Amid the bustling city of Encino, amidst the hustle and bustle of car dealerships and mini-malls there is this incredibly awesome expanse of green (and fun!) space. It’s called the Sepulveda Basin, and it’s a perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy the fresh air.

There are a variety of things to do at this oh-so-fun park and recreational area, from kayaking and fishing to swimming and golf. So if you’re looking for somewhere to go with your family or to have a date night, this is the place to be!

Bike Trails

The Sepulveda basin offers a number of biking trails. They are ten miles long and run parallel to Balboa Boulevard and Woodley Avenue. These paths connect to the Orange Line bike path that goes from North Hollywood on the east, to Woodland Hills and Canoga Park on the west.

You can also walk along the trails, and you’ll see plenty of nature and wildlife. The trails are marked with signs, and you’ll find a lot of beautiful views of the valley.

Fishing is permitted at the non-restricted banks of the Los Angeles River and from a boat within the Basin. However, you will need a fishing license from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to fish on these areas.

The Los Angeles River is a major source of water for the San Fernando Valley, and a natural earth bottom fosters riparian habitat. The soft-bottom section of the river is ideal for kayaking, fishing and bird watching.

In addition, the Los Angeles River Recreation Zone at the Sepulveda Basin is a popular spot for hiking and jogging. You’ll also find a lot of native plants and wildlife.

There are also several parks and recreational areas in the Sepulveda basin. They include the Lake Balboa and Anthony C. Beilenson Parks, the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, and the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant, which treats 40 million gallons of water per day.

Aside from the obvious sports facilities and golf courses, there is also a community garden, a velodrome, an amusement park and an indoor gym. There’s even a mediterranean market, which is a great spot to pick up some local produce and sangak straight out of the oven or imported items.

This is a super relaxing vibe that feels more like a country general store or maybe an oversized island hut. It’s a really wonderful place to go when you want to relax and have some delicious food with your friends or coworkers.

You’ll have a blast!

If you’re not sure what to do at the end of your adventure, there is a small restaurant with some delicious food in the center of the park. There are a few tables outside, but you can also sit inside and enjoy your meal.

It’s a great place to have lunch, and you can also take in some live entertainment here. During the summer, you’ll find some outdoor concerts and performances at this park.

Los Encinos State Historic Park

Encino Reservoir