2-Day Itinerary for San Fernando, California

• Day 1:
  • Visit the San Fernando Pioneer Memorial Cemetery, the final resting place of prominent historical figures (100 Balboa Blvd). The serene atmosphere and beautiful landscaping make it perfect for a quiet stroll.
  • Have lunch at The Bear House Restaurant, a local favorite for classic American food (13776 Sayre Street). Try their famous bear burger for an unforgettable meal.
  • Get immersed in the art world at the San Fernando Valley Arts & Cultural Center, where you can admire works from local artists (18312 Oxnard Street).
  • End the day with a fun evening of ice-skating at Iceland Ice Skating Rink, which boasts a gigantic ice rink and a great atmosphere for people of all ages (14318 Calvert Street).
• Day 2:
  • Start the day with a scenic hike at the O'Melveny Park, which offers panoramic views of the city (17300 Sesnon Blvd). The park provides numerous trails of varying difficulty, making it suitable for hikers of all levels.
  • Satisfy your taste buds with delicious tacos from Carnitas Michoacan, a hidden gem of Mexican cuisine (10945 Laurel Canyon Blvd).
  • Next, explore the Brand Park and the Brand Library & Art Center (1601 W Mountain St), an iconic cultural hub in the city. The park is a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenery; the library features unique architecture and hosts various exhibits and events.
  • Finally, visit the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (401 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks), a nearby area that features hiking trails and stunning natural beauty. The site is perfect for some quiet time in nature and enjoying spectacular views of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Time and Cost Estimates

• San Fernando Pioneer Memorial Cemetery (1 hour, Free)
• The Bear House Restaurant (1.5 hours, $15-30)
• San Fernando Valley Arts & Cultural Center (1-2 hours, Free)
• Iceland Ice Skating Rink (2-3 hours, $10-20)
• O'Melveny Park (2-3 hours, Free)
• Carnitas Michoacan (1-1.5 hours, $10-15)
• Brand Park and Brand Library & Art Center (2-3 hours, Free)
• Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (3-4 hours, Free)
Total Estimated Costs: $35-65

Transportation

San Fernando is best explored with a car, and renting a car for two days costs approximately $80-120. Travelers can also choose to take public transportation, with local buses and trains available at a reasonable cost of $2-5 per trip. Note that traveling time may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana, an iconic historic mission with unique architecture and artifacts (15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd). Also, for nature lovers, the Sepulveda Wildlife Reserve (13201 Burbank Blvd, Van Nuys) has trails for hiking and bird watching. If you have less time, consider choosing one or two locations to visit based on your interests.