Huge outdoor recreation area on the Tejon Pass (aka the Grapevine), 4144' mountain pass atop Interstate 5 as it connects SoCal to the expansive California Central Valley.
Lake Pyramid has boating, fishing and water sports. Los Padres National Forest has hiking and mountain bike trails, several high elevation peaks, wildfire lookouts, campground camping and back road camping, as well as numerous fine dirt roads to explore. 4x4 camps near Cuddy Valley too!
Hungry Valley SVRA (State Vehicular Recreation Area) is convenient to both Los Angeles as well as Bakersfield. High desert terrain with yuccas and pinyon pines, dirt hills, sage brush meadows, several campgrounds, all surrounded by higher elevation forested peaks. This is the big boys playground, a very busy location and freeway close. Motorcycles, dirt bike trails, ATVs and off road routes, obsticals and RV camping. Hungry Valey is also referred to simply as 'Gorman'.
Quatal Canyon may also be worth a look, if you seek seclusion.
Ballinger Canyon is another OHV park in Los Padres NF, located well off the beaten path.
Gorman, CA is well known for its stunning wildflower hills, usually around April and May.
Lebec is just north with cheaper gasoline prices and dirt bike rentals and repair shops.
Frazier Park is 6 miles up the main road (Frazier Mountain Park Rd). Along the freeway to the north
Fort Tejon Historical State Park is perfect for families and picnics.