From the category archives:

State parks

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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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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Campfire Tales: Changing My Mind

March 6, 2010

My mom always says “It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind.” And I do, often. Just ask my husband. What if changing your mind is more than just a fleeting thought? More than just choosing spaghetti over a hamburger for dinner. What if you actually change the way you think about the world? Change [...]

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Pretend I’m Schoolhouse Rock

February 18, 2010

California State Parks are in trouble. Again. Sitting in my jammies watching Saturday morning cartoons. That’s the last time I remember enjoying an education on the political process. Remember “I’m Just a Bill”? How come they don’t have a Schoohouse Rock to explain the California state budget? We Are Not Happy With Our State’s $20 [...]

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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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Top Ten Outdoor Presents for Southern California Family and Friends

December 15, 2009

Outdoor presents are the best. If you don’t believe me, read the Grass Stain Guru’s “Dear Santa” letter. But how can you wrap up play days and deliver them to your family or friends? Experiences are what it’s all about when it comes to the following gift ideas. I would be so happy to receive [...]

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California State Parks Annual Pass

December 1, 2009

The California State Parks Foundation membership gifts are a great way to support our state park system and give the gift of outdoors. This is the first post in a series about how you can give the gift of play outdoors this year. Remember, if you want to visit Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington State [...]

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Save Our State Parks – California

June 21, 2009

I’m no activist.I’m passionate about parks.I would care if I couldn’t bring my kids.My children verge on tears to hear some might close. This weekend I went to Emma Wood State Park in Ventura.Wrote SOS in the sand for “Save Our State” Parks.Posted it to the California State Parks Foundation Facebook fan page.Along with many, [...]

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