Orange County, California, offers 42 miles of year-round beaches with a warm climate that provides many places to sunbathe, swim, surf among other beach and coastal activities such as bicycling. The Orange County area has been used as the setting in numerous movies and television shows and is well-known for its tourism and being home to theme parks like Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland and the Wild Rivers water park. Orange County has much to offer for couples and families who enjoy outdoor activities and lead active lifestyles.
The Ortega Highway
Located in San Juan Capistrano in South Orange County, the Ortega Highway runs 43 miles into and through the Cleveland National Forest and ends at Lake Elsinore in West Riverside County. This winding strip of highway offers lush green surroundings, impressive natural rock formations, panoramic views and countless outdoor activities for active families. A popular location along the Ortega Highway is Casper’s Wilderness Park, an 8,000-acre protected wilderness preserve with camping grounds, barbecues, shower areas and has running springs, lush surroundings and numerous hiking trails.
Kayaking Dana Point Harbor
Located in Southern California is a city called Dana Point, a bustling coastline/portside community. Dana Point’s harbor is comprised of two marinas that, although occupied with boats and yachts, also offer visitors kayak rentals by the hour or 30 minutes at a time. Your family can cruise the ocean and harbor in either single or shared kayaks and take in the oceanic beauty while getting a workout. Kayaking in Dana Point Harbor is a fun family activity that can be a relaxing outing for casual paddling around the harbor or may be done as an exercise for cardiovascular, aerobic and upper-body strength.
Sawdust Festival
Located along the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in the Laguna Canyon, you will find the Laguna Beach Sawdust Art Festival. The outdoor festival features numerous winding walkways paved with fluffy sawdust and various booths selling local artwork, jewelry, clothing and pottery and offering live entertainment, food and interactive art classes. While enjoying all of the outdoor activities and sights within the Sawdust Festival, you might forget you are meandering up and down numerous trails and slopes paved in sawdust, giving you and your family a new and fun approach to leg and cardiovascular exercise while stimulating your mind.
Beaches
Orange County boasts world-renowned beaches throughout the region. Families who enjoy the ocean will surely have a good time visiting any of Orange County’s beaches. For instance, if you are a fan of activities such as boogie boarding, surfing, tanning and biking, Huntington Beach is a good spot. Other popular beaches to consider visiting in The OC include Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, San Clemente, Dana Point and Sunset Beach.
Talbert Nature Preserve
For a day of connecting with nature, consider visiting a nature preserve in Orange County. Thanks to its setting, Orange County delivers amazing beaches as well as nature preserves located inland. A popular destination for a vigorous day with the family is Talbert Nature Preserve. The preserve offers an “ecological staircase,” fresh and saltwater marshes as well as wooded areas and grasslands, offering visitors a truly diverse natural life setting.
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