Step back to a simpler time in the beautiful agriculture-rich Heritage Valley. The small communities of Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru are located in east Ventura County. The main artery through the valley is scenic Highway 126, linking Interstate 5 in Santa Clarita and Highway 101 in Ventura. Rolling hills, century-old avocado and citrus orchards and early 20th century historic downtowns are the defining features of the Heritage Valley. Family owned ranches, Victorian homes and craftsman-style residences line the main highway and rural byways of the valley. The hustle and bustle of a large metropolitan area are not found in the valley, and gratefully so, by the residents and also the visitors who are fortunate enough to find themselves in the Heritage Valley.
Fillmore & Western Railway Co. tourist train links the three cities and their depots, two of them original 1887 Southern Pacific depots, although restored and one a replica reconstructed in 2003.
Traveling the valley via vintage train cars provides the visitor an unspoiled view of the orchards and row crops from the prospective of a traveler in yesteryear.
Each city boasts its treasures and offers a look at the history of their cities through their museums and historic districts. Santa Paula is home to the California Oil Museum, the Aviation Museum at Santa Paula airport, the downtown Murals, the Santa Paula Art Museum and the newest Ventura County Museum of Agriculture, plus many other features that are worthy of tourist exploration. Fillmore’s historic downtown is home to the Fillmore Historical Museum, Geissinger Winery and the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society Visitor Center. Piru features the Piru Circles, circular mosaics that enhance the small downtown area and the Historic Rancho Camulos is 2 miles east of Piru, and Ventura County’s only National Historic Landmark. Lake Piru is located north of downtown and provides boating, swimming, camping and other aquatic opportunities. Step back to a simpler time in the Heritage Valley.
Day trip and tourist information available by calling the Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau at 805-524-7500.