Beat the heat

Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park in Newport Beach

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Balboa Pier and Peninsula Park  in Newport Beach make me think of the good ‘ole days at the beach.  There are always families wandering around the shops and restaurants, kids riding bikes, and tourists visiting from out of town.  On the summer day we visited, Junior Lifeguards were there, in force. Location: There are two [...]

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Springdale Park in Aliso Viejo: Sharpen Your Spider Skills on Giant Webs

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Springdale Park in Aliso Viejo is known by two other names: Spiderman Park or Spiderweb Park.  Upon driving into the cul-de-sac that features the park, you can immediately tell why. I’ve seen parks with one climbing apparatus, but this is two webs weaved together in brilliant red rope. Location: It’s right across from Aliso Town [...]

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Muth Interpretive Center and Upper Newport Bay for Families

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The Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center is right across from the Central Orange Coast YMCA and part of the Upper Newport Bay.  I wish the center was there during my college days as a Y lifeguard and swim instructor. I would have spent a lot of time there!  The views are incredible and there’s [...]

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Bus It to Doheny State Beach and Dana Point Harbor

Doheny State Beach

Doheny State Beach near Dana Point Harbor is one of my favorite spots in Orange County. We like to hang out at the harbor for breakfast, walks, and visits to the Ocean Institute. I always seem to be walking through Doheny State Beach or driving past it on my way to the harbor.  Lots of [...]

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Lantern Bay Park: Harbor Lights and Sunset Barbecues

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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 [...]

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