Agoura Hills, California, offers a rich tapestry of lifestyle experiences, from rustic equestrian neighborhoods to vibrant shopping and historic film sites. This diverse suburban community nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains boasts attractions that highlight its heritage, natural beauty, and local charm. Below, we explore some of Agoura Hills’ most notable locales, each painting a piece of the distinctive lifestyle that residents and prospective movers find so appealing.
Whizin Market Square
Whizin Market Square stands out as Agoura Hills’ historic shopping and dining hub, known for its eclectic charm and community spirit. Established in the mid-1950s, this was the city’s first retail center and today still thrives as a vibrant gathering place. The outdoor plaza features a unique blend of boutiques, antique stores, and gourmet eateries that offer an immersive small-town shopping experience. Locals might stop by for artisan chocolates at Tifa or a farm-to-table meal at Blue Table, surrounded by the Square’s retro architecture and instantly welcoming ambiance. Some other great spots are La Plata, which in my opinion has the best Mexican food in the area, Basta for Italian, and the Canyon Club On weekends for live music. On weekends Whizins market even hosts a popular farmers’ market showcasing fresh produce and local delicacies.
Old Agoura
Old Agoura is a picturesque equestrian neighborhood that preserves the rustic spirit of Agoura’s past. Tucked north of the freeway, this area is zoned for horse and livestock keeping – one of the last such havens in Los Angeles County. Wooden trailhead signs mark your arrival, and horses graze behind split-rail fences along unpaved roads, as if you’ve stepped back into California’s ranch country. Here, large lots (often over half an acre) and an absence of sidewalks exemplify how the community prioritizes open space and rural character. Residents enjoy direct access to miles of trails for horseback riding and hiking, reinforcing a lifestyle closely tied to nature. Despite being just minutes from modern shopping centers, Old Agoura proudly holds onto its heritage, a laid-back atmosphere of oak trees, wildlife, and Western-style hospitality. It’s not uncommon to see neighbors riding horseback on the road to a local park or gathering for a barbecue.
The Old Place & Cornell Winery
Just a short scenic drive from central Agoura Hills lies Cornell, a tiny rustic community in a woodsy section of the Santa Monica Mountains. Here, two local treasures, The Old Place restaurant and Cornell Winery & Tasting Room, offer a peek into bygone California. The Old Place is a famed 5-table steakhouse housed in a 1909-built general store and post office. Stepping through its door is like stepping back in time: the Runyon family, who converted it to a restaurant in the 1960s, preserved original touches like the tin ceiling and wood-burning stove to maintain its charmingly rustic feel. With antique signs on the walls (and even a resident peacock roaming outside), the Old Place serves up hearty wood-fire grilled fare to motorcyclists, hikers, and history buffs alike, all of whom revel in its enchanting Old West atmosphere.. In the 1970s the restaurant gained lore as a secret Hollywood hideaway – it was “like a clubhouse” where movie stars Steve McQueen, Ali MacGraw, Sam Peckinpah, and others would gather nightly to unwind, adding to its mystique. I have even personally seen Jason Momoa rip through on his classic Americana motorbike a few times.
Right next door, Cornell Winery & Tasting Room complements the Old Place by showcasing local wines (grown here in the Santa Monica Mountains) in an equally rustic setting. The Cornell Winery, established in the 2000s, became a hub for Malibu Coast vintners to pour their creations and for visitors to sip in a relaxed country ambiance. The tasting room (built by the same family) feels like a cozy mountain lodge, complete with twinkle-lit patios and eclectic décor. Together, the Old Place and Cornell Winery turn this quiet corner of Agoura into a time capsule of California’s past, where one can enjoy a slow-paced weekend brunch or wine tasting surrounded by oak trees and storied history. As a bonus, the surrounding Cornell area itself is rich in heritage. It’s the only spot in California where a 1920s general store, one-room schoolhouse, and post office still stand in use, making every visit here a small adventure into the past paired with the pleasures of the present.
Malibou Lake
On the western edge of Agoura Hills lies Malibou Lake, a secluded lakeside community that offers a remarkably serene lifestyle. Malibou Lake is a private, members-only lake and neighborhood founded in 1922 that feels like a world of its own. Only about 100 homes share the shoreline of this tree-lined reservoir, and the setting is nothing short of idyllic, and residents keep small docks for fishing or paddling. Many who visit are surprised that such a place exists just a few minutes off the 101 freeway; indeed, Malibou Lake is often called one of Agoura’s best-kept secrets. Long-time locals describe living here “like a permanent vacation”, with evenings spent on decks watching sunsets and neighbors greeting each other by name. Despite its tucked-away feel, the community’s proximity to Hollywood has made it a frequent filming location. In fact, classic horror scenes from Frankenstein were shot on these very shores, and more recently the lake made cameos in TV shows like The Office.
The MASH Set at Malibu Creek State Park
For a taste of Hollywood history blended with outdoor recreation, Agoura Hills residents turn to the MAS*H set trail in nearby Malibu Creek State Park. Tucked in a rugged canyon just south of the city, this site is where the famous TV series MASH* filmed its exterior camp scenes in the 1970s. Today, a family-friendly hike (about 5 miles round-trip) leads to the clearing which remarkably still resembles the show’s Korean War backdrop. While most of the set has been taken down you can still find some military-esque tented picnic benchs and two rusted Army vehicles remaining as open-air exhibits.
Paramount Ranch
Agoura Hills is also home to a truly iconic piece of Hollywood’s past, Paramount Ranch. Located in the scenic Cornell area, this expansive open-space park was originally a movie ranch purchased by Paramount Pictures in 1927. Over nearly a century, Paramount Ranch served as the backdrop for countless classic movies and TV shows, from 1930s westerns to recent hits like HBO’s Westworld. In fact, the property once featured a full Old West town set – complete with saloon facades and dusty streets – which made it a favored filming location for generations. Although the original western town burned in the Woolsey fire, a new one is quickly being built. Beyond its cinematic charm, Paramount Ranch offers everyday outdoor joys. locals come here to hike or jog on gentle trails that wind through chaparral and valley oak savannahs, or to ride horses along paths used in old western chase scenes. Malibu Riders also offer a great tour of the area by horseback. The park also famously hosts the annual Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Festival, along with classic car shows.
Cheeseboro Canyon Trails
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Cheeseboro Canyon area in northern Agoura Hills is a natural playground and right behind Old Agoura! These gently rounded hills and oak-filled canyons are part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and offer miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Unlike the steeper cliffs closer to Malibu, the terrain here is more forgiving. Trail options range from an easy stroll to the historic Sulphur Springs to more challenging climbs up to Simi Peak, where you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the Conejo Valley. Many trails follow old ranch roads, a reminder that for over 150 years these canyons were home to ranching families who cherished the land.
Twin Oaks & Agoura Meadows Shopping Centers
Everyday convenience in Agoura Hills comes courtesy of its well-designed local shopping centers, notably Twin Oaks and Agoura Meadows. These two retail hubs along Kanan Road form the commercial heart of town, ensuring that residents don’t have to venture far for groceries, dining, or services. Twin Oaks Shopping Center is a vibrant community marketplace offering a diverse array of stores and eateries. Shoppers here can find everything from major supermarkets, to specialty boutiques and casual restaurants.
Across the street, Agoura Meadows Shopping Center complements this with additional shops, banks, and eateries, making the area a one-stop destination for most needs. For weekend brunches, The Agoura Deli is the classic local eatery of the area and a place I’ve been going too ever since I was a kid.
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