Agua Dulce is a town in the Sierra Pelona Valley region just outside Los Angeles, California. Agua Dulce is a great spot for a quick day trip thanks to its wine, outdoor activity, and scenery.
While it’s less than an hour from the city, a visit out here feels like a real escape. The town is home to around 4,000 people and the area is filled with farms and ranches with a rustic town center, all surrounded by rolling hills
The area is known for its outdoor recreation — it’s a stop on the Pacific Crest Trail and the home of Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park — as well as its wine production.
With its ranches, vineyards, and famed jagged rocks, all encircled by picturesque hills, Agua Dulce is a great place for a quick day trip from Los Angeles. Even though you’re not far from the city, you’ll feel like you’re a world away.
Here’s your travel guide for what to do on a day trip to Agua Dulce, California.
Go Wine Tasting
Make your way to Agua Dulce Winery to get a taste of the local vino. The winery and vineyards are spread out over many acres in the scenic Sierra Pelona Valley.
The winery specializes in red wines, including a Merlot, Syrah, and Sangiovese. However, they do have lighter blends to pour as well, such as Chardonnay and Rosé.
The winery offers a tour which takes you into the cellar where you taste straight from the barrel and learn about the operations of the winery. (The tours do require a reservation, so make sure to book ahead of time.)
If a tour isn’t for you, just post up in the tasting room and try what they’re pouring. There’s a shop as well with a variety of snacks and fun souvenirs.
They also host a variety of events at the winery, such as summer concerts, wine and painting night, and a Lucy look alike contest.
With all those acres of property, there’s plenty of room to roam. Grab some snacks in the gift shop, say hi to the llamas, play horseshoes, and enjoy the wine.
Wine tasting is $10 at the winery. However, if you’re on a tour, tasting is included in the price. Tours are available at the winery and through Groupon. As mentioned, just be sure to make a reservation ahead of time if you’re interested in doing a tour.
Agua Dulce Winery is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The winery is located at 9640 Sierra Highway, Agua Dulce, CA 91390.
Visit the Town
Be sure to make a pit stop in town. Right along Agua Dulce Canyon Road you’ll find a small selection of restaurants and shops.
Peruse the wares at Bullwinkel’s Gifts and Antiques. They have a variety of lovely vintage pieces in addition to new items.
Bullwinkel’s Gifts and Antiques is located at 33302 Agua Dulce Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91390.
Grab lunch next door at Sweetwater Bar & Grill. The bar and grill features a rustic interior and serves up classic bar food. The friendly staff and comfort food will help refuel you for the rest of your journey.
Sweetwater Bar & Grill is open daily and located at 33310 Agua Dulce Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91390.
You’ll find some other shops and eateries nearby along Agua Dulce Canyon Road as well, such as Sweetwater Farms Market and the Agua Dulce General Store.
Explore Nature Near Agua Dulce
Agua Dulce is surrounded by natural beauty.
There are a number of hiking trails near town, including the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs all the way from Mexico to Canada.
It’s also home to Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center. The park is made up of more than 900 acres and home to famous jagged rock formations. It also features hiking trails, equestrian trails, animal exhibits, nature centers, and campsites.
The Vasquez Rocks have been featured in a wide variety of movies and television shows, from The Flintstones to Star Trek. Take a trip to the rocks for a nice hike and a piece of Hollywood history.
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center is open daily. Opening hours vary by season, but the park is generally open from sunrise to sunset.
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center is located at 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91350.
How To Get to Agua Dulce
To get to Agua Dulce, you will need to drive. The town is located off of Highway 14.
From Los Angeles, get on the I-5 North. Next, take exit 162 for State Route 14 N/Antelope Valley Freeway toward Palmdale/Lancaster. Exit the highway at Agua Dulce Canyon Road and follow the road into town.
Once in Agua Dulce, you’ll have to drive to get around as well. It’s a pretty small town, but the sights are spread out, so you’ll need a car to get between them.
—
When you’re looking for a quick escape from Los Angeles, head on up to Agua Dulce. Its old west atmosphere, natural beauty, and abundance of wine will have you feeling relaxed in no time. Cheers!
