Moorpark

The history of Moorpark begins with the Chumash people, who inhabited the region for thousands of years, leaving behind pictographs and artifacts in the surrounding hills. The area later became part of the vast Rancho Simi land grant during the Spanish and Mexican periods.

The modern community of Moorpark was founded much later than its neighbors. Its origins trace back to the late 19th century, but the townsite itself was formally established in 1900 by Robert W. Poindexter. The town was named after the Moorpark apricot, a fruit that grew abundantly in the area and was a major part of its agricultural economy. The name "Moorpark" itself is believed to have originated from the Moor Park estate in Hertfordshire, England, where the apricot variety was first cultivated.

The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad was a pivotal moment, creating a vital link for shipping the region's agricultural products—predominantly walnuts, citrus, and the famous apricots—to markets across the country. For decades, Moorpark remained a small, quiet farming community, centered around a charming main street on High Street.

A period of dramatic transformation began in the 1960s with the opening of Moorpark College, which became a major educational and cultural anchor for the region. This, combined with a housing boom that started in the late 1970s and continued for decades, transformed Moorpark from a small agricultural town into a major suburban residential community. To manage this rapid growth and preserve its small-town character, residents voted to incorporate Moorpark as a city on July 1, 1983.

Right here in Moorpark, we have a wonderful mix of agricultural fun, unique educational attractions, and a charming historic downtown. Here are some of the best activities and attractions to enjoy in our city:

Agricultural Fun and a World-Class Zoo

• Underwood Family Farms: This is arguably Moorpark's most famous attraction and a true local treasure. It's a fully operational farm where you can pick your own fruits and vegetables year-round, from strawberries in the spring to pumpkins in the fall. The farm also features an animal center, wagon rides, and play areas for kids. Their annual Fall Harvest Festival and Christmas on the Farm events are beloved community traditions.

• America's Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College: A one-of-a-kind experience, this five-acre zoo is home to over 100 animals and is operated by students in the college's Exotic Animal Training and Management program. You can see a wide variety of animals and enjoy entertaining shows like "Eye to Eye" that showcase the students' training skills. It's an intimate and educational alternative to a large-scale zoo.

Historic Downtown and Entertainment

• Historic High Street: This is the heart of Old Town Moorpark, offering a glimpse into the city's past. The street is lined with historic storefronts that now house a variety of unique businesses, including antique shops, cafes, and some excellent local restaurants like Cafe Firenze. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll and a meal.

• High Street Arts Center: Located in a beautifully restored 1920s-era building on High Street, this community theater is the premier venue for live performing arts in Moorpark. They produce a fantastic season of plays and musicals, offering high-quality entertainment in an intimate, historic setting.

Outdoor Recreation and Golf

• Moorpark Country Club: A stunning 27-hole championship golf course that is consistently ranked as one of the top public courses in the area. It features beautiful rolling hills and challenging play for golfers of all skill levels.

• Arroyo Vista Community Park: Moorpark's largest park, often called the "Central Park" of the city. It's a hub of activity with numerous soccer fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, a popular splash pad for kids in the summer, and a large playground. It also hosts major city events like the 3rd of July fireworks.

• Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park: For hikers and equestrians, this rugged and beautiful park offers miles of trails through canyons and ridges, providing a sense of remote wilderness right on the edge of the city.

Local Flavor

• Enegren Brewing Company: A very popular local craft brewery with a spacious, family-friendly tasting room and a wide variety of excellent German-style lagers and ales. It's a great community gathering spot.

Moorpark's "vibe" is that of a welcoming, family-centric suburban community that still holds onto a piece of its small-town, agricultural soul. It's often seen as a slightly more relaxed and down-to-earth alternative to some of its more affluent neighbors.

The atmosphere is overwhelmingly friendly and community-oriented. Life here is very focused on families, with a strong emphasis on youth sports, excellent schools, and community events held at the local parks. The presence of Underwood Family Farms and the open space to the north gives the city a unique, semi-rural feel that sets it apart, reminding residents of its farming roots.

While it has grown into a sizable suburb, it has managed to maintain a safe, peaceful, and almost wholesome character. It's not a place known for excitement or nightlife; instead, its appeal lies in its quiet neighborhoods, scenic rolling hills, and a strong sense of community where people know their neighbors. It’s a comfortable and unpretentious place to live.