The Friendly Small Town In Southern California That's Perfect For A Summer Day Trip
By Natasha Kayes|Published May 25, 2023
×
Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
The little unincorporated town of Somis is primarily an agricultural community with a laid-back, friendly vibe. There is no real “downtown” area, but don’t let that keep you from visiting. Just minutes from Camarillo and Ventura, and about an hour outside of Los Angeles, a day trip to Somis, California, is like spending a day in the country. Beautiful fields, lush and colorful nurseries, fresh farm markets, adorable animals, berry picking, and a dose of local history make for a relaxing and unforgettable day.
Even if you don’t buy anything (we bet you will though!), Petersen Ranch Farm Market is a lovely place to stop and one of my favorite farm stands in Ventura County. This old-fashioned stand offers all kinds of locally-grown seasonal fruits and veggies, fresh flowers, nuts, and a lovely little selection of jams, local honey, pickled veggies, olives, and dried fruit.
The selection changes so you never know what goodies you might discover here.
A true hidden gem in Ventura County is the Somis Nut House. You could easily drive by it and never give it a second thought, but we highly recommend stopping! This little building is a wonderland of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, chocolates, candies, and lovely people that will have you wondering why you have never been here before, and when you will be able to come back.
There are many nurseries in Somis, from trees and large container plants to one that specializes in Koi ponds and water gardens. I personally would explore them all, but if you only stop at one, you might consider Escape Gardens Nursery.
Not only is this a place to buy plants and find your garden inspiration, but its botanical garden-like atmosphere is just a joy to walk around, smell the flowers, and listen to the sound of the mini waterfall (and the chickens!)
Advertisement
I absolutely love Underwood Family Farms in Somis. Like Petersen Ranch, you can find a huge selection of fresh local produce, flowers, nuts, and honey. You can also buy farm fresh eggs, bread, and unique gift baskets. However, this farm offers some special experiences!
From March through November, Underwood is a U-Pick Farm where you can enjoy picking seasonal fruits and berries - from blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries to figs and tangerines. Check the Underwood Farms website to see current hours and to find out which pick-your-own fruits are in season.
During fall, this is also one of the area’s best pumpkin patches!
At Underwood Family Farms, you will also find the Somis Animal Center. Surrounded by beautiful citrus trees and a grassy area with picnic tables, the Animal Center is a destination in itself. Enjoy a picnic (or some of the fresh fruits and nuts you bought on the way in!) and visit the cutest alpacas, pygmy goats, sheep, and chickens. They just love people, especially when you offer them treats.
If you brought kids along, they will not only love hanging out with the animals but will have fun playing around the sandbox and wooden fire truck.
A hardware store may not seem like a must-do on your day trip, but this gem is a fun piece of Somis history. Fulkerson Hardware is actually a Ventura County Historical Landmark originally built in 1925. The structure sits on the foundation of the original hardware store which was founded by Jonathan Fulkerson in 1912, and it is still family-owned.
You may or may not find some odds and ends you actually need (locals say they have absolutely everything), but you should definitely head to “Jack’s Museum” in the corner of the shop where you will find a delightful collection of historic memorabilia.
The only restaurant actually in Somis is Somis Cafe and Market, but that is not the reason we recommend grabbing a meal here. Locals and visitors alike have loved the home-style Mexican food served here for generations.
The town of Somis is a refreshing little pocket of country living that lets slow down and enjoy the day, and you are sure to meet some friendly people along the way. Have you been to any of these places in Somis? Would you enjoy a day trip to this little farm town?
