Newbury Park

The history of Newbury Park stretches back thousands of years to the Chumash people, who were the original inhabitants of the Conejo Valley. Following the Spanish and Mexican periods, the area was part of the vast Rancho El Conejo land grant. The community gets its name from Egbert Starr Newbury, who moved to the valley from Michigan in the 1870s for health reasons. Struck by the beauty of the oak-studded landscape, he named his property "Newbury Park" and in 1875 established the valley's first post office at his ranch.

For many years, the area was a crucial stop on the stagecoach route between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, with the historic Stagecoach Inn (originally the Grand Union Hotel, built in 1876) serving as a vital resting place for travelers. For decades, Newbury Park remained a sparsely populated agricultural community dominated by farming and ranching.

The post-World War II boom brought significant change, as developers began building residential tracts in the 1950s and 60s. Although there were attempts to incorporate as a separate city, most of Newbury Park was annexed into the newly formed City of Thousand Oaks in the late 1960s and 1970s, transforming it into the thriving suburban community it is today while still retaining its own distinct identity.

Newbury Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in local history, offering a wealth of activities centered around its stunning natural surroundings. The community serves as a primary gateway to the vast Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, with numerous trails accessible directly from local neighborhoods.

Outdoor and Nature Activities

• Point Mugu State Park & Boney Mountain State Wilderness: This is the crown jewel of the area. Newbury Park provides direct access to over 70 miles of trails that wind through rugged canyons and up to breathtaking vistas. Popular trailheads at Rancho Sierra Vista lead into the heart of the wilderness, offering hikes for all skill levels, from gentle walks to strenuous climbs up Boney Mountain.

• Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center: Located at Rancho Sierra Vista, this unique center is a collaboration with the National Park Service. It honors the area's Chumash heritage and serves as a gathering place for guests to learn about local Native American culture through workshops, programs, and exhibits. The surrounding trails are perfect for a family-friendly hike.

• Community Parks: Newbury Park is home to numerous well-maintained parks. Borchard Community Park is a central hub with a skatepark, tennis courts, and sports fields. Dos Vientos Community Park is another local favorite, known for its beautiful setting and ample space for recreation.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

• Stagecoach Inn Museum: Step back into the 19th century at this historic landmark. The museum, a reconstruction of the original 1876 Grand Union Hotel, was a vital stagecoach stop. Today, it features exhibits on pioneer life, the Chumash people, and the history of the Conejo Valley, complete with a replica schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and pioneer home.

Local Flavor

While primarily a residential community, Newbury Park has a variety of local restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers that cater to residents. From casual eateries to neighborhood pubs, there are plenty of options for a post-hike meal or a relaxed evening out. The community maintains a friendly, small-town feel, making it a pleasant place to explore and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Newbury Park's "vibe" is overwhelmingly tranquil, family-oriented, and deeply connected to nature. It's the most suburban and residential part of Thousand Oaks, offering a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere with a strong sense of community.

The lifestyle is defined by its immediate access to the Santa Monica Mountains; many neighborhoods back directly onto open space, making it a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and anyone who loves the outdoors. Because of this, the vibe is active and wholesome, with a focus on recreation and family life.

Compared to the more central parts of Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park feels a bit more removed and has a distinct "small-town" feel within a larger city. It's often affectionately called "Snoozebury Park" by some, which accurately reflects its quiet evenings and lack of bustling nightlife. For residents, this isn't a negative but a key part of its appeal—it's a peaceful, safe, and scenic place to live, where the focus is on community, nature, and a relaxed pace of life.