Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point: Harbor Lights and Sunset Barbecues
Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point is one of the best places for an ocean view family barbecue. New playground with roller slide in 2021.
Crystal Cove State Park: Tidepooling at a Natural Playground
Crystal Cove State Park offers space for tidepooling, beach trips, nature rambles, and whale watching from the shore in Newport Beach.
Bolsa Chica Wetlands: Historical Armaments and Nesting Grounds
Bolsa Chica Wetlands in Huntington Beach offers beach views and lots of wildlife viewing. It’s an easy and flat family nature hike spot.
Bear Brand Park: For Between-Errands or Multiple-Kids
Bear Brand Park is one of the smaller Laguna Niguel parks located very near Ocean Ranch shopping center. It still has some of the benefits of being near the beach …
Aliso Beach Park in Laguna Beach
Aliso Beach Park is a bit of a secret over the Laguna Main Beach Playground. On a winter evening when I first posted this beach, there were only a few …
Top 12 Whale Watching Parks and Beaches for Orange County
“Hey Michele, what’s the hike near the coastline that might give us a peek at some whales?” was the question that came to me by way of a friend. Hmmm …
Pines Park Above Capistrano Beach
Pines Park in Dana Point sits on a bluff above Capistrano Beach where you can picnic with a view of the ocean while playing on a playground.
Capistrano Beach Park: Ocean-Side Train Watching and Sand Play
Capistrano Beach Park, better known as Capo Beach, is one of my favorite Orange County beaches – not for swimming – but just to pull into the parking lot, pile …
Alta Laguna Park: Why It Tops Them All
Alta Laguna Park overlooks the 133/Laguna Canyon Road. I’m a pushover for parks with views and, so far, this one tops them all. It wasn’t a crystal clear day when …
Campfire Tales: Changing My Mind
My mom always says “It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind.” And I do, often. Just ask my husband. What if changing your mind is more than just a …