Nature Centers

Agua Hedionda Discovery Center in Carlsbad is a nature center near Legoland with animals, trails, and a little Fairyland for a family outing.

Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim Hills is a kid-friendly hiking spot near Nohl Ranch Road with oak trees and wide dirt trails.

The San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine is home to Sea & Sage Audubon House. Walk wide dirt trails & see the wildlife in the ponds.

California Botanic Garden (formerly Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens) in Claremont offers acres of lovely grounds for connecting to nature.

O’Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon is the perfect spot for hiking & camping. It doubles as campground + nature-rich playground area.

Santiago Oaks Regional Park in Orange is an awesome spot for a family walk in nature. It also has a nature center with local exhibits.

Visit the Ocean Institute in Dana Point Harbor for insights on nautical history and marine animals. Open weekends 11am-3pm.

I wanted to spotlight websites and blogs designed to answer the “What to do in Orange County?” question. Just as each writer and blogger has a different style of presenting …

If you want to commit to a New Year’s workout routine, you buy a gym membership.  How about committing to explore more of Orange County’s finest parks, beaches, and wilderness?  …

I love nature centers and interpretive centers. Sometimes they are dusty and date back to the 70’s, but that makes me love them all the more. The little interpretive center …