Heritage Valley Day Trip Exploring Scenic California Highway 126

The Heritage Valley along Highway 126 in California is a picturesque drive that connects the Santa Clarita Valley in Los Angeles County to Ventura in Ventura County, running through the Santa Clara River Valley. The Heritage Valley is known for its agricultural abundance, with roadside stands offering fresh produce, particularly during spring for strawberries, summer for avocados, and year-round for citrus like oranges and lemons. Here’s an overview of points of interest while traveling through the Valley.

Heritage Valley Day Trip Itinerary

• Rancho Camulos Museum
• Piru Murals
• Bennett’s Honey Farm
• Fillmore Fish Hatchery
• Fillmore Western Railway
• Roadside produce stands
• California Oil Museum
• Santa Paula Train Depot

Heritage Valley History at Rancho Camulos

When you begin your day trip from Santa Clarita, make the Rancho Camulos Museum in Piru your first stop. This museum was designated a National Historical Museum and is located on 40 acres of pristine agricultural land within the Camulos Ranch Company, a working ranch that spans 1,800 acres. The museum features structures built in the 19th century, including the main adobe building, a beautiful water fountain, an outdoor chapel, a bell structure, and a winery, all surrounded by lush, peaceful gardens. Rancho Camulos is a window into California’s past—Rancho website.

Discover the Piru Murals  California

Before leaving the Piru area, it’s a short drive to the Piru Murals along the Camulos Bike Trial. These 16 superb portrayals of old land grants and historic families are the works of renowned artist and muralist Carlos Callejo and tell the story of Piru’s place in Old California. Just steps from the murals and scattered through the downtown district of Piru are 17 two-foot diameter mosaic circles placed on the sidewalk at each corner of an intersection, aptly called the Piru Circles. There is also a replica of the Piru Southern Pacific Railroad depot in town that is worth a look.

Stop at Bennett’s Honey Farm for a Free Taste

As you continue heading west on State Route 126, stop at Bennett’s Honey Farm. The Bennett family has a legacy of producing premium honey. When you visit, you can enjoy a wide range of flavors in the cozy tasting room, surrounded by adorable wax candles shaped like honey jars. You can find some unique creations here that you won’t encounter elsewhere. These include avocado honey, sage honey, and lip balm from beeswax. Additionally, there’s a bee wall in the gift shop, where you can observe these tiny creatures busy at work without worrying about getting stung. The farm is at 3176 Honey Lane, Fillmore, California, just off Highway 126. Honey Farm website.

Feed The Fish Fillmore Fish Hatchery

The Fillmore Fish Hatchery is located a few miles west of Bennett’s, adjacent to the Santa Clarita Riverbed. Dedicated in 1932, it is one of the older fish hatcheries in California and has played a vital role in the state’s fish stocking program for nearly a century. The hatchery is open to the public year-round. Vending machines allow visitors to purchase fish food, which can be tossed into the trout runs. The Fillmore Fish Hatchery is worth a visit, especially if you have children on your road trip. It’s located at 612 E. Telegraph Road, Fillmore, California—Hatchery website.

Next Up: The Picturesque Town of Fillmore, California

Established in 1887, Fillmore was named after Jerome A. Fillmore, who served as the general manager of the Southern Pacific Railroad. The town’s development was closely linked to the railroad and agricultural activities. Fillmore is a popular filming location due to its well-preserved historic downtown, which often stands for small-town America. The landmark Fillmore Western Railway is also used for filming; however, it no longer offers railroad excursions. Fillmore, known as the “Citrus Capital of the World,” has a rich history in citrus farming. However, the industry has experienced fluctuations over the years, with some nearby farmland being converted into housing developments.

Highway 126 Produce Stands

As you travel along the winding highway, you’ll encounter several roadside produce stands that are hard to resist. A road trip through the Heritage Valley countryside would only be complete with a stop to browse the selection of fresh and delightful fruits. These mini-markets often feature the best deals on produce, which may have been picked that very day from nearby farms. Make sure to stock up on the freshest fruit available!

Santa Paula “Citrus Capital of the World”

The next stop is the historic town of Santa Paula, California. The California Oil Museum, located in the original 1890 Union Oil Company headquarters building, is an interesting attraction in the city. The museum features rotating exhibits on science, technology, transportation, history, and art, which complement the permanent petroleum exhibits that showcase the story of the “black gold” that put this small town on the map. There are many other historical landmarks and unique places to see, including the Museum of Aviation History at the Santa Paula Airport, the Santa Paula Train Depot, and Railroad Plaza Park.
https://www.caoilmuseum.org/
http://www.aviationmuseumofsantapaula.org/

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Finally, after your trip through the Heritage Valley, stretch your legs and enjoy the refreshing breeze of the Pacific. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset as you end your day with a laid-back stroll down the Ventura Pier,

Getting To The Heritage Valley

The Heritage Valley stretches from Valencia to the Pacific Ocean in Ventura, with Highway 126 passing through Piru, Fillmore, and Santa Paula at its center. Highway 126 from Santa Clarita to Ventura is 44 miles and will take approximately 2-3 hours with stops. Besides the cultural attractions, the Valley offers outdoor activities, including camping and boating at Lake Piru.

A day trip to nearby Ojia is Worth Considering.

To reach the town of Ojai, take Highway 150 from Santa Paula. The journey offers a scenic drive through rolling hills and leads you into the charming city. Once in Ojai, you can explore delightful shops, art galleries, and unique restaurants. You can head back through Heritage Valley or take Highway 33 to Ventura, California, for your return trip.

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Road Trip: Mulholland Drive

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Ventura County Day Trips

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