Travel Back In Time
Lake Balboa Park
Embrace adventure at Lake Balboa in the San Fernando Valley! Whether you're packing a picnic, lacing up your roller skates, or hopping on a bicycle, there's endless fun awaiting you along the shimmering shores. Calming vistas invite leisurely strolls, while expansive green spaces beckon kite flying, catch games, or spirited soccer matches. Keep your eyes peeled for moments of pure joy—a family rolling down a grassy hill, or locals casting lines amidst the tranquil scene of ducks and geese gliding by. Need equipment? The Los Angeles Parks and Recreations Department has you covered with bike and paddle boat rentals, ensuring every moment is filled with excitement and exploration.
Destination
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Parking
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Appropriate For
Learn more about Los Encinos State Historic Park at the following sites.
Sample Itinerary – San Fernando Valley
Date: [INSERT DATE]
Location: San Fernando Valley
Spend a weekend in the San Fernando Valley
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Mission San Fernando
| Location | Address | Cost | Notes |
| Mission San Fernando de España | 15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd, Mission Hills, CA 91345 | $5 | Spend the morning at Mission San Fernando de España. Parking is free. Get a free map from their gift shop and explore the different exhibits inside the mission.
Tip: Bring a picnic to save some $, but if you can’t, visit some of the yummy locations below. |
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM Museum of the San Fernando Valley
| Location | Address | Cost | Notes |
| The Museum of the San Fernando Valley | 18904 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91324 | Free | Learn all about the San Fernando Valley through the arts and well curated history. There is free parking at the museum and street parking, too. |
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM: Enjoy Some Foods
| Location | Address | Cost | Notes |
| Tender Grill Cafe | 911 Truman St., San Fernando, CA 91340 | $5.50+ | Drive to some of these locations near the CSUN campus for some affordable tasty treats.
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| ChopSpoon | 2040 Glenoaks Blvd d, San Fernando, CA 91340 | $3.50+ | |
| Bun Me | 9420 Reseda Blvd #5, Northridge, CA 91324 | $5.50 | |
| Tasty Pot | 9250 Reseda Blvd #8, Northridge, CA 91324 | $4.50+ | |
| Pita Pockets | 9127 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, CA 91324 | $5.00 |
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Learn About CSUN
| Location | Address | Cost | Notes |
| California State University, Northridge | 555 Temple St, Los Angeles | Free | The campus has a rich history, artwork, and inspiration. Visit the campus and sign up for a tour or download the app and do a self-guided tour. If you or your kids are interested in attending, it’s a great way to learn more about what the campus offers. The campus also has a fun planetarium, a beautiful orange grove, and a pond.
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4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Take a Stroll
End the day with a stroll at any of the following two parks
| Location | Address | Cost | Notes |
| Oakridge Estate Park | 18650 Devonshire St, Northridge, CA 91324 | Free | Enjoy the trails, playground and horses at the Estate Park until it closes at Sunset. |
| Lake Balboa | 6300 Balboa Blvd., Lake Balboa, CA 91406 | Free | Bring your bike skates or for rent a paddle boat for $11/adult, $6/child. |
- Museum of the San Fernando Valley
- Andres Pico Adobe: Lankershim Reading Room, Railroad Shanty
- Ararat Eskijian Museum: Armenian Museum
- California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
- Donald E. Bianchi Planetarium at CSUN
- CSUN Orange Grove and Pond
- Los Encinos State Historical Park
- Mission San Fernando Rey de España
- Burbank Aviation Museum
- The Lopez Adobe
- Bolton Hall Museum
- Paramount Ranch
- The Nethercutt Museum
- Tarzana Community and Cultural Center
- Warner Ranch Park
- North Hollywood Park
- Lake Balboa Park
- The Doctor’s House
- Leonis Adobe Museum
- Oakridge Estate Historic House Tour – Special Mention
- Valley Relics – Special Mention
- The Nethercutt Collection – Special Mention
- Martial Arts History Museum, Burbank – Special Mention
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