Valencia Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit and things to do in Valencia with our comprehensive travel guide. Plan your perfect Valencia trip with our week-long itinerary for Valencia, where to stay, local culture and customs, and much more!


Introduction to Valencia

Valencia is a charming city located in the Santa Clarita Valley, in Los Angeles, Southern California. It boasts of a rich history, a vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes, making it an ideal destination for travelers. Whether you are looking to explore its museums, historical attractions, or take in the scenic views, Valencia has something for every type of traveler.

In this comprehensive Valencia travel guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know before you start planning your trip, including the best places to visit in Valencia, top-rated hiking/biking routes, must-try dishes and local beverages, where to stay, and local customs. So, let’s start exploring Valencia!

List of Places to Visit in Valencia

Whether you’re interested in exploring the rich history and culture of Valencia, or taking in its stunning natural beauty, there’s no shortage of places to visit in Valencia. Here are some of the must-visit attractions in Valencia:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Valencia Heritage Park
  • Valencia History Museum
  • Hart Park
  • William S. Hart Ranch and Museum

Natural Attractions of Valencia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Towsley Canyon Park
  • Castaic Lake Recreation Area
  • Placerita Canyon State Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Valencia

Valencia is renowned for its breathtaking hiking/biking routes, with varying degrees of difficulty to suit different levels of fitness. Here are some of the hiking/biking routes that you shouldn’t miss:

  • Iron Horse Trail
  • Tesoro Adobe Park
  • Pico Canyon Trail
  • Hasley Canyon Trail

Best Things to Do in Valencia: Activities and Tours

Valencia offers a wide range of activities for travelers of all ages. Here are some of the best things to do in Valencia:

  • Six Flags Magic Mountain
  • Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
  • Placerita Nature Center
  • Santa Clarita Aquatic Center

Week-Long Itinerary for Valencia

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Valencia, here’s an itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Valencia Heritage Park and Valenica History Museum
Day 2 Spend the day at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Day 3 Go hiking at Towsley Canyon Park
Day 4 Explore Hart Park and William S. Hart Ranch and Museum
Day 5 Take a day trip to Castaic Lake Recreation Area
Day 6 Visit Placerita Canyon State Park and Placerita Nature Center
Day 7 Relax at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

Food and Drink Scene of Valencia

Valencia’s food scene is a delightful mix of American, Mexican and Mediterranean. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tacos
  • Burritos
  • Enchiladas
  • Guacamole

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer
  • Margaritas
  • Tequila

Where to Stay in Valencia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Valencia offers a wide range of accommodation options for every budget, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Hyatt Regency Valencia
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Valencia
  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Valencia

What to Buy in Valencia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

No trip is complete without some souvenirs and local products to bring home! Here are some of the best local products to look out for in Valencia:

  • Local crafts and pottery
  • Authentic Mexican food products
  • Santa Clarita wines

Local Culture and Customs of Valencia

Valencia has a rich and unique culture, influenced by its Spanish and Mexican heritage. When visiting Valencia, be respectful of its customs and traditions. Some of the local customs you may encounter include:

  • Celebration of Cinco de Mayo
  • Day of the Dead
  • Local fiestas

Best Time to Visit Valencia

Valencia is a year-round destination, with its hot summers and mild winters offering plenty of opportunities to explore. However, the best time to visit Valencia is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). This is when the weather is the most pleasant, and the crowds are at their lowest.

Do’s and Don’ts of Valencia

When visiting Valencia, there are some things you should keep in mind to ensure a hassle-free trip:

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Carry cash as some establishments don’t accept credit cards
  • Take travel insurance

Don’t:

  • Disrespect locals or their culture
  • Leave valuables unattended
  • Underestimate sunscreen and water in Southern California’s warm climate

Safety and Health

Valencia is a safe destination for travelers, with a low crime rate and access to excellent healthcare services. Here are some things you should know before visiting Valencia:

Safety in Valencia

  • Take usual precautions and stay aware of your surroundings
  • Use the hotel safe to store valuables

Health in Valencia

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in warm temperatures
  • Wear sunscreen and stay protected from direct sunlight,
  • Obtain medical insurance before traveling

Getting to Valencia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Valencia is easily accessible by air, bus, and car, with the nearest airport being the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Here are some options to consider when traveling to Valencia:

Airports Near Valencia

  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • Bob Hope Airport (BUR)
  • Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Bus Stations Near Valencia

  • Greyhound Station
  • City of Santa Clarita Transit
  • Metrolink station

Other Options

  • Uber
  • Lyft
  • Taxi

How to Get Around in Valencia

Valencia is a sprawling city, and there are several ways to get around, including:

  • Metrolink train
  • City of Santa Clarita Transit
  • Uber and Lyft

Where to Go Next from Valencia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have additional time to explore, consider visiting these nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Los Angeles, California
  • Malibu, California
  • Santa Barbara, California

Conclusion

Valencia is a must-visit destination for anyone in Southern California. With its unique combination of cultural and natural attractions, you’ll never be short on things to see and do. Plan your trip with this comprehensive Valencia travel guide, and you are sure to have a memorable vacation!