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 piers on the Newport Peninsula: the Newport Pier and the Balboa Pier. The Balboa Pier is the furthest towards the end of the Peninsula.  From Interstate 405, take the 55 Freeway towards the beach and it will take you right onto the peninsula on Newport Blvd. (eventually turning into Balboa Blvd.).  You’ll travel past all the numbered streets to the lettered streets. Get there early to get a spot in the lots off Palm Street or B Street (turn right to get to the lots). Pay at the machines by the hour or by the day.  MAP TO BALBOA PIER AND PENINSULA PARK IN NEWPORT BEACH

Highlights:

• Lots to do here besides the beach and playground!
• Playground is on the sand at the base of the pier
• My kids loved the big spiderweb climber
• Huge bank of swings!
• Play equipment appropriate for 5-12 year olds
• Peninsula Park has a huge lawn area appropriate for kite flying or soccer games, plus gazebo for bands or entertainment
• Balboa Fun Zone
• Ride bikes on the Newport Balboa Bike Trail along the peninsula
• Take the Balboa Ferry to Balboa Island for a stroll
• Eat at the original Ruby’s on the pier

Be Aware:

• The Peninsula can get extremely busy on weekends and holidays, especially because there’s only one way out (back the way you came)!
• Get there early to grab a parking spot and stay for the whole day.
• The beach can have big waves and I noticed a pretty sizeable drop-off (where it gets deep very fast on the south side of the pier). However, the north side looked good. I always talk to the lifeguards before I take a dip at a new beach, they always seem happy to give me pointers on any hazards BEFORE I get in!
• Fee for parking

Checklist:

• Parking in dedicated lots ($1.50 per hour with a max of $15.00/day). Click here for parking info from Newport Beach.
• Play surface: Sand
• Restrooms right next door to the playground
• Nice to have lifeguards nearby in summer, in case a need for first aid arises
• Picnic on the beach or find a nearby restaurant
• Bring bikes if you want to ride the trail (also available to rent)
• Fire rings available from 6am-10pm on first-come, first-serve basis (consult NB beaches page for details)
• Official Newport Beach website
• Nearest public library branch: Balboa Branch of the Newport Beach Public Library system

Nearby parks:

• 38th Street Park
• Newport Island Park
• Irvine Terrace Park

*Added to KaBOOM.org as part of their 2011 Park-A-Day Summer Challenge

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 Center off Summerfield (which crosses Aliso Creek Road and turns into Enterprise further up the hill). Exit the center right at Macaroni Grill to cross Aliso Creek Road and drive into the neighborhood.  Turn left onto Springdale at the bottom of the hill – into the small cul-de-sac where the park is located. MAP TO SPRINGDALE PARK IN ALISO VIEJO

Highlights:

• The climb ropes are definitely the highlight!
• There’s also a “clubhouse” set apart from the rest of the equipment which we used to play “drive-thru restaurant”
• Nice view of Aliso Viejo and Laguna Hills below
• There’s a concrete tunnel set apart from the playground which kept my kids entertained with climbing and crawling for a long time
• Shade covers!!  This park has them on big equipment, over the swings, and small ones over the picnic tables
• 2 baby swings, 2 bench swings
• Bring your sand toys
• Sloped zip track on the bigger kid equipment
• Basketball court (adults were playing there on our visit)
• Benches around the playground areas, but I spend most of my time up and hanging out with the kids.

Be Aware:

• The big kid equipment is definitely for bigger kids. Just watch the drops.
• NO real restroom – just a portable toilet.
• It can be busy because of its convenient location. I’ve turned around when it’s crowded and found quieter parks.

Checklist:

• Parking on the street (but I’ve turned away from the park more than once because all the spots are taken)
• Play surface is sand
• Portable toilet
• Drinking fountain
• Basketball court
• Call the Aliso Viejo Community Association to reserve the park (949-243-7750)
• Check out OC Mom’s Activity Guide’s review of this park. Katie is a blogger friend with some great tips.
• City of Aliso Viejo website
• Nearby public library: Aliso Viejo Public Library

Nearby Parks:

• Sheep Hills Park in Laguna Hills
• Ridgecrest Park in Aliso Viejo
• Grand Park in Aliso Viejo

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 always wildlife to see.  I like it for sunset viewing from the roof of the center.

Location: It’s easy to get to Muth from either Interstate 405, Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), or the 73 Freeway. OCParks.com has a custom map and a number of different directions. I’m going to give you directions from John Wayne Airport since it’s a landmark most Orange County residents know.  Take MacArthur Boulevard to Campus Drive and turn right. It will wind around over the 73 and turn into Irvine Avenue. Now you’re driving towards 17th Street in Costa Mesa. After you pass the golf course on your left and Irvine Ranch Market on your right, you’ll turn left onto  University Drive.  There is a dedicated parking lot on your right across from the YMCA.  MAP TO MUTH INTERPRETIVE CENTER IN NEWPORT BEACH

Highlights:

• Start your exploring from the parking lot and follow the well-marked trail down the hill to the center.
• There’s a beautiful little Butterfly Habitat and sculptures outside the entrance.

• The Interpretive Center is my favorite for many reasons: 1) It’s near the ocean, 2) It explains why wetlands are vital habitats, 3) It’s hands-on for the kids where they can crawl, touch, and lift windows on displays, and 4) the classroom is open for public discovery providing there are no classes in session.

• Don’t miss the roof of the building which doubles as a viewpoint with a telescope.
• The volunteer naturalists who run the center are extremely helpful and can answer any questions you might have about the area or trails.  They can also help you name wildlife you might have spotted.
• You’ll learn a lot about OC history as you browse through the exhibits.
• Little plane lovers will love to hear the roar of the planes taking off or landing at John Wayne Airport.
• We do something different every time we go. Just enjoy the view and having the kids outside. We saw an osprey on the hunt on our last visit.

Be Aware:

• There’s no playground here — so make nature your playground!! You’ll be amazed at how much fun the kids will have running around.
• The Center is CLOSED Monday.
• The parking lot sometimes closes during and after wet weather, even when the center might be open. Just park on the street.

Checklist:

• Admission is FREE. If you take a class or participate in a program, you will be charged a small fee.
• There are nice restrooms and a drinking fountain inside the center.
• There is a small gift shop with nature books, travel guides, and knick-knacks.
• You must register ahead of time for Tideland Tykes and Bayside Buddies for your 2 to 8 year old.
• The Muth Interpretive Center is listed on the OCParks.com website as Upper Newport Bay and as “unbic” — Upper Newport Bay Interpretive Center.
• The Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends run the NewportBay.org website which is updated regularly.
• This is on the list of Nature Scene Investigator locations, so make sure you bring your Guidebook.

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 people have covered the surf history, special events and activities related to this beach/park/campground/picnic area.

Here are posts I’ve already written on the area:

• Dana Point Headlands Nature Interpretive Center
• I covered our trip to the fire pits back in March.
• Heritage Park doesn’t have a playground, but it’s nice for walks and views.
• Lantern Bay Park does have a small playground and restroom.

Here are the top online sources I visit when planning a visit:

• Huell Howser – California’s Golden Parks (see the video online!)
• Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association
• Doheny State Beach (Official California State Parks page)
• Dana Point Harbor
• City of Dana Point
• The Ocean Institute
  

TAKE A BUS TRIP

So instead of repeating all the information already covered by the resources above, I wanted to share a special trip we made to the area BY BUS!

We took the 91 OCTA bus from the Laguna Hills Transportation Center near Sears in the Laguna Hills Mall. It was a great adventure on public transportation. Mr. Play Parks is a transportation planner and commutes by car, train, and subway every day.  On our weekend trip, we saved gas and didn’t have to worry about parking.

The Plan

• OCTA has a mind-boggling amount of tools to plan your trip. Here’s the BUS SERVICE overview.
• Make sure you have exact change. My husband got to ride free with his Metrolink pass. Kids 5 and under ride free with a fare paying adult.  So my daughter rode free. Only my son and I paid the regular fare of $1.50. So the whole trip only cost us $6. Fares & Passes
• Make sure you are at your bus stop 10 minutes before it’s scheduled to leave. I think the OCTA Online Trip Planner is the easiest tool to use. Try it out from your location.
• Restrooms available at Lantern Bay Park, Doheny State Beach, and Dana Point Harbor.
• Of course, you can drive to the beach as well. You can park inside the state park for $15. You can park in an adjacent lot run by OCParks.com and pay at the machine. If you will be eating and/or shopping in the harbor, you can park there for free. MAP TO DOHENY STATE BEACH IN DANA POINT

The Fun Part

• The kids absolutely loved riding the bus. There was lots to see and talk about.
• We were dropped off on PCH near Doheny. You can walk to the beach and all around the harbor.
• We took a little bit different walking route on the way back by climbing the stairs up to the Laguna Cliffs Marriott and Lantern Bay Park. You come down the hill right at the entrance to Doheny — but it was a nice alternative to walking near the street.
• The buses were clean and comfortable. We went on a hot day and the air conditioning was wonderful.
• The 91 would also be a good option if you want to visit the Mission and downtown San Juan Capistrano (petting zoo and playgrounds near there).
• Once you get to PCH – the “1″ bus route goes from Long Beach to San Clemente via PCH. It will bring you all up and down the coast for beach stops.

The Whole Truth

• Yes, we did stick out in the crowd from those who were normal commuters.
• And, yes, there were a few colorful figures riding the bus . . . let’s just say there’s a reason they weren’t driving their own car.
• It takes a little over an hour to get to the beach this way. The drive from the mall to the harbor would normally be about half that time.  One shorter option would be to pick it up from the Shops at Mission Viejo instead.
• Taking the bus involves walking. The bus drops you off on PCH near the pedestrian bridge. You need to walk about 20+ minutes to get to the harbor.

Even though I mention OCTA a lot — this is NOT a sponsored post.

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 up to the park which is popular for running stairs.

Location: Located off Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) near Dana Point Harbor. Del Obispo turns into Dana Point Harbor Drive when it crosses PCH. Turn right onto Park Lantern Road and follow it up the hill until it dead ends near the Laguna Cliffs Marriott. Parking on the street if you can find it or a lot halfway down the hill. (Address: 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point). MAP to Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point

Recommended by: Robin (comments in italics)

Highlights:

• Very cool even on the hottest days with a nice ocean breeze
• Cheerful yellow structure perfect for all ages
• Fun ride-on sea lion, tic-tac-toe, and kid-sized clock
• Basketball court  halfway down the hill (and across the street)
• A sunken amphitheater surrounded by rose bushes – where our kids like to race or perform shows
• Doheny State Beach and Dana Point Harbor nearby

Be Aware:

• Maybe an uphill walk depending on where you park
• On top of a bluff – so keep track of tiny wanderers – don’t want them getting too close to the edge

Checklist:

• Parking on a hill or a dedicated lot is down the hill – so there can be a walk uphill to reach this park
• Recycled rubber play surface
• Typical beach restrooms and drinking fountains
• Plenty of shade surrounding the park, but not much over the structure
• Benches and lawn area nearby to sit while supervising the kids
• MANY picnic tables and grills around, but not necessarily next to the play area (you can drag them closer like I have!)