From the category archives:

Beat the heat

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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Crystal Cove Nature Ramble

August 5, 2010

A Crystal Cove nature ramble is a fun alternative when things are hot inland. On one of the hotter days a few weeks ago, we headed to the coast and just hopped out at the state park to see some nature and cool off. It’s amazing what we spotted on such a short trip. Location: [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Corona Del Mar Beach: Haven for Sunsets and Circle Walks

June 26, 2010

Corona Del Mar Beach is a bit of an oddity in the OC beach scene. It doesn’t fit into any of the regular categories. For instance, it appears to be one beach but there are 3 very distinctly separate areas with different names. I had to enlist the help of readers on our page on [...]

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Some Like It Hot, But Not Me: Tips for Keeping Your Cool This Summer

June 15, 2010

I’m not a fan of hot playgrounds. Make that heat, in general. I’d rather bundle up on a chilly day than sweat like a maniac in 100 degree weather. We lived in the desert when my oldest was born through about age 2 and a half. I know the pain of slogging to playgrounds and [...]

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San Clemente Beach Trail and North Beach Playground: It Doesn’t Get Better Than This

May 29, 2010

North Beach in San Clemente meets all the requirements of requests from our site’s page on Facebook. It’s so much fun for us to have all of you help us build the site with info you actually WANT! Every time I go to North Beach, I have the it-just-doesn’t-get-better-than-this feeling (except when it’s crowded). Although [...]

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