Things to Do in Encino: A Valley Local's Guide

Encino doesn't shout for attention. It's the Valley neighborhood where you can walk through an 1849 adobe in the morning, bike around a lake by late morning, and pick up fresh produce on Sunday without fighting a tourist crowd.

If you're new to the area, or thinking about a move, this guide covers the best things to do in Encino, CA. I work next door in Studio City and have spent more than 20 years helping Valley families buy and sell, so these are the spots I point people to first.

The Best Things to Do in Encino at a Glance

• Los Encinos State Historic Park: a free, small historic site with an 1849 adobe and a spring-fed pond
• Sepulveda Basin and Lake Balboa: a huge regional park for walking, biking, and birdwatching
• Encino Park: courts, picnic tables, and a playground right on Ventura Boulevard
• Mulholland dirt trail: a ridgeline walk with views over the Encino Reservoir
• Encino Commons: the neighborhood's version of a downtown, with shops and restaurants
• Encino Farmers Market: every Sunday morning, year-round
• Sepulveda Basin off-leash dog park: a good run for dogs who need space

Parks and Outdoor Things to Do in Encino

Los Encinos State Historic Park

Los Encinos State Historic Park (16756 Moorpark St.) is the quietest stop on this list, and the one most newcomers miss. Near the corner of Balboa and Ventura boulevards, it preserves buildings from the old Rancho Los Encinos, including an 1849 adobe, along with a natural spring-fed pond.

It's a small park, so plan on 45 minutes to an hour. Admission is free. Hours are commonly listed as Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but check the California State Parks page before you go. On-site parking is very limited, so leave a few extra minutes to find street parking.

Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area and Lake Balboa

Just north of Encino, the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area is a regional park of roughly 2,000 acres. Lake Balboa at Anthony C. Beilenson Park is the centerpiece, with a loop path (about 1.3 miles) that's popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists.

The basin also has bike paths, sports fields, golf, a wildlife reserve for birdwatching, and an off-leash dog park. Go early. Mornings are cooler and quieter, and the Valley gets hot fast.

The Japanese Garden (SuihoEn) sits in the same recreation area and is worth a visit. It is open limited days, so check its schedule first.

Encino Park

Also known as Genesta Park, Encino Park fills a block along Ventura Boulevard with tennis and basketball courts, picnic areas, and a playground. It's an easy stop with kids, or a place to sit for ten minutes between errands.

Mulholland Dirt Trail

For a ridgeline walk, take the unpaved stretch of Mulholland Drive that you reach from Reseda Boulevard. It gives you views over the Encino Reservoir and connects to other trails. Bring water, wear real shoes, and start early. Trail access can change, so confirm before you head out.

Food and Shopping on Ventura Boulevard

Encino Commons is the closest thing the neighborhood has to a downtown. It's a stretch of Ventura Boulevard lined with shops, restaurants, and services, and you can easily spend an afternoon walking it. Evenings bring sushi counters, steakhouses, and neighborhood favorites.

Read posted parking signs carefully. Rules change from block to block, and a quick look can save you a ticket.

Encino Farmers Market

The Encino Farmers Market runs every Sunday, year-round, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. It's at 17400 Victory Blvd., between Louise and White Oak, and it's run by ONEgeneration.

Here's a local tip: people often assume it's on Ventura Boulevard. It's actually on Victory, and the official mailing address says Van Nuys even though everyone calls it the Encino market. Go early for the best produce, and bring cash and a bag.

Things to Do in Encino by Group

Free Things to Do in Encino

• Los Encinos State Historic Park (free admission)
• Walking and biking paths around Lake Balboa
• Encino Park
• The Mulholland dirt trail
• Window-shopping and people-watching at Encino Commons

Things to Do in Encino With Kids

Encino Park has a playground and open space. Los Encinos is a hands-on history lesson with an adobe house and a pond to look at. Lake Balboa gives kids room to ride bikes and scooters on flat paths.

Things to Do in Encino With Your Dog

The off-leash dog park in the Sepulveda Basin is the top pick. For something social, check my events page for neighborhood gatherings across the Valley.

Date Night in Encino

Start with a sunset walk around Lake Balboa, then head to Ventura Boulevard for dinner. For a lazy version, pair the Sunday farmers market with a late breakfast.

Two Easy Encino Itineraries

A Saturday Morning

• 8:00 a.m. Coffee on Ventura Boulevard
• 9:00 a.m. Lake Balboa loop
• 11:00 a.m. Los Encinos State Historic Park
• 12:30 p.m. Lunch at Encino Commons

A Sunday

• 8:30 a.m. Encino Farmers Market
• 10:30 a.m. Encino Park or Los Encinos
• 12:00 p.m. Lunch on Ventura Boulevard
• 2:00 p.m. A relaxed afternoon in the Sepulveda Basin

Best Time to Visit Encino

Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. In summer, the Valley runs hot, so stick to mornings and early evenings for outdoor plans. Weekdays are quieter at the parks, though Los Encinos is closed some weekdays, so check its schedule.

Living in Encino: What It Feels Like

If you like these spots, you'll probably like living here. Encino is known for large single-family homes, tree-lined streets, and plenty of green space. Homes are priced to match.

The neighborhood feels different north and south of Ventura Boulevard, and hillside pockets near Mulholland come with their own checks, like slopes, drainage, and fire-zone insurance. Most errands happen by car, which is less true in the walkable pockets of Studio City and Sherman Oaks.

Comparing neighborhoods? Read my guides to things to do in Sherman Oaks and things to do in Beverly Hills, or my honest pros and cons of living in Studio City.

Want to see homes? Browse Encino real estate or view my current listings.

Thinking About a Move to Encino?

Start with a short conversation about your budget, timeline, and must-haves. I'll tell you what's realistic in Encino and how it compares with nearby neighborhoods. Schedule a meeting or get in touch.