From the category archives:

Ocean views

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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Pines Park: Hear the Ocean, See the Sunset

August 24, 2009

Pines Park in Capo Beach sitting on the bluff directly above Capistrano Beach Park is the perfect play place for those weekends when it’s hot inland. We originally posted this park in September 2008, but revisited this weekend to take photos for the new slideshow (August 2009). I ended up revising the whole listing.
Location: From [...]

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Lang Park in Laguna Beach

April 20, 2009

Lang Park sets a playful scene featuring “Music of the Spheres” by Nancy Mooslin – the steel rainbow sculptures swirling above this hidden jewel opposite the Montage. Memorialized in a small plaque, Fred Lang was a notable Laguna Beach landscape architect. Originally posted in August 2008. New slideshow in April 2009.
Location: Off Pacific Coast Highway [...]

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Alta Laguna Park: Why It Tops Them All

April 4, 2009

Alta Laguna Park overlooks the 133/Laguna Canyon Road. I’m a pushover for parks with views and, so far, this one tops them all. It wasn’t a crystal clear day when we visited – but you can bet we’ll go back on one of those. We heard about this park from my [...]

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Village Green Park: Artistic Garden Gates Open to Play

January 27, 2009

Village Green Park sits tucked into a neighborhood behind the Cafe Vienna on Pacific Coast Highway. It’s completely fenced and dog-friendly. I love all the history behind this park. Read all about it on the tree trunk plaque.
Location: Turn onto Catalina from Pacific Coast Highway. It’s just north of the South Coast Medical [...]

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Aliso Beach Park: Ship-Shape Playground on the Shore

January 11, 2009

Aliso Beach Park is a bit of a secret over the Laguna Main Beach Playground. On a this winter evening, there were only a few couples on the beach. It felt like our own private playground. The berm (steep slope of sand) made for some really fun sand-sledding and sliding. San Clemente [...]

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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. [...]

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Lantern Bay Park: Harbor Lights and Sunset Barbecues

August 11, 2008

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.
Location: Located off Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) near Dana Point Harbor. Del Obispo turns into Dana Point Harbor Drive when it crosses [...]