From the category archives:

OC South

Talega Park: Tiered Play for Multi-Level Fun

August 31, 2010

Talega Park in San Clemente is unusual for its layout. It sits at the dead end of a residential street where the restroom building and swings are at the base of the park. Climb up one level and there’s a structure with monkey bars and swinging pedestals. Then one more level brings you to the [...]

0 comments Find out more →

Lantern Bay Park: Harbor Lights and Sunset Barbecues

August 21, 2010

Lantern Bay Park, located on a bluff overlooking Dana Point Harbor and the coast, is a favorite for its sea breezes and proximity to the beach. Perfect for family barbecues and larger gatherings, too. It’s located across from the Laguna Cliffs Marriott with its distinctive red roof. There’s a long staircase leading from the harbor [...]

1 comment Find out more →

Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center Pool and Playgrounds for Splash and Play

August 20, 2010

I’d planned to do some splashing at the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center pool, but the summer somehow got away from me. Luckily, the center is open from May 1st through September 30th. So we still have time for some water play. Even after the summer is over, there are two playgrounds nearby which provide a [...]

0 comments Find out more →

You’re Gonna Love This: Master Play List from Aliso Viejo to San Juan Capistrano

August 15, 2010

Ta-Da! Right above the Playground Map in the sidebar, we’ve added this button: We’re working on Central and North OC. Thanks for your patience. Click on it to find a ridiculous list of all the parks we’ve covered in south Orange County (and even the ones we haven’t). And guest what? All of you who [...]

1 comment Find out more →

Pavion Park in Mission Viejo: Fun with Giant Funnels

August 7, 2010

Pavion Park in Mission Viejo was our mystery destination on a recent walk up the trail from Oso Viejo near the Norman P. Murray Senior Center. I had my two kids and two nephews with me (ages 4-8) and embarked toward Pavion thinking it would be a quick jaunt, but it turns out it’s a [...]

0 comments Find out more →

Strands Beach and Strands Vista Park in Dana Point: Walk the Loop or Play in the Sand

July 27, 2010

Strands Beach in Dana Point goes by many names. I’ve heard it called: The Strand, Salt Creek Beach Park, and Strand Vista Park. I call it “pure bliss.” It’s just a beautiful spot beneath the Dana Point Headlands. If you can imagine the coastline here, it’s squeezed in the small cove between the point of [...]

1 comment Find out more →

Dana Point Headlands Nature Interpretive Center: Easy Hike and Ocean View

July 25, 2010

Dana Point Headlands Nature Interpretive Center Thumbnail

The City of Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center opened in April 2010. It’s open 10-4 everyday (except closed on Mondays). I’m one of those who is very sad to see the Dana Point headlands disappear to development. However, the part that is still protected as open space provides a scenic glimpse of the beauty which [...]

0 comments Find out more →

Rancho Santa Margarita Central Park: Bug Out and Then Travel by Train

July 8, 2010

Rancho Santa Margarita Central Park isn’t necessarily a summer-friendly location, since it can get rather hot. I speak from experience – I think it was 95 degrees on the day I took photos and met my blogging friend, Kara-Noel. I always get turned around when I head to Rancho Santa Margarita, but I’m starting to [...]

0 comments Find out more →

Califia Beach at San Clemente State Beach: A Tidal Treasure

June 30, 2010

The hardest thing about a trip to Califia Beach is pronouncing it! It’s part of San Clemente State Beach, except you’ll pass the State Beach entrance on your left and continue to the parking lot at the end of Califia. It’s a skinny strand of beach, so you’ll definitely need to watch the tides to [...]

0 comments Find out more →

← Previous Entries