Orange County

Bats and Tarantulas in Orange County

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I woke up to the following request from a mom: “I have a toddler who is obsessed with bats and tarantulas. Do you know of any places we can view either or both? I’ve been searching online for some info but haven’t come across much so far. We’re willing to travel a bit for a [...]

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Seminole Park in Laguna Niguel for Picnics in the Shade

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We planned our visit to Seminole Park in Laguna Niguel to enjoy a lazy picnic.  It was a beautiful spot in a neighborhood with shade trees. Location:  Exit Interstate 5 at Crown Valley Parkway and head towards the beach.  You’ll drive quite a while before reaching Niguel Road where you will make a left.  After [...]

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Heisler Park in Laguna Beach

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Heisler Park in Laguna Beach feels like a tropical paradise to me. I love bringing out-of-town guests to enjoy the views from the top of the bluff or walk down to the beach areas for tidepooling or wading. Location: Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is the main street running through Laguna Beach. I usually park on [...]

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Balearic Park and Estancia Park in Costa Mesa

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Balearic Park was one of the most popular recommendations when I asked a group of moms at TeWinkle Park about other good Costa Mesa parks. Estancia Park actually neighbors Balearic, so it’s like getting two parks in one.  Estancia is the one with the historic adobe and Balearic is accompanied by a community center. Location: [...]

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Visit the Limestone Canyon Viewing Deck to See the Sinks

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There is so much to see on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks land that it’s hard to squeeze into one post.  The Sinks is a particularly beautiful portion of Limestone Canyon and now there is a viewing deck for . . . viewing (of course!).  In the time since my first visit in February 2011, [...]

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