Calabasas has emerged as one of Southern California’s most coveted communities and not just because of its appeal among the celebrity crowd seeking more space and privacy, minutes from Los Angeles. Boasting a small town charm all its own, Calabasas is renowned for its historic Old Town, acclaimed shopping and dining, unprecedented family and community amenities, numerous equestrian centers and idyllic state parks. Whether visiting for the day or contemplating your next move, here’s The Agency’s guide to the best places to eat, sip, shop, play, explore and live in Calabasas.
Where To Eat:
One of the most acclaimed and celebrated restaurants in Calabasas is Saddle Peak Lodge, a warm, rustic retreat nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains. The former hunting lodge serves up contemporary American comfort food, such as hearty wild game, fish, and seasonal ingredients, as well as boutique wines, an extensive scotch menu, and hand-crafted cocktails, including the famous Bacon Bloody Mary.
The intimate, unassuming Old Town favorite, Shibuya Sushi serves some of the freshest fish around and an extensive menu that includes the beloved Shibuya Roll and the Spicy Tuna on Rice Cake. The no-frills, casual spot is always packed, so arrive early. The wait is worth it.
The laid-back, European-style café, Blue Table features casual sidewalk seating and communal tables with fresh, seasonal cuisine prepared in-house, from soups and salads to sandwiches and pizza. With an extensive wine and cheese list, Blue Table also features a walk-in cheese closet and a market serving fresh ravioli and truffles to go.
Where To Sip:
For morning or evening sippage, Pedaler’s Fork is a cyclist’s haven, situated along a creek near the popular Santa Monica Mountains cycling routes. It features a restaurant, premium stocked bar, boutique bike shop and 10 Speed Coffee, an in-house roaster and café, all under one roof.
Nearby American gastropub, The Six features a bourbon lounge and two full bars serving specialty brewers, a fine wine selection and signature cocktails. With a rustic, cozy atmosphere, the restaurant sticks to its original theme, serving six starters, six red wines, six whites, six brews on tap and six seasonal cocktails, ranging from blackberry mojitos to white peach martinis.
Calabasas legend, Sagebrush Cantina serves delicious margaritas and Southwestern fare, whether it’s Margarita Monday, Taco & Tequila Wednesday or Sunday Brunch. The Old Town neighborhood favorite offers plenty of outdoor seating, live entertainment and DJ music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Where To Shop:
No trip to Calabasas is complete without a visit to the world-class, charming retail and entertainment center, The Commons at Calabasas. The open-air, Mediterranean-style complex is home to a plethora of high-end shops, restaurants and specialty boutiques, as well as movie theatres, live musical entertainment and kid-centric performances held all week long.
A trolley ride away is Old Town Calabasas, the quaint 1800s western town center with shopping and dining, as well as the Calabasas Farmers’ Market, a weekend social and shopping event held every Saturday.
Where To Take The Kids:
When the little ones have had enough shopping, stop by another Old Town favorite, The Leonis Adobe Museum, a cultural landmark and authentic ranch yard from the 1880s, where kids can interact with, feed and learn about the animals residing there.
Where To Explore:
Calabasas is better on horseback. The city is home to a number of equestrian centers, including Far West Farms, Mill Creek Riding School and Acres West, to name a few. If you’re in the area for the day, set out for an unforgettable ride from the nearby Malibu Riders, which offers several one to two-hour rides, or Los Angeles Horseback Riding with several package options as well as sunset and moonlight rides.
Calabasas is surrounded by state parks and miles of scenic hiking trails that wind their way through the Santa Monica Mountains. One of the most popular is the 3.6-mile trek to Calabasas Peak. It sets off on a wide dirt trail from Stunt Road and covers 900 feet of elevation gain along the way. Panoramic views at the top encompass Red Rock Canyon Park, Old Topanga Canyon and Cold Creek Canyon.
Where To Live:
Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, Country Ridge Estates offers unimaginable space, privacy and serenity only minutes from the heart of Calabasas. Two completed, Hacienda-style estate homes and four expansive homesite lots are situated on ranchette-sized properties ranging from five to a remarkable 40 acres in size. The residences blend timeless architecture and contemporary interior design, featuring flexible, six-bedroom floor plans, seamless indoor/outdoor living, dual master suites, a chef’s kitchen with breakfast nook, additional family room and office. Homesite lots come will full architectural plans or offer residents the opportunity to customize their homes amidst an unspoiled natural landscape and far-reaching canyon and mountain vistas. Learn more about this residential offering by visiting CountryRidgeCalabasas.com.