This Charming City In California's Santa Monica Mountains Is Perfect For A Weekend Getaway

Surrounded by the gently sloping landscapes of the Santa Monica Mountains, Westlake Village is a cool destination for travelers seeking a tranquil weekend escape. Discover a unique blend of small-town charm and urban life in this trendy California town located about 30 miles west of Los Angeles. The village offers a serene lakeside destination with hiking trails and beautiful views. You can spend your Saturday morning kayaking on Westlake Lake, afternoons hiking the nearby trails, and evenings playing golf or birdwatching. While Westlake Village has a laid-back vibe, it provides resort-style comfort for an amazing getaway.

You can easily get to Westlake Village from Los Angeles, about 40 minutes away, or from Santa Barbara, about an hour's drive. If you're coming from overseas, the nearest airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 40 miles southeast, or Hollywood Burbank Airport, which is 32 miles away.

From the airport, grab a taxi or rental car and drive to the city. Originally inhabited by the Chumash Tribe, Westlake Village was part of the Chumash coastal territory, and one of the best places to hunt and gather food. In the late-18th century, Spanish explorers camped near the village as they followed the El Camino Real route. The Spanish later settled in Westlake Village, transforming it into an agricultural area, before it was ultimately developed into a lakeside community.

The centerpiece of the city is Westlake Lake, a private 125-acre lake with beautiful landscapes and waterfront homes. It's one of the best spots to delight in different water-sports, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Kayaks, boats, and paddleboards are available for rent from the outfitters nearby.

For those who prefer a more laid-back adventure, you can join a guided cruise across the lake. If you love fishing, Westlake Lake is a must-visit destination for anglers. Some of the fish you're likely to catch include catfish, bluegill, and bass. Westlake is also a popular birdwatching destination to visit in America. Travelers can easily spot egrets, ducks, and blue herons on the shoreline. If you're lucky, you may find turtles there too.

Trailblazers can visit the Westlake Vista Canyons for mesmerizing vistas of the Conejo Valley and Santa Monica Mountains. Traverse the hiking trails to discover the beauty of the landscape, from rugged cliffs to rolling valleys and flora. Stop at lookouts, such as Eagle's Nest Lookout and Sunset Ridge Overlook, for scenic views of Westlake Lake from afar and the valleys. The most common trees in the area are oak, willow, and sycamore trees. You'll also come across meadows with beautiful wildflowers. Travelers may spot coyotes, bobcats, and deer along the way. If golf interests you, Westlake Village has several golf courses ideal for both professional and casual golfers. A good example is Westlake Golf Course, an 18-hole, par-67 layout stretching over 5,000 yards. Stroll through the golf course or take a cart for a fun-filled day.

Westlake Village is a central location for exploring lakes and hills nearby. Examples include Lake Eleanor and the Banning Dam, which sit within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Aside from visiting the dam to learn the area's history, you can explore the surrounding lush forests with opportunities to spot diverse plants, animals, and waterfowl. The calm waters of the lake are also ideal for canoeing and kayaking. About a 30-minute drive east of Westlake Village is Sandstone Peak, one of the highest summits in the Santa Monica Mountains. If you've never hiked within the California area or are a beginner in the game, here is what it really takes for a novice hiker to summit the highest mountains in the lower 48 states.

Drive to the Circle X Ranch and follow the Backbone Trail to Sandstone Peak. It's a moderate trail of about three miles, but with an elevation of 1030ft, it's a steep climb. The trail passes beneath the summit, and you can take a connecting trail to get to the top, where you'll be rewarded with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Conejo/Simi Valleys.

After an adventurous day, head back to Westlake Village and taste local cuisine at Stonehaus. This restaurant is also a vineyard with locally-made wines. Get to choose from fresh salads and soups, plus sandwiches and vineyard pizzas for your dinner or lunch before spending the evening sampling different wine varietals at the facility.