Just south of Los Angeles, Orange County is a popular tourist destination. This area of California appeals to many different types of people because it offers several kinds of outdoor recreational activities. There are many activities and venues in the area such as beaches, parks and museums. If you are planning a trip to Orange County, and you're on a budget, do some fun, free activities.
Parks
Orange County is made up of several communities and towns--all that offer parks and outdoor spaces that are typically free to visit and use. According to OCParks, this county has almost 40,000 acres of parks and historical facilities. If you are in Anaheim, go to Ramon Peralta Adobe Historic Site or Yorba Regional Park. Travelers in Costa Mesa can choose from Fairview Park or Tewinkle Park. The community of Laguna Beach has Crystal Cove State Park and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, while Newport Beach has the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Rancho Santa Margarita has Central Park, Ceilo Vista park, Monte Vista Park, Lago Santa Margarita Park and Arroyo Vista Park.
Beaches
If sand and surf are more your style, go to one of Orange County's many beaches. Most do not have entry fees, and the only thing you might have to pay for is parking. Visitors who enjoy swimming, skin diving and surfing may want to go to Aliso Beach. Capistrano Beach offers volleyball and basketball, and rents fishing gear during the summer. Newport Dunes is a popular beach for families, because it has calm swimming waters. Surfers go to Salt Creek Beach because it has a small offshore reef that creates good waves and swells.
Hiking and Biking
Visitors who love rugged outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking, have a wide variety of places to go in Orange County. The Talbert Nature Preserve offers several types of hiking and biking terrains, including woodlands, grasslands, freshwater wetlands and a salt marsh. The Limestone/Whiting Ranch has almost 4,000 acres of forested canyons, grassy rolling hills, streams, and scenic rock formations.
Museums and Exhibits
If you want to give your mind a workout, there are several Orange County museums and exhibits that offer free admission at certain times of the year. According to the Anaheim website, visitors can gain free admission and free activities at the Bower Museum on the first Sunday of the month. Another free spot is the Fullerton Arboretum, which features more than 4,000 plants on the grounds of Cal State Fullerton.
Free Rides
Budget travelers who want to feel the wind in their hair but don't want to pay for Disneyland, can take advantage of several free rides in Orange County. The Balboa Island Ferry operates a historic and scenic trip between Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula. Preview Park offers free helium balloon rides, and all you have to pay for is parking.
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