West retail store. The store has all your Western apparel and jewelry needs, and even has an art gallery that features Na ve American and Cowboy art. The store o en holds special events like live music and fashion shows, so you may just stumble upon a rich Western cultural event while visi ng or can call in advance and inquire within.
Head on over to Harry Carey Ranch a er your leisurely stroll through Old Town Newhall. Harry Carey was an early western film actor whose prolific career includes more than 233 movies. Notable film stars that visited the ranch during the me of Carey’s ownership include John Wayne, William S. Hart, and Gary Cooper. Western ar st Charles Russell was also a frequent guest at the ranch. The historic adobe park is now managed by Los Angeles County, with an emphasis on providing a glimpse of past mo on picture history. The home is preserved with pieces of Western art painted right on the adobe walls, allowing you to step back in me and experience a day in the life of Harry and his family.
Ready for some ac on? Release your inner gun‐slinger with some me at Oak Tree Gun Club! The full‐service gun range offers Trap, Skeet, Spor ng Clays, Rifle and Pistol shoo ng, all for reasonable prices. Oak Tree Gun Club also features two of the finest pro shops in Southern California, offering gun sales, ammuni on, shoo ng sport accessories, and clothing.
If you’re not a big fan of guns but s ll want to get into the Western spirit, how much more authen c can you get then with a horseback ride? Santa Clarita is home to many equestrian stables featuring Western‐style riding including Jump for Joy and Donny Brooks Farm; and English‐style riding including Silver Gate Farms. Each stable offers riding lessons with championship horses and expert trainers, so if you’re up for the challenge, make an appointment and saddle up!
You’re not a lover of all things Western if you don’t love great BBQ! Our hometown favorite, Ra ler’s BBQ, is an authen c rib joint that you and your family will be sure to enjoy. Ra ler’s has been a part of the city for more than 25 years. The restaurant serves up classic BBQ favorites like rib ps and pulled pork sandwiches but also has healthy‐minded offerings and gluten‐free op ons. Be sure to order the Ra ler’s Famous Shredded Onions ‐ thinly sliced, lightly seasoned and piled high!