The Great Outdoors
- Aliso Viejo, Corona Del Mar, Dana Point, Family Travel, hike, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Laguna Nigel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, Orange County, The Great Outdoors, Uncategorized
Best Coastal Hiking Trails in Orange County with Ocean Views
Orange County is home to some of the best coastal hikes in Southern California, with dramatic cliffside trails, hidden coves, and panoramic Pacific Ocean views. Whether you’re searching for easy coastal walks in Orange County, a moderate hiking trail near Laguna Beach, or challenging hikes with ocean views, we are here to break down the top spots to explore. Easy Coastal Walks in Orange County (Family-Friendly + Scenic Views) Looking for an easy hike with ocean views in Orange County? These trails offer high-impact scenery with minimal effort—perfect for families, casual strolls, and sunset walks. Heisler Park One of the most popular coastal viewpoints in Laguna Beach, this oceanfront park…
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The Hidden Heart Rock in Joshua Tree
Maybe you’ve seen the pictures of others standing at a huge heart rock in Joshua Tree, but you won’t find this hike on any map. But, this easy hike is one you really should attempt! This 10 ft tall rock is found off Arch Rock Trail, however with no marked trail you have to keep your eyes open to find it! Because of it’s lack of publicity, this hidden gem is less visited meaning you will more than likely have the place to yourself. We love that! How to find Heart Rock? The easiest way to get to heart rock is to take the Arch Rock Trail. Parking for the…
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Best Places to Play in the Snow in Southern California
Find the best places to play in the snow in Southern California.
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Pumpkins in the Pines: SkyPark at Santa’s Village
If you were a kid in the 90s in Southern California it was probably your dream to visit Santa’s Village. I know it was for both my husband and me. And, sadly, neither of us ever got to growing up. So, you can imagine our excitement when we were given the opportunity to take our family to visit “Pumpkins in the Pines” at SkyPark in Santa’s Village near Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino National Forest this weekend! And, the experience lived up to all of our expectations! This place is AWESOME! It was a full wonderland of holiday fun and goodness. Combining the best parts of the season it…
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Best Hikes Under a Mile in Joshua Tree National Park
With Joshua Tree just about 2 hours away our family loves to get out and explore. However, with young kids in tow we have to be aware of our limits; so, we are constantly looking for the best hikes around a mile that our entire family can easily do. Joshua Tree National Park is full of amazing hikes that are perfect for all ages and abilities. These hikes highlight the best of the park and give glimpses into the beauty of it all with ample opportunities to scramble over boulders, take in the amazing landscape, see incredible rock formations and so much more. As a family we love to get…
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Win a Free Trip to Yosemite
Madera County, home to Yosemite National Park, officially invites YOU to take a journey; beginning in tranquil farmlands and ending at the tallest waterfall in North America. This adventure is sure to be wild! While Yosemite is a HUGE draw to the area there is so much more to do there. And one fun way to get it all in is by participating in an epic road trip while collect trading cards. After you collect the cards enter to win a Yosemite Adventure Vacation at Visit Yosemite Madera! Talk about a win win. Not only will you get amazing adventures on this road side scavenger hunt, you may just be…
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Visit Ventura Harbor: Great beaches, food and a National Park
Nestled along California’s central coast, Ventura is a triple threat: beaches, great food, and access to a gorgeous National Park. What’s not to like? With so much to do and see it’s a wonder that more people aren’t visiting this hidden gem of California more. The natural beauty of the area, exciting day trips, activities, great food and beautiful beaches should bring this location to the top of your “places to visit in California” list… if you have one. And if you don’t have that list, here is your first recommendation. Start it. Ventura can be both technically an LA location, or a Central California beach town, which makes it…
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The Most Unbelievable Display of Colorful Flowers in LA
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve: State Natural Reserve in Lancaster We all remember the beauty of the 2019 super-bloom of California’s state flower, the poppy, in the Inland Empire. But where can you see the poppies bloom this year in Southern California? Every Spring come mid-April the remote hills of Lancaster are blanketed with the same vibrant orange of poppies as they cover the surrounding landscape. And boy oh boy what a site to see! The Antelope Valley poppies in Lancaster bloom, wild and free, and this area provides one of the easiest and most guaranteed areas to see them. No need to wait for the Super Bloom, it’s super…
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Visit An abandoned Mine on This Easy Hike
Big Horn Mine Hike: On this easy/moderate hike find amazing views and an abandoned mine!
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Cave in the Middle of Los Angeles? You Have to See it to Believe it!
Vanalden Cave Hike: Los Angeles Trail-head: The Vanalden Trail begins at the dead end of Vanalden Ave in Tarzana (Los Angeles)… follow the small fire road in the middle of the street on the south side of the road under a large tree. 1.2 miles out and back Elevation Change: 300-500 ft Difficulty: Easy/moderate Time: 20-30 min No fee or permit required. Dog friendly. Not stroller or wheel chair friendly. Good shoes recommended as the path is very slick at places. Not recommended in the rain. When looking for a hike, we love to end at a “destination”; waterfall, overlook, or in this case, a rad cave! And can you…
