The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Westlake Village, California Now
WRITTEN BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
PUBLISHED JUNE 2022 • 4 min read
Set at the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains between Malibu’s sunny beaches and Santa Barbara’s famous vines—Westlake Village, California is your gateway to a magical place. Views of lush, green landscapes that seem to be never-ending are enough to leave you captivated. Here, you are minutes to iconic sandy beaches, wine country, scenic hiking, and plenty of things to see and do.
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village
1. THE SHOPPING
With a mix of stylish boutiques, popular global brands and the latest trends in fashion, beauty, home goods and more, The Promenade at Westlake brings you the ultimate shopping experience in the area. You’ll find favorite brands such as Brandy Melville, Restoration Hardware, Sur La Table, Lululemon, and more!
Image courtesy of The Promenade at Westlake
For a date night or a day of family fun, Cinépolis at The Promenade at Westlake offers the best entertainment in Westlake Village, California. With push button waiter service, enjoy a movie without ever having to leave your luxury reclining seat.
2. THE ART
The William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art, located adjacent to the William Rolland Stadium, opened in October 2011 with an exhibit of bronze statuary and paintings. Since then the gallery has featured such exhibits as: Western Salon featuring sculptures and paintings from the Bob Eubanks and William Rolland Collections; Resonating Images I 1900-1950 featuring representational masterpiece paintings, drawings and prints from the first half of the 20th century; and Resonating Images II, exhibiting representational works by modern and contemporary masters including Chuck Close, Fernando Botero, and Picasso.
William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art/Image courtesy of Visit Conejo Valley
Signature art collections include Western American Art, Cal Lutheran Art Faculty Collection, Papua New Guinea and Ancient American Collection. The William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art also hosts a parallel educational series of events by exhibition, such as lectures, film screenings, workshops, and musical presentations.
3. THE COCKTAILS & CUISINE
Casual, yet sophisticated, The Gallery Restaurant serves up a seasonal, modern American menu that is refined yet approachable, and highlights multi-cultural influences and flavors such as Indian, Asian, Thai and more. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying the Henry & Rose—concocted with Hendrick’s gin, fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, rosemary simple syrup, muddled mint, and a splash of Pellegrino.
The Gallery Restaurant in Westlake Village, California
The Gallery Restaurant offers the freshest seafood housed within their sprawling raw bar, sustainable protein, and farm fresh produce—creating a classic, delectable menu. Featuring unique, seasonal offerings, favorites include Shredded Duck & Seared Scallops with potato pancake, blueberry and cassis reduction, Spicy Tuna with cayenne aioli, avocado and crispy Japanese eggplant chips, Yellowtail & Watermelon with chili oil, ponzu and crispy onions, as well as Pork Chops with Asian house marinade, whole grain dijon mashed potatoes and quick pickled purple cabbage.
With attention to detail unmatched—seen through their innovative cocktails, locally farmed ingredients, and hand-selected seafood straight from the source, you’ll enjoy a truly special dining experience at The Gallery Restaurant unlike anywhere in Westlake Village.
4. THE GARDENS
Between the mountains and the green way, lies a hidden gem. The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is spread across 33-acres of natural terrain encircled with sweeping vistas at the peak of the garden. Fifteen unique, hillside specialty gardens, circulate through a hiking trail along a riparian steam. Collections include the Australian Garden, Butterfly Garden, Desert Garden, Herb Garden, and Salvia Garden.
Image courtesy of Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
Finishing the collection is the Bird Habitat, Rare Fruit Orchard and Trail of Trees—which represents over 50 varieties. Admission is free and the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is a destination not to be missed when visiting Westlake Village, California.
5. THE HIKING
With an array of hiking trails throughout the Conejo Valley and Westlake Village, Triunfo Creek Park is a favorite. As a hiker’s paradise, challenge yourself to over 600-acres of trails, deep oak woodlands and blankets of rare species of wildflowers while you take in the scenic views. The main feature, the Pentachaeta Trail, is named after the Pentachaeta lyonii, an endangered flower found in the park. The yellow, daisy-like flower is found only in Southern California and blooms between April and June.
Triunfo Creek Park in Westlake Village, California
An informational kiosk at the trailhead interprets the Pentachaeta lyonii, as well as other unusual wildflowers found on the site such as the Chocolate Lily, and the White Globe Lily. The site also provides access to hiking trails on the Westlake Vista parcel, also owned and managed by the Conservancy. The main trailhead is on Triunfo Canyon Road east of the southern terminus of Lindero Canyon Road.
WHERE TO STAY IN WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA
Westlake Village, California is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re seeking serenity and relaxation or looking for an outdoor adventure, Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village offers easy access to it all. Located adjacent the Santa Monica Mountains, just 20 minutes north of Malibu, this urban retreat is a sun-soaked hamlet set against the backdrop of endless outdoor recreation, rejuvenating wellness experiences and activities for the entire family. Relaxed, yet refined, the family-friendly atmosphere is home to the Center for Health & Wellbeing, well-known as a luxury destination for wellness.
