Family-Friendly Hotel in Quiet City near Los Angeles
The Simi Hills separate the city of Simi Valley from Los Angeles 35 miles to the east. The hills effectively shield Simi Valley from the whir of the metropolis, and a serene atmosphere prevails here; for years, Simi Valley has popped up on lists as one of the safest big cities in the United States. Grand Vista Hotel is located in this secluded area, and it's surrounded by park preserves and located just 20 miles from the state beaches and 35 miles from Malibu. It's also situated near attractions such as Universal Studios and Six Flags Magic Mountain.
After a day out, families can come back to relax in the hotel’s heated pool and adjacent hot tub, which are shaded by towering palm trees and potted ferns. Settle on a spacious patio that overlooks the valley at Vistas Restaurant to dine on dishes such as tequila-sautéed halibut or braised lamb shank.
Simi Valley: Secluded Community Surrounded by Theme Parks
Simi Valley is situated 35 miles east of Los Angeles. One of its landmark attractions is the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, which holds the Air Force One plane that once carried President Reagan around the globe. From the plane’s cockpit, you can look out to the Simi Hills, which are situated amid the Santa Susana Mountains. For a quiet afternoon, head out to the hiking trails around these mountains.
If you want a taste of Hollywood, though, it's an easy drive to LA. West Hollywood has so many famous landmarks and attractions it almost seems unreal. And plenty of what goes on here is unreal: you can stroll by CBS studios, movie sets, and streets that have been used as filming locations for the silver screen over and over again.
That surreal aura extends miles to the north at Universal Studios. Here, a one-hour tram tour ushers visitors through extensive sets from films such as War of the Worlds and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
While you're in town, stroll around the Melrose shopping district populated by comedy clubs, funky clothing boutiques, vintage stores, and kitschy themed restaurants. Melrose is designed for pedestrians, and it's a nice change of pace from the traffic and sprawl of the city as a whole.
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