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Discover Encino

🌳New to Encino or Ready to Discover More?

Welcome to Encino—your gateway to suburban charm in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. With top-rated schools, peaceful streets, and scenic outdoor spaces, this vibrant community is full of local flavor and hidden gems.

This page is your one-stop guide to everything Encino has to offer. From shopping and dining to city services, transportation, and safety resources, you’ll find what you need to feel at home.

Check out our calendar for ways to connect, learn, and celebrate. From beloved events like Movie Night and Encino Fest to essential Board and Committee meetings, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you're exploring the Sepulveda Basin, joining a class at the Community Center, or simply enjoying the outdoors, Encino makes it easy to live well and get involved. There’s always something to discover!

Play like a Local!

Encino Community Center is a lively hub offering something for everyone—from engaging classes and hands-on workshops to neighborhood gatherings and family-friendly fun. It’s a great place to connect, learn, and celebrate with your community. Activites include:

🧘‍♀️ Yoga & Wellness 🎨 Art & Creativity Classes

🎭 Theater & Cultural Events 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Activities & Camps

Then be sure to check the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks page for even more ideas on things to do in Encino. From seasonal festivities to ongoing programs, it's your go-to source for the latest happenings—so you can join in the fun right in the heart of Encino!

And that’s just the beginning. Discover Encino is your go-to guide for everything this vibrant neighborhood has to offer. Whether you're planning a weekend outing or looking for everyday fun, you’ll find it here. Explore local events, stroll through the Sepulveda Basin, uncover hidden gems, and enjoy the best in parks, dining, and more. Click the links below to start your journey—and experience Encino like a local.

🏙️Living in Encino: Services, Schools, Parks & More

Living in Encino means having everything you need close to home—reliable services, top-rated schools, safe streets, scenic parks and trails, and a thriving dining and shopping scene. This section highlights the essentials that make life in Encino both convenient and enriching.

🗺️ City Services
- Los Angeles City Services Portal – It’s your one-stop hub for city services like trash pickup, permits, utilities, public safety, and neighborhood resources. You can also report issues, pay bills, and find local updates—all in one place.
- 311 LA – LA's LA’s official non-emergency service hub lets you report graffiti, potholes, streetlight outages, bulky item pickups, and more—making it easy to access city services.

🚗 Transportation & Safety
- LAPD West Valley Police Division – Your local police station, providing local law enforcement and community safety. It includes contact info, community updates, crime stats, and details about your Senior Lead Officers.
- Metro Trip Planner – Navigate LA’s public transit system
- Emergency Preparedness Guide – Provides emergency prep resources—checklists, evacuation tips, shelter info, and guidance for families, pets, and more.

🏫 Schools, Education & Libraries
- LAUSD School Finder – Locate public schools in your area
- Private Schools in Encino:
  - Child’s World School – Preschool and early elementary, nurturing environment, play-based learning environment focused on creativity and development.
  - Valley Beth Shalom Day School – grades PK–5, Jewish day school with STEAM-focused curriculum
  - Los Encinos School – grades K–6, known for its small class sizes and focus on social justice and creative learning
  - Westmark School – grades 2–12, specializing in education for students with language-based learning differences
  - St. Cyril of Jerusalem School – grades PK–8, Catholic school with strong community values
  - Our Lady of Grace School – grades PK–8, Catholic school with arts and extracurriculars
  - Crespi Carmelite High School – grades 9–12, all-boys Catholic college preparatory school
- LA Public Library (Encino-Tarzana Branch) – Books, events, and free resources

🌳 Parks, Trails & Outdoor Spaces
- Los Encinos State Historical Park – A peaceful spot offers historic adobe buildings, a duck pond, picnic spots, and tours showcasing California’s ranching past—perfect for relaxing and exploring
- Balboa Sports Complex – Features tennis, basketball, and more with courts, fields, and a gym for all ages in the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area.
- Encino Golf Course – Spacious, forgiving public course with large greens and shared amenities like a driving range and restaurant.
- Encino Velodrome – Outdoor cycling track offering races, training, and programs for riders of all levels.
- Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area – Large urban park offering sports, trails, lakes, and wildlife areas for outdoor activities.
- SuihoEn Japanese Garden – A tranquil 6.5-acre oasis operated by LADWP, featuring Zen, rock, and tea gardens perfect for quiet reflection and peaceful strolls.
- Top Trails in Encino – Looking for great hiking in Encino? AllTrails features 13 scenic trails, including 6 easy routes and several kid-friendly options. Enjoy curated maps, reviews, and photos as you explore historic sights and nature areas perfect for all skill levels. Here are a few of the recommended trails:
  - Canyonback Trail This easy 3-mile trail offers stunning views and gentle terrain. It’s ideal for morning walks and is less crowded than other nearby routes.
  - San Vicente Mountain: Old Nike Missile Site Trail A moderate 10-mile trail that starts in Encino and leads to a historic Cold War-era radar tower. Offers panoramic views and interpretive signage along the way.
  - Mulholland Drive Dirt Trail The unpaved segment of Mulholland Drive accessible from Reseda Boulevard provides a scenic ridgeline walk with views of the Encino Reservoir and connections to other local trails.
  - Lake Balboa the Sepulveda Basin includes four fantastic walking areas including: Upstream of Balboa, Balboa Sports Center Trails, Lake Balboa and Bull Island Loop, and Haskell Creek and Wildlife Loop.
  - Caballero Canyon Trail A popular trail off Reseda Boulevard offering a moderate climb, shaded sections, and scenic views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Great for hiking, trail running, and dog walking.
  - Los Encinos State Historic Park While not a traditional hiking trail, this charming park features short walking paths around historic adobe buildings, a duck pond, and shaded picnic areas—perfect for a leisurely stroll.

🛍️ Shopping & Dining in Encino
- Encino Town Center – A central spot on Ventura Blvd featuring restaurants, movies, boutiques, and essential services
- Encino Courtyard – Upscale shopping and dining in a relaxed, open-air setting
- Encino Marketplace – Popular for boutique retail, wellness services, and casual eateries
- Plaza De Oro Shopping Center – A compact center with a mix of local businesses and easy parking
- Balboa Ventura Shopping Center – Convenient neighborhood plaza with grocery, pharmacy, and quick bites
- Encino Place – Open 24 hours, offering a variety of shops and services
- Encino Commons – Known as the “Boulevard of Restaurants,” with dozens of dining options along Ventura Blvd
- Sherman Oaks Galleria (nearby) – A larger open-air mall with retail, dining, fitness, and entertainment just outside Encino
- Yelp – Looking for a great meal in Encino? These highly rated spots on Yelp offer a variety of flavors from cozy neighborhood gems to upscale dining experience