From the category archives:

Restrooms

Talega Park: Tiered Play for Multi-Level Fun

August 31, 2010
Talega Park

Talega Park in San Clemente is unusual for its layout. It sits at the dead end of a residential street where the restroom building and swings are at the base of the park. Climb up one level and there’s a structure with monkey bars and swinging pedestals. Then one more level brings you to the [...]

0 comments Find out more →

Lantern Bay Park: Harbor Lights and Sunset Barbecues

August 21, 2010
Lantern Bay Park Thumbnail

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 [...]

1 comment Find out more →

Little Cottonwood Park: The Busiest Little Playground Around

August 18, 2010
Little Cottonwood Park Thumbnail

Little Cottonwood Park in Los Alamitos is super popular. So popular, in fact, that it took me a very long time to get photos without kids!  I can see why, too. It’s a great and compact little park with two sizable picnic shelters to shade parents and host parties. Location: From Interstate 405, take the [...]

0 comments Find out more →

Fred Barrera Park: Take a Spin on the Walking Trail or Hang from Loopy Monkey Bars

August 13, 2010
Fred Barrera Park Thumbnail

Fred Barrera Park in Orange was dedicated in 2006 in honor of a man who gave many years of service to the City of Orange. A touching plaque at the park details all his endeavors. This small playground with some unusual monkey bars is right up the hill from Serrano Park and around the corner [...]

0 comments Find out more →

Crystal Cove Nature Ramble

August 5, 2010
Crystal Cove Thumbnail

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: [...]

0 comments Find out more →

Serrano Park in Orange: For Sporty Fun and Shaded Picnics

July 30, 2010
Serrano Park Thumbnail

Serrano Park in Orange is hidden in a residential neighborhood and comes to us by way of recommendation from Kristi. (Thanks!) It’s a great recommendation, since it’s not even on the map yet. The setting is beautiful with a view – probably out to the ocean on a clear day. Kristi especially noted the path [...]

1 comment Find out more →

Strands Beach and Strands Vista Park in Dana Point: Walk the Loop or Play in the Sand

July 27, 2010
Strands Surfers Thumbnail

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 [...]

1 comment Find out more →

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 [...]

0 comments Find out more →

Citrus Ranch Park in Tustin: Old Days of Orange Sparkle in Yellow and Green

July 19, 2010
Citrus Ranch Park Thumbnail

Citrus Ranch Park in Tustin may be the most recommended park in the short history of our site. It’s opening back in February was eagerly awaited by many, since the playground was finished and visible long before the park opened. Location: Exit Interstate 5 at Jamboree (Tustin Marketplace – the mega shopping area with mega [...]

0 comments Find out more →