The following post is by a special guest blogger: Sharlene Earnshaw, Trekaroo’s Blog Editor.

The Los Angeles metropolitan area is a huge place. Home to 17 million people and major tourist destinations such as Anaheim, Santa Monica, and Hollywood, some of the regions less famous locales tend to get overshadowed. Relax, slow down, and enjoy some of the north metro area’s highlights.  Here are some of my favorite spots in Malibu/Agoura Hills area of LA County.

Leo Carrillo State Beach: Flickr user bizarrefall

Enjoy classic beach fun and backcountry hiking at Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu: Leo Carrillo State Park showcases so much of what make Malibu so attractive to people trying to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. The park includes 1.5 miles of beachfront which is great for surfing, swimming, windsurfing, and beachcombing.  During low tide, be sure to explore the tide pools which are home to animals such as anemones, sea stars and octopi and search for coastal caves carved out by the surf.

Head to Reagan country and tour the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley: The Reagan Library is so much more than an archive of artifacts of President Reagan’s life and presidency, as fascinating as they may be.  It is also home to a replica of the Oval Office, a 50 foot miniature replica of the White House, a large piece of the Berlin Wall, and a mosaic portrait of Ronald Reagan made from jelly beans, his favorite treat. One of the true highlights of the grounds is visiting the Air Force One Pavilion.  Visitors can climb aboard THE Air Force One that Ronald Reagan flew to 26 countries and 46 states in!

Leonis Adobe: Flickr user Fire Monkey Fish

Experience ranch life at the Leonis Adobe Museum in Calabasas: Travel back in time and experience Southern California as it was in the late 1800’s, when ranches ruled and the word subdivision wasn’t even in the American vocabulary. Visit a Victorian Era home furnished with period pieces, an original adobe from the 1840s, old barn, and a blacksmith shop.  Children will enjoy visiting with the animals that call the Leonis Adobe home such as horses, sheep, and goats. Adobe brick making demonstrations and tortilla baking in a traditional horno are among the interesting period relevant activities visitors may happen upon while touring the property. Extend your stay by packing a picnic and spending some time enjoying the beauty of Calabasas Creek Park which is right next to the museum.

Paramount Ranch: Flickr user Zimmian

Visit classic cinema history at the Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills: No visit to the LA metro area is truly complete without a bit of Hollywood. Luckily, you can experience the magic of the movie industry and the beauty of the Santa Monica National Recreation Area at the same time. Paramount Ranch served as the filming site for hundreds of productions, including Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. Visitors can stroll through the western themed set and take trails to explore the surrounding hillsides, including one that leads to where the television series M.A.S.H. was filmed.

Get a taste of classic California beach vibe at Zuma Beach: If you are looking for wide sandy beaches, gorgeous blue waters, and a Baywatch surfer vibe, look no further that Zuma Beach. Grab you spot in the sand, plop down a beach chair, dump out those sand toys, and let the kids have at it. The water here consistently rank as some of the cleanest in the region and the surfing is so great than many surf competitions take place here throughout the year. Food stands are seasonal so pack a lunch if you are visiting during the off season.

Where to Stay: Your perfect home base is Homewood Suites in Agoura Hills. Enjoy your spacious suite, a splash in the pool, and a hot breakfast and then get out there and explore!

Sharlene Earnshaw is a lifelong California girl who loves nothing more than to hike, travel, write, and then travel some more. Her 3-year old boy/girl twins and loving husband provide all the inspiration she needs to plan one new adventure after another. She is a self proclaimed National Parks nerd and has made it her goal to see every single National Park with her children. She is a dedicated road tripper and spent last summer on a 24 day road trip across the Western US and Canada. Her favorite travel memory is being greeted by cheers at the top of Inspiration Point in Grand Teton after being told that her toddlers wouldn’t be able to do it. She graduated from University of California at Davis with a degree in Communications.