A guide to historic landmarks
Old Town Newhall is the oldest neighborhood in the City of Santa Clarita and is rife with history. The discovery of oil and gold nearby turned downtown Newhall into a destination in the 1800s – and that historic charm is still alive today!
Hart & Main is not just one of the most elegant wedding venues in Santa Clarita, it’s also surrounded with vintage beauty. Your guests can travel back in time in Old Town Newhall’s historic embrace.
William S. Hart park and museum
William S. Hart was the first western movie star of the silent film era and, as a result, he built a 265-acre estate that can still be visited today at 24151 N. Newhall Ave.
Enter through the main park gate and you’ll be greeted with green open spaces and an animal exhibit that includes alpacas, tortoises, birds and more – perfect for a day out with the kids. Continue on to the native-plant-and-cactus-lined trail and you’ll be led towards the William S. Hart museum. Be sure not to miss the grazing bison alongside the trail!
The museum itself is located in the former home of Hart and is a satellite of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Spark your curiosity with countless silent film artifacts, Native American artifacts and Western artwork.
The museum operates March 1 to October 1 Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. From November 1 to February 28, the museum is open Tuesday thorugh Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Santa Clarita History Center
Continue your journey back in time by learning about Newhall’s rich background at the Santa Clarita History Center. The historic buildings and steam engine located next to the Saugus Train Station bridge a gap between today and the late 1800s.
There’s a lot to look forward to at the Santa Clarita History Center. A railroad museum is set to open in late 2024 and more developments are planned for after that.
The grounds at 24107 Newhall Ave can be explored Tuesday through Sunday.
Walk of Western Stars
Spot the names John Wayne, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and more engraved in Bronze and terrazzo at the Walk of Western Stars on Main Street in Newhall. It’s like touring the Hollywood Walk of Fame with a country Western twist!
The names of Western movie, TV and radio stars line the sidewalks of Main Street and new ones are added every April in the weeks leading up to the annual Cowboy Festival.
Towsley Canyon
Towsley Canyon is home to Ed Davis Park, a peaceful getaway nestled away from the bustle of Old Town Newhall. Hiking trails wind through the canyon and offer views of the natural beauty of Newhall, which includes cottonwood trees and huge water-worn rock formations.
Parking is available for $7 at the canyon’s trailhead.
Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio
Melody Ranch has served as the backdrop for Western films and award-winning flicks ever since it opened in 2015. Westworld, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Deadwood and Django Unchained have all been filmed at this famed movie location.
A saloon, bank, jail, general store, hotel, church, school, livery stable and theatre are all sitting within the studio’s 22-acre backlot just waiting for the next blockbuster to be filmed.
The Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio museum is located on the studio lot and allows guests to experience movie magic through over nine decades of movie memorabilia. Sets and memorabilia from classics like The Dukes of Hazzard, M*A*S*H*, Rambo, Indian Jones – Raiders of the Lost Ark and the Incredible Hulk give movie fans an immersive experience!
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