Thousand Oaks

Thousand Oaks is a city in the Conejo Valley within northwestern Ventura County, located about 40 miles (64 km) from downtown Los Angeles. The streets run through residential neighborhoods between rolling hills, where oak trees grow along the sidewalks and in yards, giving the area a green and open character.

The area was farmed by Spanish settlers during the 19th century before developing into agricultural ranches. The city incorporated in 1964 as the growing population from Los Angeles sought new suburban communities in the valley.

Residents regularly visit the parks and hillside trails, where families spend time outdoors and value the access to nature in their daily routines. Local festivals and community events draw people to public spaces, where neighbors meet and enjoy the relaxed pace of suburban life.

The main roads with shops and restaurants are easy to reach by car, while hiking trails in the surrounding hills offer access to nature. Most services and parks sit in the central areas, making it straightforward for visitors to navigate when exploring the area.

The roadsides and private properties hold tens of thousands of oak trees, which were protected during urban planning to preserve the original landscape character. The Gardens of the World showcases different international garden styles on grounds that remain free to walk through and photograph.