Thousand Oaks

The history of Thousand Oaks is one of transformation from wilderness to a planned city. For thousands of years, the Conejo Valley was home to the Chumash people. During the Spanish and Mexican periods, the land was part of the 48,000-acre Rancho El Conejo, used primarily for cattle grazing.

For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the valley remained a rustic outpost, best known for the Stagecoach Inn, a rest stop for travelers. The modern city began to take shape in 1910 when the Janss family bought 10,000 acres to create a "total community." A key early attraction was Jungleland USA, a theme park that housed animal actors for Hollywood films from 1926 to 1969.

The major suburban boom occurred after World War II. In the late 1950s, the Janss Corporation began developing one of the nation's largest master-planned communities. The design carefully preserved the area's natural beauty, including its iconic oak trees and vast open spaces. This rapid growth led to the city's official incorporation on September 29, 1964, named for the majestic oaks that define its landscape.

As a resident of Thousand Oaks, you're surrounded by a fantastic mix of cultural venues, beautiful parks, and great places to shop and dine. Here are some of the top activities and attractions to explore right in your backyard:

Performing Arts and Culture

• Bank of America Performing Arts Center: This is the cultural heart of the Conejo Valley. The center hosts a world-class lineup of Broadway shows, famous musicians, comedians, symphony performances, and ballets in its two theaters, the Fred Kavli Theatre and the Scherr Forum.

• Chumash Interpretive Center: Located on the grounds of a former Chumash village, this center offers a fascinating look into the history and culture of the region's First People. You can see replica village houses, ancient pictographs, and walk along scenic nature trails.

• Conejo Players Theatre: A beloved local institution for over 60 years, this community theater puts on a fantastic variety of high-quality plays and musicals throughout the year.

Outdoor Recreation and Parks

Thousand Oaks is renowned for its commitment to open space, with over 15,000 acres of protected land and 150 miles of trails.

• Wildwood Regional Park: A local favorite, Wildwood offers numerous trails for all skill levels. The main attraction is the trail to Paradise Falls, a stunning 40-foot waterfall that flows into a picturesque canyon. It's a great spot for hiking and picnicking.

• Conejo Valley Botanic Garden: Tucked away behind the Conejo Community Park, this 33-acre garden is a hidden gem. It features a variety of specialty gardens, including a desert garden, a butterfly garden, and a kids' adventure garden, all connected by a scenic walking trail.

• Gardens of the World: Located across from the Performing Arts Center, this beautiful and serene garden takes you on a journey through different cultures, featuring distinct English, French, Japanese, and Italian-style gardens, plus a mission courtyard. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon stroll.

• Tarantula Hill (Dawn's Peak): For one of the best 360-degree views of the Conejo Valley, you can hike or drive part-way up this iconic hill located right in the center of town.

Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment

• The Lakes at Thousand Oaks: This beautifully designed outdoor shopping center offers a relaxed, upscale experience. You can browse stores like Anthropologie and Lululemon, dine at restaurants with lakeside patios, and enjoy the park-like setting.

• Janss Marketplace: A popular hub for families, this center features a Regal movie theater, a Dave & Buster's, a trampoline park (Defy), and a variety of casual restaurants and retail stores. It also hosts a weekly farmers' market.

• Local Breweries and Restaurants: Thousand Oaks has a burgeoning craft beer scene with several local breweries. The city also offers a wide array of dining options, from fine dining establishments to cozy, family-run eateries.

Community Events

Keep an eye out for popular annual events that bring the community together, such as Conejo Valley Days in the spring, the Rotary Club Chili Cook-Off, and various summer concert series held at local parks.

Thousand Oaks' "vibe" is overwhelmingly safe, family-centric, and affluent suburban. It's a meticulously planned community where the lifestyle is defined by a sense of order, tranquility, and a deep appreciation for its natural surroundings.

The atmosphere is polished and wholesome. It's a place where life revolves around family activities—youth sports, school events, and weekends spent at one of the city's many beautiful parks. The commitment to preserving thousands of acres of open space is a core part of the city's identity, making it feel both lush and accessible for hiking and outdoor recreation.

While it has excellent amenities, including upscale shopping and the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, the overall pace is quiet and relaxed. It's not a hub for nightlife or edgy culture; rather, its appeal lies in its predictability and serene environment. It’s the quintessential Southern California suburb, offering a secure and beautiful place to live that feels comfortably removed from the urban sprawl of Los Angeles.