From the category archives:

Ocean views

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve – PCH Entrance

September 1, 2010

It was almost a year ago that I posted Bolsa Chica Wetlands. I’d been wanting to explore more of the Ecological Reserve ever since I read this post about it on Alive in Wonderland. Last year, we visited the interpretive center and took a hike to the heron nesting ground. My son was calling it [...]

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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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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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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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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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