Blog

Cue the opening credits: SIMI Film Fest is back. Running September 12–20, 2026, the festival brings 103 films, 69 music videos, and nine days of screenings, events, and creative experiences to the city, with Studio Movie Grill serving as the festival’s screening location.

If your idea of a great getaway includes getting nose-to-nose with a goat, watching a tiger work with a student trainer, or hand-feeding a giraffe, Simi Valley puts plenty of animal adventures within reach. From working farms in nearby Moorpark to world-class zoos in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, you can fill a weekend with experiences that bring you closer to animals and the people who care for them.

Simi Valley doesn’t play it safe when it comes to food. It’s the kind of town where you stop mid-bite and ask, wait…there's a full Irish pub inside a presidential library? From hidden sushi spots tucked into unassuming corners to retro diners with car shows in the parking lot, these are the places where the food is only half the story. The other half? Pure experience. So if you’re planning a visit, come hungry—and explore these spots one unexpected bite at a time.

Wave your flags, grab your lawn chairs, and celebrate Independence Day with a bang—Simi Valley-style! This all-American tradition brings together community pride, family fun, and one of the most dazzling fireworks displays in Southern California. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here’s your guide to making the most of the Fourth in Simi.

Great adventures are even better when they’re shared with your dog. In Simi Valley, pet parents will find plenty of ways to spend quality time with their pups, from off-leash play and scenic hikes to dog-friendly patios perfect for a post-adventure meal. If you’re planning a getaway and don’t want to leave your furry sidekick behind, Simi Valley is ready to roll out the welcome mat.

If your ideal getaway includes sunshine, scenic views, and time outdoors, Simi Valley is an easy place to turn a simple day into a full-on adventure. Chase the perfect Simi Valley day from sunrise to golden hour — hike or bike ridgeline trails, explore open spaces, play a round surrounded by rolling hills, then wind down with a sunset picnic under clear skies.

From laid-back sets to high-energy shows, Simi Valley has a beat of its own. Unlike big city venues, this SoCal town brings the tunes without the crowds. Simi offers a mix of intimate venues, casual bars, and seasonal events that make it easy to catch a show almost any night of the week.

Galleries, live performances, hands-on studios, and unique cultural landmarks offer plenty of ways to engage with the city’s creative side. Visitors can explore vibrant local art, participate in interactive experiences, and discover quirky attractions that make the city memorable. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend stay, Simi Valley invites you to experience creativity in every corner.

If you’re planning a visit to Simi Valley and love discovering the stories behind a destination, you’re in the right place. From presidential legacies and preserved pioneer homesteads to railroad relics, movie backdrops, and mining remnants tucked into scenic trails, Simi Valley offers a rich mix of experiences that connect you to the past.

If your ideal trip includes more calm than chaos and more recovery than rush, Simi Valley is your destination. Between peaceful nature spots, mindful movement, restorative self-care, and nourishing food, our Southern California valley offers an easygoing escape for visitors looking to slow down and reconnect. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or adding a wellness stop to a longer trip, here’s how to find your flow in Simi Valley.