If you let the media dictate your expectation, you would imagine that you would have to spend money to do anything fun in Orange County, California. However, that could not be further from the truth. While there are many interesting places to visit such as museums and farms, the great outdoors also offers many fun and free alternatives such as the famous beaches of southern California.
Orange County Museum of Art
The second Sunday of every month the Orange County Museum of Art is free to all patrons. The museum features collections of art as well as ever changing exhibitions to entertain new and repeat visitors alike. The collection holds over 3,000 pieces with a focus on both modern and contemporary art. The Orange Country Museum of Art also offers a shop with a full range of products from prints of famous art to refrigerator magnets.
Centennial Farm
Centennial Farm, open seven days a week, offers tours through the 3-acre farm. The tour features all of the animals one would expect on a farm such as pigs, chickens, goats, and cattle. After viewing the animals, visitors can walk through the gardens that the farm has to offer. Both admission and parking is free, and older visitors can also volunteer to give tours of the farm.
The Fullerton Arboretum
The Fullerton Arboretum features four different regions of plants: Mediterranean, desert, woodlands, and cultivated. These four regions sprawl over a 26-acre plot of land that include waterfalls, flowers, and plants from all over the world. Fullerton even offers a free salsa contest with each visit. They also offer classes and workshops for both children and adults. Admission to the arboretum is free, however, donations are appreciated.
The Beach
The first thing that many people think of when you mention southern California are the beautiful beaches. The most prominent beaches of southern California include Huntington, Newport, San Clemente, and San Onofre. Visitors of Huntington Beach can enjoy some of the nation's finest surf, although the water can be a bit chilly. Californians, as well as tourists, can enjoy many free activities on the beach that include flying kites, volleyball, riding bicycles, and swimming until dusk.
Hiking
San Onofre State Beach is a California state park that offers popular outdoor hiking trails, inlcuding Bluff's Beach Trail. It's a six-stage hiking trail that is 5.6 miles long if you are willing to make the round-trip. Dog lovers can bring their pets on stages 1 and 6 of the trail.
Member Comments