From the category archives:

Newport Beach/Corona Del Mar

Newport Ridge Community Park: Fun for Residents Only

February 6, 2010

Newport Ridge Community Park is an open space dedicated solely to Newport Ridge Community Association homeowners. It’s not gated, but it’s very clear the public is not welcome with signs sprouting from the top of the playground, the picnic area and the entrance to the parking lot.
I include it here because there are probably some [...]

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Crystal Cove State Park: Tidepooling at a Natural Playground

January 24, 2010

Crystal Cove State Park’s waters are a designated underwater park–which may be why the tidepooling was so amazing on our visit. December and January are notorious for the highest of high and lowest of low tides. I’m sure you’ll find something different on every visit throughout the year.
Location: We’ve been to other parts of [...]

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Newport Coast Parks: Binoculars NOT Optional at Canyon Watch and Harbor Watch Pocket Parks

January 17, 2010

My favorite Newport Coast parks are called Canyon Watch and Harbor Watch. These separate, but similar parks, sit along San Joaquin Hills Drive looking like nothing more than a scenic viewpoint from the street. Take the time to stop and stroll. You’ll see incredible views of the canyon and Newport Harbor. You’ll see Catalina Island. [...]

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Coastal Peak Park in Newport Beach

October 21, 2009

Coastal Peak Park in Newport Beach offers more than just stunning views. It’s located high up in the Newport Coast hills and right next to the trails of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. This new park is filled with play equipment that sparks creative play. My children wobbled across circular platforms in order to avoid a [...]

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Bonita Canyon Sports Park: Soccer, Baseball, and Tennis Plus Playgrounds

July 8, 2009

Bonita Canyon Sports Park is at the corner of MacArthur Boulevard and Bonita Canyon Drive near the 73 Tollroad/Freeway. Although the park appears to be on Bonita Canyon Drive, the entrances and parking areas are actually along Ford Road which runs parallel. The grass is incredibly green and it looks to be the perfect setting [...]

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Newport Island Park in Newport Beach

May 1, 2009

Newport Island Park is right around the corner from 38th Street Park off the Balboa Penisula in Newport Beach. Newport Island is a small triangular island reachable by 38th Street off West Balboa Blvd. Nice spot for a family picnic.
Location: Don’t enter the peninsula from Newport Boulevard/55 Freeway if you want the most direct [...]

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San Miguel Park: Just the Right Size For A Small Family BBQ

February 24, 2009

San Miguel Park is among the top parks for it’s manageable size and variety of equipment. I discovered this park while checking into Bonita Canyon Sports Park.
Location: The easiest way to reach San Miguel Drive is from MacArthur Blvd. Turn one way you’ll drive into Fashion Island – turn the other you’ll drive past Roger’s [...]

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38th Street Park: A Fenced in Shipyard on Balboa Peninsula

November 16, 2008

My college roommate used to play basketball at 38th Street Park. Little did I know (way back then before kids) there was a pretty nice playground here. Thanks to Kelly for the recommendation.
Location: Between 37th and 38th Street of W. Balboa Blvd. on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach. If you’re coming from the 55 [...]

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Irvine Terrace Park: Ride a Fast Tunnel Slide With a Window

October 27, 2008

Irvine Terrace Park is tucked into a neighborhood along a busy section of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) near MacArthur Boulevard. This park is surprisingly serene. Views of Newport Harbor and the Pacific peek from beyond the Japanese pines and statuary in the Rotary Club garden – a little Zen corner just blocks from Fashion Island. [...]