The Newport Dunes Christmas lights in Newport Beach might be the most under-appreciated holiday light display around. My husband and I were in the area and wanted to check it out to see if it was worth bringing our kids back and/or recommending to you. We drove around all angles from outside the grounds of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. We could see the lights, but … [Read more...]
Beach Christmas Tree at Crystal Cove
The beach Christmas tree at Crystal Cove State Park does not disappoint. I'd seen photos from photographer friends and heard about this Christmas tree at the beach, but never visited until 2017. Now I think we're going to go every year! I hope you can see how magical it was from my UNEDITED photos! I did not change the colors or even crop these photos taken last year - it … [Read more...]
5 Best Toddler Beaches with No Waves
You want to know the best toddler beaches with no waves in OC? I'm going to provide you with my Top 3 plus two bonus beaches, but they come with a note of precaution. Still water beaches, meaning no waves or surf, have a general propensity for water quality issues and they can also be good stingray habitat - at least along the warm sandy edges. Check Heal the … [Read more...]
Balboa Peninsula Summer Trolley to Balboa Pier
Take the FREE Balboa Peninsula Summer Trolley to Balboa Pier to enjoy your day at the beach rather than hassle with traffic and parking. I know there are trolleys in many Orange County beach cities: Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. We haven't taken advantage of them as we should, but I'm sold now that we accidentally stumbled upon the Balboa … [Read more...]
Spyglass Reservoir Park in Newport Beach
Spyglass Reservoir Park in Newport Beach sits on top of an actual reservoir! I didn't know there was a "101 foot diameter and 27 foot deep reservoir . . . under the playground park." Directions to Spyglass Reservoir Park: This is only a few blocks from Spyglass Hill Park - even higher up the hill! Reach San Joaquin Hills Road from either MacArthur or Jamboree and head … [Read more...]