A Weekend Full of Local Hidden Gems

BY EVAN THOMASON

Signal Contributing Writer

It is no surprise that the most loved attractions that locals boast about are Six Flags Magic Mountain or summer nights under the stars at events like Concerts in the Park. However, when friends and family are visiting, it is the perfect time to become a tourist in your own town by booking a hotel room at one of our area hotels and discovering local hidden gems that you might not have visited before!

For those up for the challenge of a weekend of discovery, your local travel experts have provided an itinerary for you to indulge in and explore.

Day 1

Make Old Town Newhall your jumping off point and once you are checked in at Hotel Lexen, start off with breakfast at Egg Plantation or Way Station Coffee Shop.

Both offer delicious options and are filled with tourists and locals alike! Your guests will be impressed with Hotel Lexen, a new boutique hotel, in the heart of Santa Clarita’s Arts & Entertainment District.

The hotel is just steps away from historic sites and nightly entertainment. If you want to impress your guests, download the Newhall Walking Tour app to give more insight on our City’s history.

As the sun reaches its peak in the sky, it’s time for some fun in the sun! A hidden jewel of the Southern California crown, and a hop, skip and a jump for locals, is Castaic Lake which features many of your favorite water and outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, jet skiing, kayaking, swimming and mountain biking.

The extensive trail system is open to mountain bikes, equestrians and hikers with a wide variety of potential destinations to discover and explore. These areas offer spectacular overlooks of both cation of the public about them. With educational tours given every Sunday morning, the Gibbon Conservation Center is a great place for the whole family to enjoy!

Once you finish your animal adventure, perhaps it’s time to try some locally crafted beers! With several brewery and microbrewery options, these hotspots also often feature tasty tapas, food trucks and other seasonal fare, making them a nice option for when you want to grab appetizers before a show or sit down to linger over a light meal after a fun event around town.

One of our newer breweries, Lucky Luke Brewing Company, is committed to creating a memorable experience and exceptionally crafted beer. Well known for a great variety, including delicious IPAs, stouts, seasonal brews and more, Lucky Luke is a beer-lovers dream.

Other options include unwinding at one of our creativity studios or enjoy a relaxing day at the Ivy Day Spa. Another way to destress is to head over to one of Sana Clarita’s paint and sip studios, including Painting with a Twist, to spend time with your visiting friends and family while creating your own works of art.

If you’re looking to keep the energy

the upper and lower lakes. The summer season includes special events such as Boat Cinema, Moonlight Fishing and more!

Once you’ve had your fill of vitamin D, head back to Newhall and enjoy some eclectic shopping, dining and entertainment.

Hungry but not sure what you’re craving? Dining options include Maginn’s Pub, Reyes Winery on Main, Rustic Burger House, Brewery Draconum, The Old Town Junction, Newhall Press Room and XRO Churro Bar.

In need of some entertainment? Visit the new Laemmle Theatre to watch the latest movies and take in an independent film. If you’re looking to see a live performance, the Canyon Theatre Guild and The MAIN are sure to have a production or comedy show for your enjoyment.

Day 2

Santa Clarita and its surrounding areas boast a wealth of amazing animals and wildlife. The area is home to a number of animal sanctuaries that provide a safe haven for rescued animals.

The Gibbon Conservation Center is the only organization in the world devoted exclusively to the study, preservation, and propagation of gibbons, and to edu-