Brace yourself to experience the natural wonder of Southern California's last pristine agricultural valley nestled along the banks of the free-flowing Santa Clara River in Southern California's Ventura County. Our valley incorporates the communities of Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru and the national landmark of Rancho Camulos. Together, we have it all. Flanked by the celebrated Rancho Camulos Adobe, backdrop of Helen Hunt Jackson's 1884 novel Ramona, on the eastern rim to the magnificent landscapes of citrus groves to the west, the Heritage Valley has something for everyone.
Fillmore embraces its turn of the century, small town atmosphere and old fashioned country charm. Nestled at the base the of the Los Padres National Forest, Fillmore is an eclectic mix of agriculture, history and small industry, making it one of the most enjoyable communities in Ventura County. While in Fillmore, embark on the Fillmore & Western Railway, dinner train extraordinaire. Home of the movie trains, Fillmore & Western Railway delights its guests every weekend with everything from train cab rides through the valley to romantic dinner trains and murder mysteries. The pride and joy of the Heritage Valley is waiting for you in the antique filled downtown Fillmore.
Idyllic Piru, named by the Native Americans who inhabited the vales surrounding Piru Creek, was a vast terrain of wild lands and precious metals. However, in 1887, publisher David C. Cook took a liking to this part of the valley, developing its soils in orchards and groves that many have called the "Second Garden of Eden". Consequently, as a gift to his bride and a legacy to the world, Cook created the eloquent mansion on the hill, Piru Mansion. Visit town square, the Piru Depot and the many recreational sites all within a short driving distance. Biblically speaking, Piru is our little bit of heaven. Indulge.
The City of Santa Paula is located 65 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 14 miles east of Ventura and the coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Santa Paula is the geographical center of Ventura County situated in the rich agricultural Santa Clara River Valley. The City is surrounded by rolling hills and rugged mountain peaks in addition to orange, lemon and avocado groves. In fact, Santa Paula is referred to as the "Citrus Capital of the World."
Whether you ride historical trains, visit train depots of our ancestors or discover the goodness of farm fresh foods and down home hospitality, the Heritage Valley invites you. If adventure is your style, take flight in the cockpit of a restored antique airplane at Santa Paula Airport. It is all waiting for you here...Welcome!