Fun Orange County Parks

Best Tidepooling and Beaches for Minus Tides (with Tide Table Tools)

Michele Whiteaker — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:18:00 +0000

There's a whole science to figuring out the best times to tidepool. What is the tidal range (difference between high and low tides)?

Is it a minus tide (super-duper low in comparison to the rest of the year)? Is it happening during daylight hours?

December and January tend to be the best times to tidepool with the highest range of tidal difference.

You might also know minus tides by the name King Tides. There are citizen science groups out there who now photograph the high tides and share on social media.

In this post, I'll let you know:

Tide Table Tools - to figure out low tides with apps or online.
How to find the best beaches for tidepooling - ask me!
Tidepooling tips - when to go and what to wear.
What kind of animals live in tide pools - a photo guide.
Tidepool rules - in place to protect the animals.

Tide Table Tools

Look for high tides at around 5 or 6 feet before low tides that are around 1 or even minus 1 or 2 -- so there is quite a nice range between high and low for tidepooling.

I'm a fan of N OAA Buoy and Tide Data - Verona Solutions, LLC (free) or TideAlert (NOAA) - Rivolu LLC (free) for the iPhone. Or you can check online at:

Remember that tide tables are location-based, so make sure you enter the harbor or city near where you are going to be visiting.

Best Beaches for Tidepooling

If you don't already know where to go, email me (play [at] funorangecountyparks [dot] com) and I can suggest some beaches for you.

Here are a couple that I've written about over the years:

Crystal Cove State Park Tidepooling
Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in Rancho Palos Verdes -- beaches closed due to land movement as of July 9, 2024 (check this site for updates)
Dana Point Tidepools

Tidepooling Tips

What is the best time to see the tidepools? Arrive an hour before and plan to stay an hour after the low tide mark. Or a half hour if you don't have tons of time. Just pad your visit on BOTH ends of the low tide for the best viewing.

The Good Tidepooler Rules to remember are: "Never remove animals, shells, or rocks; never pick up animals; walk gently; and never turn over rocks." Tread lightly and don't move stuff around! These animals and plants are alive and it would be nice if they stayed that way!!

Consider wearing water shoes or old tennies that can get wet. Those rocks can be sharp!

Always bring warm socks and a change of clothes for the ride home.

Remember, the tides vary based on location. I usually just go with a general tide table for Newport Beach. The times and ranges will change by location.

What Kind of Animals Live in a Tide Pool?

A limpet. This one has the animal living inside and is attached to the rock. Sometimes you'll see the shell on the beach with a tell-tale hole in the center.

A shore crab. These guys are pretty common. You can look out for them when you are walking around boat harbors and rocky outcroppings by the beach, too. Can you spot him in there?

Gooseneck Barnacles. These guys fascinate me with their mother-of-pearl type iridescence and little "tongues" that flick in and out.

California Mussel used to be so prevalent and now I don't even see as much of them anymore. On recent tidepooling trips, I saw a man and even some kids trying to dislodge them from the rocks. They are living creatures! Resist the urge to pull them from their home.

Chiton are positively prehistoric looking! Here is one among camouflaged and shell-covered anemones. Can you spot a few limpets here, too?

And here's those sea stars I mentioned. Sea stars fought a new threat called Sea Star Wasting Syndrome where they basically disintegrated and disappeared, but they are starting to come back from it.

More tidepool guides:

The Laguna Ocean Foundation has deeper scientific explanations of these sea creatures with a super interactive guide.
Cabrillo National Monument offers an intertidal field guide with photos and more scientific descriptions.

Guided Tidepool Field Trips in Orange County

The Orange County Marine Protected Area Council is the best resource out there! You'll find:

A great video to watch BEFORE you go to the beach called Between a Rock and a Hard Place.
A complete list of Tidepool field trips for K-12.
A complete list of Tidepool public programs.
A brochure Guide to Tidepools in Orange County.

If you and your family would like to visit the tidepools, check LetsGoOutside.org for guided activity listings.

Tidepooling RULES

When I was young, there were no tidepool rules. I could run, play, and collect. Shells and ocean animals were plentiful. How come your kids can't have the same experience? Why does there have to be rules?

Because you'll be lucky to see a starfish nowadays! (Yes, I said "nowadays." I'm officially OLD!)

If you want your children's children to be able to tidepool in the future, then we need to have some pretty strict protections in place for our heavy foot-traffic Orange County beaches.

Of course, I'd always advise you to follow the signage at the beach.

I had one reader go into every post add these rules posted at all Marine Protected Areas:

All tidepools in Laguna Beach are in Marine Protected Areas. You’re not allowed to touch the tidepool animals - you can find the rules here:
https://www.mpacollaborative.org/oc/education/
1. Never remove animals, shells or rocks from the tidepools.
2. Never pick up animals…..observe them where they are.
3. Walk gently, taking care not to step on plants or animals.
4. Never turn over rocks.

Basically this means look don’t touch.
These rules are on the MPA signs at the entrances to all the beaches.

Originally posted in December 2011.

The post Best Tidepooling and Beaches for Minus Tides (with Tide Table Tools) appeared first on Fun Orange County Parks.

2026 Pumpkin Patch at Irvine Park Railroad

Lisa - Volunteer Park Reporter — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 10:45:00 +0000

2026 Pumpkin Patch at Irvine Park Railroad is a family tradition at Irvine Regional Park. Our family tries to visit every year. We always take the kids photo next to the pumpkin ruler to see how tall they've grown. For 2026, there are required reservations which require payment for October weekend visits. The reservation window opened on September 9th.

HINT: Best time of day to visit is about 2 hours before closing on weekdays when reservations are not required. The light is so pretty then! Just make sure you get on the train and the hay ride first, so you don't run out of time. Go EARLY in the day if you'd rather beat the crowds and have easier parking (although this might be better with the reservation system on weekends).

Photos in this post may be from past years, since we've been going so long! Check out the @irvineparkrailroad Instagram account for current photos of 2026.

You do have to pay $3-$5 for parking at Irvine Regional Park, but you do NOT have to pay to get into the Pumpkin Patch on weekdays. On October weekends, each reservation includes your choice of a train ride or wagon ride, as well as entrance into the Pumpkin Patch ($16-$22 per person over 12 months old + $5 reservation fee PER TICKET)! The price includes a train ride OR wagon ride which has a value of $8. Your reservation hour is your selected ride time. The cost adds up fast. If you get 4 tickets at $20 each for a total of $80, you are also paying $20 of reservation fees which makes your total spend $100.

You can easily spend the entire day at Irvine Regional Park by adding a trip to the Orange County Zoo ($2 per person) and putting in some good playground and nature time.

Their are 4 playgrounds here! Try them all.

The bike and paddle boat rentals can add even more fun to your day outdoors.

Grabbing some lunch or dinner at the kid-friendly snack stand next to the train station ticket booth or packing a picnic means there’s no reason to rush your time spent here.

FREE weekday activities include:

Haunted House
Hay Maze
Take your own fall photos of the kids near pumpkins or at the painted picture stands (where you peek your head through a mural)
Walk through Irvine Regional Park on a fall day where you can see peacocks, horses, ducks, and even a flock of wild green parrots if you're lucky

TICKET activities requiring purchased tickets include:

One Ticket ($8)

Train Ride (one ticket)
Wagon Ride (one ticket)
Moon Bounce (one ticket) - 10 minutes of jump time
John Deere Tractor Racers for 5-8 year olds (one ticket)
Ring-a-Pumpkin (one ticket for small prize - every child wins a prize)
Bank-a-Ball (one ticket for small prize - every child wins a prize)
Carnival Games (one ticket for two games + small prize – and everyone wins a prize)
Cookie Decorating (one ticket - and they are BIG cookies!)

Two Tickets ($16)

Gone Fishing (two tickets) - everyone wins a prize
Bank-a-Ball (two tickets for large prize - every child wins a prize)
Ring-a-Pumpkin (two tickets for large prize - every child wins a prize)
Pumpkin Decorating (two tickets)
Panning for Gold (two tickets - every child keeps a small bag of "gold")
Face Painting (two tickets)
Mini Diggers (two tickets - for ages 5 and older)

Tickets are $8.00 each or you can save $15.00 by purchasing a book of 15 tickets for $100.00. 2019 was the first year they raised the prices in 10 years. Prices were stable in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, they were up $1 per activity ticket from $7 in 2023 to $8 in 2024 (from $90 for the ticket book to $100). They do have a flash sale for the book of tickets from time to time -- so look for that next year if you missed it this year. Children 12 months old and younger do not require a ticket for the train or hay ride.

Check out the price guide as you head into the patch for an idea of pumpkin pricing. The pumpkins are clustered together around the trees and along the fences, making for great photo opportunities.

Checklist

Parking at Irvine Regional Park is $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends -- and $7 on holidays. Entrance to the pumpkin patch is free on weekdays and most September weekends, but requires reservations on the last September weekend and October weekends. Arrive early in the day for a more convenient parking space and a shorter line for the ever-popular train ride. Their website warns: "As Halloween nears, we encourage visitors to plan to arrive early to help avoid crowds, particularly on the weekend."

On weekends, when there is no parking left in the park, the entrance to the park can and will close. They've started with an off-site OVERFLOW parking lot that costs $2 (but if it's THAT busy then I'd skip it! Honestly.). The address for the overflow parking is: Santiago Canyon College, 8045 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange and you are supposed to enter from Newport Blvd. Parking is available from 6am to 9pm on Saturdays and Sundays from Sept 19th through October 31st. Then you have to walk ½ mile to the park!

Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch will be open daily from September 13th through Halloween. On weekdays (no reservations), they open at 10:00am and close at 6:00pm. On weekends, they open earlier at 8:00am (go then - or during September when access to the patch is free!) and close at 6:00pm, but reservations and a hefty admission fee to the Pumpkin Patch is required on October weekends.

Visit Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch page for coupons and more information.

Visit my post for info on playgrounds or go to the official Irvine Regional Park online for official information about the park itself.

Disclosure: My family has received complimentary tickets to past pumpkin patch experiences during media previews in past years -- but not recently or in 2025. Irvine Park Railroad never requests or requires that I state any particular point of view. Some photos courtesy of Lisa Lasater.

Originally published a post on this Pumpkin Patch back in 2009!

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Best Outdoor Fall Family Traditions in OC 2026

Michele Whiteaker — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

October is my favorite month for families in Orange County! I made my picks of the best outdoor fall family traditions in OC based on the family outdoor experience and if it's low or no-cost.

Wait! Almost forgot. Before you read any further, think about your fall. Think about how you want to spend your time. If you want to snuggle at home with a cup of soup and a good book, that's okay!

If you want to be out under the trees with the leaves falling all around - you don't necessarily need the excuse of an event. Just find a park and hang out. The kids will love it.

Better yet - come up with your own family fall tradition:

a pilgrimage to a special far away restaurant
an overnight stay at a certain favorite hotel or AirBnB
making sandcastles on an empty beach
cooking a family recipe together
attending a local community event or festival

It doesn't have to be a big deal at a crowded place to be special!

If you want a day-by-day list of ideas, check out my 31 Days of October Play Plan post which has specific things for your family to do each day (a lot of them easy and at home). It even has a printable calendar and list.

Make sure you pay attention to the weather and check all the OFFICIAL details for fees and suggested ages. Click on the bold green titles to link to official information.

Outdoor Fall Family Events in Orange County

KID-FRIENDLY SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

These two options have become quite pricey over the years. For a family of 4, it can cost well over $100 to visit these places on weekends during these high demand seasonal events. There is the hassle of parking and crowds.

I leave these suggestions here because they can be a planned splurge for some families. With prices so high, though -- think about joining together with at least 4 families each putting in $25 and getting your TJ's pumpkins for a buck or two when they get discounted. You can create your own pumpkin patch at a park or in your apartment complex. Make up some photo spots, cookie decorating station, and games with prizes and the kids will find this just as memorable as paying the big bucks.

U-Pick Pumpkin Patch at Tanaka Farms in Irvine is perfect if you want to visit the farm and support our local farmers. There are wagon rides, a barnyard educational exhibit, and lots to do at the farm. You must book and pay ahead. Opens September 12th through October 31st (weather permitting!). The Hana Field Pumpkin Patch & Flower Field in Costa Mesa is a smaller and more relaxed experience only open Wednesdays through Sundays starting October 3rd. (They sometimes have U-Pick sunflowers depending upon if the crops survive the conditions each year.)

Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch. Open now through October 31st. (Reservations required on the last weekend in September and all weekends in October 2026. During the week, it's free if you just wander around the patch.)

Nature Hike at Oak Glen -- I, personally, like to wait until it's COLD (like, in the 40s in the morning when we arrive!). It may mean there are no apples left to pick, but that's okay with me. Stop at Snowline Orchard for apple cider donuts after! Make sure you hike the Children's Nature Trail and visit the Montane Botanic Garden.

*Not OC, but as my daughter reminded me -- it's tradition so we have to go!

Remember, you don't have to wait for someone else to plan fall fun! You can always take your kids outside to play anywhere in this beautiful weather (even if it's just the front yard!).

Fall activities starting the 2nd weekend in October 2026

Halloween Animal Art Preschool Program at OC Zoo

This is a preschool animal art program at the OC Zoo inside Irvine Regional Park happening on 10/9, 10/15, 10/28, and 10/30. Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo creatures up close!

U-Pick Pumpkins at UC South Coast Research & Extension Center

This doesn't happen every year, but be on the lookout for this fun and not crowded opportunity by following the @ucsouthcoast account on Instagram for potential U-Pick. We loved it when we went!. It was affordable ($5 U-Pick, $1 tractor rides around the farm) and all we had to do was register ahead of time. It's super mellow and fun to be on the farm. They are having their Annual Open House event on October 3rd.

24th Annual Irvine Global Village Festival

(FREE Event) is from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, October 10th at Great Park in Irvine. It's celebrating its 25th anniversary and there is plenty for families and your kids to experience.

Our family clears our schedule every year for this favorite of fall traditions and we have so many fond memories of the people we've met and the stories they've shared with us.

Check the entertainment schedule (will be updated closer to the event date) and event map showing the Kids Village and more.

Fall activities starting the 3rd weekend in October 2026

Fall-O-Ween at Heritage Hill Historic Park - October 16-18 & 23-25, 4:30-8:30 PM

(FREE Event & FREE Parking) for 2 weekends October. Super sweet family event at an amazing location.

Tour the decorated historical grounds during special park hours and take your picture at a variety of fall and Halloween-themed photo opportunities.

Try to find your way through the hay maze and complete a scavenger hunt for ghoulish goodies at this free, family-friendly event.

Costumes are encouraged and pets are welcome on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Be sure to bring your cameras!

See the official 2026 flyer for all the official information!

Special Note: This event has become more and more popular over the years and for 2026 you might expect long lines. I used to love it because it was mellow with no lines, but in the age of Instagram it's become very popular.

Courtesy of OC Coastkeeper

Environmental Nature Center Fall Faire & Pumpkin Patch

October 18, 2026. Proceeds benefit their environmental education programs.

Pumpkin Patch, children's crafts and games, face painting, entertainment, and Savor OC restaurant showcase.

Boo at the Oaks at Santiago Oaks

Happening Saturday, October 17th. "The night is full of creepy creatures and scary sounds…unless you know what’s out there! Visit Santiago Oaks Regional Park after dark to discover which critters call this canyon home. The night will include fun activities like nature stations, creative crafts, a scavenger hunt for prizes and guided night hikes throughout the evening! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and guests are encouraged to arrive prior to 7:30 p.m. for enough time to enjoy all the program's offerings and activities. Costumes are welcome but must be safe for hiking on dirt trails in the dark. Strollers are not recommended and we kindly ask that pets stay home. Event and parking are free. Advance registration required for each attendee."

Santa Ana Zoo - Boo at the Zoo

October 17th & 18th + October 24th & 25th events from 5:30pm to 7:30pm so you get to experience the zoo after hours in the evenings. Must purchase an advance admission ticket online before you go. They say: "Halloween family festival including: trick-or-treating lights & decorations nocturnal animal presentations scavenger hunt, and rides (ride tickets required)." Ticket discounts if you are a member. Limited number of Santa Ana resident tickets also available.

Fall traditions the 4th weekend in October 2026

Boo at the Bay: Family Halloween Party at Upper Newport Bay

Saturday, October 24th from 11am-3pm. Visit the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center for a fun family Halloween party featuring spooky stories, creepy crafts, wacky science experiments, bizarre animals, and hair-raising games.

The event will also feature booths and exhibits from community partners including the Orange County Bird of Prey Center, the Environmental Nature Center and Critter Squad: Wildlife Defenders.

The event and parking are free.

See the official flyer for the 2026 Boo at the Bay.

Halloween OC Zoo-tacular

Saturday, October 24th from 10am-4pm. It's awesome - the animals get pumpkins filled with treats.

Join them for Halloween fun at the OC Zoo! Activities include trick-or-treating*, spooky kids crafts, a scavenger hunt*, and fun games!

Come see the zoo animals receive treat-filled pumpkins throughout the day!

Reservations are not needed. Activities are free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under free).

Zoo coupons and free passes are not valid for this event. Parking is $5 per vehicle.

(It's easy to pair this outing with the Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, but it'll be busy this particular weekend!)

See the official info for the OC Zoo-tacular.

Costume Week at Pretend City

Oct 25th and Oct 29th: In the past, it's been that you get $2 off general admission for each person wearing a costume (only when tickets purchased at the door since they can't make adjustments to pre-purchased tickets). Discount not valid on weekends.

I know, it's not outside - but hard to pass up a chance to play and show off a costume. They also have a Neurodivergent Family Night planned with a Halloween theme for October 22nd.

[Tip - Check Pretend City's event calendar to get info on more October events including Día de los Muertos celebration on November 1st.]

Originally published in September 2013.

The post Best Outdoor Fall Family Traditions in OC 2026 appeared first on Fun Orange County Parks.

31 Day October Play Plan

Michele Whiteaker — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:38:00 +0000

These October and Halloween activities make up my 31 Day October Play Plan. The list is meant to add some fall fun to every day.

I tried to keep recipes easy and crafts low on supply lists because I originally created the list in October 2020 -- don't worry it's updated for 2026. Bigger outings fall on weekends. You can check out my Best Outdoor Fall Traditions post for more ideas.

Many are links are to outside blogs who have amazing fall ideas for recipes or crafting. You'll see I've pulled out Halloween activities, plus simply October and fall activities depending on your interests.

Don't miss the FREE Printable PDF [list AND calendar] at the end of the post!

Day #1 - Make the cutest Yarn Wrapped Mummy craft to decorate around the house. If that's not colorful enough, the same blogger has a minimal supplies Plastic Lid Pumpkin Sewing Craft which involves feeding orange yarn through holes in a lid to make a festive pumpkin. If you want more easy crafts, this particular blogger has a list of 25 Spooktacular Halloween Kids Crafts. If you are a fan of Busy Toddler, Susie has a list of 40+ Halloween Activities for Toddlers.

Day #2 - Check out Halloween or Fall books from the library or order a new children's book from your favorite online bookseller. Pick something that you'll read every year! Here's a list of 30 Books to Get Excited for Halloween from the NY Public Library to get you started.

Day #3 - Decorate your front door. This isn't our front door, but we like to put up seasonal wreaths, too. Search Pinterest for Fall Wreath Crafts for Kids.

Day #4 - Read Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie book and make Apple Pie in a Cup. Oh, I love this idea! Amelia Bedelia is one of my favorite children's book characters. Reading her stories aloud are so much fun!

Day #5 - Set up a tiny Pumpkin Hunt inside your house, yard, or at the park. Either get some mini pumpkins (a.k.a. Jack Be Little pumpkins) or make some flat paper versions out of construction paper. Hide them and let the kids find them (kinda like an Easter egg hunt).

I also had the idea, if you happen to have a lush green or brown blanket or bedspread lying around, that you could make a DIY Pumpkin Patch at home and the kids can "pick" their mini pumpkins from the patch. After you're all done with these games, the pumpkins can decorate your front porch or dining room table.

Day #6 - Make spooky DIY Soap Bottles. Super simple craft where you put small Dollar Store Halloween decorations inside clear liquid soap bottles after removing the label.

Day #7 - Take an early-in-the-day weekday trip to Irvine Regional Park and the Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch when crowds might be a little less busy than on Saturday or Sunday. Even afternoons around sunset would help you avoid crowds. You can take advantage of all the freebies. Playgrounds are nearby and the OC Zoo is open weekdays from 10am-3:30pm. The nature center is also all decked out with decorations for the season. The park is also a beautiful place for walks, bike rides, or picnics. Look for peacocks!

Day #8 - Make Mini Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats that just LOOK like pumpkin pie and don't actually have any pumpkin in the recipe - except a little pumpkin pie spice. Remember to get extra marshmallows for this fall recipe.

Day #9 - It's become a family tradition for us to watch Coco in October. Do you have a favorite October movie? Or a good documentary to understand why we celebrate holidays and their cultural or commercial meanings?

Day #10 - Pick a fun fall dinner featuring pumpkin or apple. Or try a themed meal with recipes like Mummy Hot Dogs, Jack-O-Lantern Quesadillas, or Mini English Muffin Pizzas. These are "witches fingernails" we were served at a Halloween party one year. Spooky!

Day #11 - October is "kids free" month in San Diego, so it seems like this should be on your play plan. We were able to pull off the San Diego Safari Park last year and some of the deals are on hotel stays or meals. Just browse their list and see if there's anything that sounds good! Those are the deals listed on the Visit San Diego website, but the San Diego Museum Council has a really good resource, as well. Don't worry if you miss October, February in San Diego is Museum Month where you can get 50% off those visits. (And seniors 65+ are free the month of February at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park - so it would be fun to plan ahead with grandparents.)

Day #12 - Paper Spiderweb craft out of parchment paper from a blogger who wrote a book called Low-Mess Crafts for Kids! It's the perfect October Halloween decoration.

Day #13 - This Easy Apple Pie Bites recipe counts on refrigerator crescent rolls to hold all the fresh apple pie flavors. Read all the way to the end of her recipe to find links to 3 more apple recipes which might suit your family.

Day #14 - Take a fall neighborhood walk and see if you can notice any signs of the new season. As we get later into October, you can even go early in the morning or as the sun sets to feel a little chill coming on. In Southern California, even Santa Ana winds are a sign of fall!

Day #15 - Try this Easy Ghost Craft with a clothespin, pom-poms and a little paint. This blogger has a list of Halloween books to pair with this craft and some other ideas for crafts at the end of her post.

Day #16 - Decorate candles with cinnamon sticks for a simple centerpiece.

Day #17 - What about good old-fashioned Pumpkin Carving or Pumpkin Decorating? Do you roast the pumpkin seeds? That's my favorite part!

Day #18 - The Environmental Nature Center is holding a virtual version of their Fall Faire and Pumpkin Patch on October 18th, 2026. This year is the 50th annual!

Day #19 - Halloween without See's Candy just doesn't feel right (yes, I was spoiled with See's as a kid!). Check out all their special offerings this time of year. I'd rather have one or two pieces of See's than a whole bag of regular Halloween candy. Ummm, Scotchmallow Jack-O'-Lanterns???!!!! Yum.

Day #20 - Challenge your kids to an October Halloween costume parade at home using only items in their closet or the toy box. How many costumes can they come up with? Is it themed? Can they act out their parts? Keep it playful and child-led. Encourage silliness!

Day #21 - You don't have to wait for a Halloween party to play Halloween games. The whole family can compete in this Pumpkin Ring Toss Using Glow in the Dark Necklaces.

Day #22 - How about Healthy Halloween food? This sounds boring, but this post has done some fun things like Tangerine Pumpkins and Banana Ghosts, along with some other fresh fruit and vegetables.

Day #23 - You probably already have Glow in the Dark Necklaces from the Ring Toss. Why not try a Glow in the Dark neighborhood walk? You can use flashlights or the necklaces to see what the neighborhood looks like after dark - safely and parent-supervised, of course.

Day #24 - Do you have old Halloween photos of yourself in costumes as a kid? Your kids might like to see how you dressed up or hear your memorable Halloween stories. Or some older kids might not even remember how you dressed them up when they were younger. Share your favorite stories. Ask the grandparents about their Halloween memories.

Day #25 - Wildlands Conservancy Day Trip - not for apple picking but for a family hike and nature morning at the Southern California Montane Botanic Garden and along the trail. But that doesn't mean we don't grab some apple cider donuts at Snow-Line Orchard before we head back home.

Day #26 - Let's tackle a free October Halloween I Spy Printable. How fun is this?

Day #27 - Try making a Toilet Paper Pumpkin for home decor - it's not what it sounds like. The roll merely provides shape and tucking space for fall fabric.

Day #28 - Pie Crust Chips and Cinnamon Dip for some cookie cutter fun with kids. I remember loving to shape things out of pie dough. The bonus is that it comes with a dip!

Day #29 - Roll a Pumpkin Dice Game with drawing and taking turns. This could work for a big family group or just a parent and child. Super easy printable!

Day #30 - REST! You've done a lot. You will be happy you gave yourself (and your little ones) this day to purposefully take it easy.

Day #31 - Make a Halloween Candy House (like a gingerbread house) but out of Pop Tarts and marshmallow fluff! Make sure to let the kids pick the candy for decorations. Hint: Candy eyeballs are always a hit for decorating - even if they aren't popular for eating.

There are TWO printable versions available for you!

Maybe you think in lists? Then this first one is for you.

31 Days October Play Plan Printable 2026 Download

And I've also created a calendar version this year! Download the October 2026 Calendar PDF below.

October 2026 Calendar Printable Download

That's 31 days of fun you can have mostly at home with a few outings you can hopefully schedule for not busy times (think EARLY!).

What new traditions are you going to create?

How can you make this a memorable month?

The post 31 Day October Play Plan appeared first on Fun Orange County Parks.

2026 OC Parks Annual Pass

Michele Whiteaker — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

OC Parks Pass-2026 Annual Pass. Have you purchased your Orange County Parks annual pass for now through 2026?

For a mere $55 you get access to awe-inspiring county parks and wilderness areas, for $25 more you can get a combo pass for $80 and go to Salt Creek Beach all summer long.

The county's regional parks are by far the most recommended by Fun Orange County Parks readers.

It takes me about 5 minutes to purchase an entry card from the ranger station at the entrance to O'Neill Regional Park or Irvine Regional Park (or whatever regional park you happen to visiting and has an office for these transactions).

Note: I am NOT officially attached to any parks. I am a writer mom and nature guide who independently promotes spending family time outdoors. Always check official sources for current info.

Link here for OFFICIAL OCParks.com pass information for 2026. Passes used to be in the form of decals, but now they are gate cards that last 1 year from the date of purchase.

Orange County Regional Park Locations

Here is a list of Orange County's regional parks officially run by OC Parks.

Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Brea. Multiple playgrounds and big open spaces with lots of trees. There's even a lake! Hike to a redwood grove from this park.

Clark Regional Park, Buena Park. I think of Clark as the "dinosaur park." It may even be my favorite regional park. It has 3 separate playgrounds, an interpretive center, and a trail that leads to a hill with a great view of the surrounding area. It also has a lake that is stocked with trout.

Craig Regional Park, Fullerton. This one is near the Brea Mall. Hard to believe there is a lake in this urban area, but it makes it easy to get away and into nature.

Irvine Regional Park, Orange. This is probably the most popular of all the regional parks and a good starting point for exploring. There's a Farmer's Market on Tuesday which gives you free access to the park, but if you have your annual pass, you'll go any time! There's also a Habitat Adventure Trail, Irvine Park Railroad, multiple playgrounds and hiking trails, a Nature Center, the OC Zoo, and places for picnics and spotting peacocks.

Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Laguna Niguel. Families forget about this one because it's not really close to a freeway or an OC destination, but it's a nice spot to stretch your legs with a walk around the lake or a play at the playgrounds.

Mason Regional Park, Irvine. You'll find this as a daily walking park or a weekend gathering place. You've probably driven by it and not realized how expansive it really is. You'll love the turtles in the lake and the shaded playgrounds at either end of the park. I love birdwatching here and the winding sidewalk paths.

Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley. I wrote a whole post about the 10 Things to Do at Mile Square Regional Park that has all my ideas.

O'Neill Regional Park, Trabuco Canyon. This one is a favorite for feeling like you are getting away from it all. I almost feel like it should be in the "wilderness park" grouping. You'll love the nature center, oak woodland trail, Story Walk and playground. Unfortunately, there's no playing in the creek, but it's fun to admire and listen to the sounds of it bubbling over the rocks.

Peters Canyon Regional Park, Orange. I do know families who visit here, but it's not at the top of my list since during hot weather months there are a lot of rattlesnake sightings here. So maybe best for older kids who can stay on trail and know snake safety.

Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Orange. This one became Instagram popular and is a lot busier than it used to be. It's more of a park with hiking trails, but the creek crossing is fun and there is a waterfall near an old historic dam. There is also a small playground with a view and a nature center.

Yorba Regional Park, Anaheim. This one is a must-visit along with Irvine Regional Park. It's so good for flat walking paths and has over 6 playgrounds with so many lakes and lots of birdwatching to do here. They even have swan paddle boats and surrey carts you can rent.

Orange County Wilderness Park Locations

Aliso & Wood Canyons, Laguna Niguel
Caspers Wilderness Park, San Juan Capistrano
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Laguna Beach
Riley Wilderness Park, Coto de Caza
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, Trabuco Canyon (Glenn Ranch Parking Lot, Borrego Parking Lot)

Beach Locations

Aliso Beach Park got moved to the City of Laguna Beach running it is not managed by OC Parks anymore as of March 2023
Capistrano Beach, Capistrano Beach - not very accessible anymore because of coastal erosion
Salt Creek Beach, Dana Point

*Since 2008, I have received complimentary annual passes for 2 or 3 years in my 18 year history writing about them. However, I covered almost all of the OC Parks at my own expense and always renew my annual pass. It's so worth the investment! Link here to full disclosure policy.

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Santa Ana Zoo Playgrounds and Rides

Dara — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:28:00 +0000

My family and I enjoy our days exploring the Santa Ana Zoo. The kids love walking through the aviary, watching the playful monkeys, and seeing the giant anteaters.

This post, however, is about the amazing Santa Ana Zoo playgrounds and rides found within the zoo!

Directions to Santa Ana Zoo: The Santa Ana Zoo playground is directly off Interstate 5 at the First St/Fourth Street exits. The parking lot is off Chestnut Avenue. I've mapped the zoo on my playground map, but the zoo website has excellent location/directions information.

Safari Playground

Right next to Bean Sprouts (the zoo's healthy food cafe) sits a playground with two sets of play equipment. There is a backdrop of lush bamboo and you can see the ferris wheel peeking out.

It was a nice treat for me to sit, rest my feet, and relax while watching the kids play.

The main playground is right inside the entrance plaza. Your kids will spot it right away.

The trees are beautiful in Prentice Park. They provide shade along with the shade sails designed to look like animal patterns.

The monkey bars are set up like the "rings" we used to play on as kids on a winding track.

Crean Family Farm and Rides

Right behind the main playground is a path leading to the farm. There is so much to explore here! Barnyard animals, beautiful peacocks and pea hens, owls, and more.

However, your kids will probably be drawn to the rides. You can save money on the rides by becoming a Zoo Member. This allows you to buy books of tickets that save you anywhere from $10 to $20 on tickets.

Blue book: $25 for 20 tickets (save $10)
Yellow book: $50 for 40 tickets (save $20)

Children 2 and under are free with a paid adults (max 2 children per adult).

There are 3 rides on this side with proceeds directly benefitting the zoo (so you can feel really good about your investment!).

Zoofari Express Train Ride ($7 per rider)
Conservation Carousel featuring endangered animals ($3.50 per rider)
Fifty Monkey's Ferris Wheel ($7 per rider)

Ride tickets are sold at the railroad crossing booth on your way to the barnyard.

The rides have limited hours and run mostly on the weekends.

11am-2pm Fridays
11am-4pm Saturdays & Sundays

Of course, that's always subject to change based on the weather and the seasons.

The Ferris Wheel is super impressive at 64 feet tall. Enjoy the graphics while you wait in line: "Educational graphics telling the story of Joseph Prentice and the Zoo's requirement to house fifty monkeys at all times in order to maintain the land are found along the loading queue-line walkway."

Turtle Life Cycle Play Area Inside the Farm

There is a little climb on area near the peacock enclosure where you can learn about the life cycle of turtles.

Dung Beetle Roll -- Play Area

Live the life of a dung beetle in this life-sized play area.

Talking Frog

Can you find the talking frog? Press buttons on the sign to hear them and kids can play with the bright yellow amphibian.

Little Free Libraries

Thanks to the Dynamite Book Club, there are two Little Free Libraries at the zoo. One is at the back of the farm at the Education Station.

And the other one is at the far side of the zoo exhibits by the bald eagle enclosure.

The Santa Ana Zoo is an amazing place to appreciate the animals and also play & learn while supporting the zoo.

Need to Know

Be Aware:

You have to pay admission to enter the zoo and have access to the playground.
The rides cost extra and don't necessarily run all the hours that the zoo is open. (For instance, the zoo is open 10am-4pm daily. The rides are open Fridays from 11am to 2pm and weekends 11am to 4pm, weather permitting. Not open M-Th.)
There is a Bean Sprouts Cafe and Treetop Toys Gift Shop next to the playground.
The playground can get very crowded.
No swings.
There are Santa Ana Residents FREE days on the 3rd Sunday of each month. So plan to go there if you are a resident and would like free entrance. For those not living in Santa Ana, I recommend picking another day because it can be crowded!

Checklist:

Parking is free and can fill up fast.
Zoo Admission ranges from FREE-$16. (They used to only accept cash/checks - but they now accept Visa/Mastercard. Zoo membership makes sense if you go often! Get a membership at the family level for $159/year. (Family Membership: Free unlimited admission for 2 adults (named on the card) and their children and/or grandchildren (under the age of 18) for 12 months, maximum of 4 children per visit.)
Open 10am-4pm.
Recycled rubber and sand play surface on the playground
Restrooms in the snack bar building
Drinking fountain
Shade from playground shade cover and trees
There are plenty of places to sit while keeping an eye on the children.
Click here to find official information on zoo admission and hours

Originally published in October 2009.

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47+ Petting Zoos and Animal Playgrounds in Orange County

Michele Whiteaker — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:34:00 +0000

I wanted to go beyond a list that includes ONLY petting zoos and animal playgrounds in Orange County. Because the kids who want to go to petting zoos are probably animal lovers! Where can you have animal encounters or find places to visit for your child who loves animals BEYOND just petting zoos?

Those animal loving kids are probably happy at regular zoos and even nature centers with animal exhibits. Expanding the list to ALL the fun places to bring animal lovers in OC gives you so many more options!

Thanks to the mom who asked me for a list of petting zoos, because I can think of so much more for your little animal lover!

This post explores:

Petting Zoos & Animal Visits
Zoos in Orange County
OC Nature Centers with Live Animals
OC Playgrounds and Parks with Animals
You Might Also Like Farms & Gardens, Aquariums, Carousels, & Splash Pads

I am focusing on spots that are either FREE or low cost! I expect this list to grow over time! Especially with your suggestions so please send them my way.

You'll also find some of the more expensive spots you may have heard about at the end of this post. It's always a work in progress and I'm open to your suggestions!

Petting Zoos & Animal Visits

Irvine Regional Park is usually recognized for its train ride, but it also has peacocks which wander the grounds and also tons of woodpeckers and other bird life. The OC Zoo inside the park has what I consider to be the most inexpensive and best petting zoo type experience in OC. Cost: $3-$5 to get into the park. The zoo admission is $2 for age 3 and over, free for 2 and under.

Pony Rides at Irvine Regional Park can be combined with the park I mentioned above, plus the OC Zoo, too. Cost: $8 per child (cash only).

Centennial Farm in Costa Mesa is a working farm with barnyard animals to be viewed, but not as a petting zoo. There are interactive displays and it's worth an hour or more of your time. The only caveat is that you won't want to go during the OC Fair (unless you are already going to the OC Fair!). At other times of the year it isn't crowded at all and you'll get a great experience.

The Crean Family Farm inside the Santa Ana Zoo is so family-friendly for viewing the farm animals and you'll actually feel like you are on a farm. No petting zoo option here, but your animal lover will get the whole experience without the direct interaction. Cost: Included with zoo admission ($17 for adults and $12 for kids and seniors, free for 3 and under). Parking is free. Also no-admission fee days once a month for Santa Ana residents.

[Closed due to renovations] Pacific Marine Mammal Center is on Laguna Canyon Road and can accommodate individuals visiting but you need to make reservations if your group is 10 or more. It's very small and can be a little sad for kids because the animals here are unwell and being treated, but also uplifting because the goal is to release them back to the wild.It can close due to an overwhelming number of patients or other reasons so check their website or social media before you go.Cost: Free, donations appreciated.

Koi Pond at Fashion Island in Newport Beach is extra fun because you can get up close to the koi (PLEASE don't touch!) as they swim around in the pond that has stepping stones across it. It was first installed back in 1969! I've been enjoying it since my college days at UCI back in the 1990s. See historic photos on the Fashion Island timeline. Cost: Free.

[Barnyard closed until November] Tanaka Farms in Irvine has a Barnyard Educational Exhibit included in its $6 admission. When you register for Storytime for 1-5 year olds on Tuesdays and Fridays (included in that $6 admission) then your $ will go to Helping Farms Feed Families (501c3). This is another spot where there is no actual petting of the animals, but you will learn a lot at your visit and can support the farm by shopping for produce before you head home!

The wall size tropical aquarium at Cerritos Library (LA County, but OC close) greets you as you walk in the doors and see the Children's Library at your left. The website has a PDF of current fish in the aquarium. COST: Free.

Your nearest pet store or animal shelter!

Zoos in Orange County

The OC Zoo (Orange County Zoo) is inside Irvine Regional Park. It houses so many local animals, even black bears and mountain lions, that cannot be released out into the wild. The latest exhibit is the Large Mammal Exhibit. As mentioned above, there is a petting zoo but you will feel close to the animals even if you don't go to the barnyard area.

The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is so much more than a zoo! It's a beloved community hub with so many local events, an admission free day for Santa Ana residents each month, and they even bring the zoo on the road with ECO neighborhood visits. Paying for the animal-themed rides at the zoo goes towards the non-profit which supports the zoo. I recommend a membership if you think you'll go often!

OC Nature Centers with Live Animals

Pick any nature center in Orange County and you will find either educational exhibits, artwork, or taxidermy featuring animals. I do have a post about all 17+ Nature Centers in OC if you'd like to explore the full list. I wanted to talk about which ones have opportunities to see live animals. COST: Free, but appreciate donations.

OC Playgrounds and Parks with Animals

I came up with this idea back when all the kids were loving Encanto and wanting to pretend they were Antonio Madrigal who could talk to animals or Luisa holding up all those donkeys! So I started a list and it's grown to so many spots!

I might not even tell you about ALL the animals, because there is some fun to be had in finding them for yourself!

Bluebird Park in Laguna Beach

The whimsical turtle everyone loves!

Cedar Grove Park in Tustin

Came in close 2nd when I asked you for animal parks!

Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim Hills

I love that a lot of you knew about this one!

Quail Hill Community Center Playground in Irvine

Lots of reports of ACTUAL wildlife here (coyote sightings and even kingsnakes).

Sunset Ridge Park in Newport Beach

And a butterfly garden! Wait until construction is done on pedestrian bridge and new parking.

Woodbridge Village Center Play Area in Irvine

The frogs!

Crown Valley Park in Laguna Niguel: Seeing the Forest for the Splash Pad

More cute and cuddly than the ones at the top of the list.

Acacia Park in Fullerton

A big friendly wooly mammoth to play on at this park!

Pioneer Road Park in Tustin

Some think Francis is creepy, but the kids seem to like the climbable horse. But I hear the surface can get hot in the summer!

Laguna Main Beach Park Playground

Well, hello, dolphin!

Uptown Newport Park in Newport Beach

Uptown Newport Park has a full friendly dolphin!

Beckenham Park in Laguna Hills

Gotta love the old-fashioned turtles!

Mendocino Park in Laguna Hills

And another one at another Laguna Hills Park!

Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park in Irvine

Frogs at the fountain!

Oso Viejo Community Park in Mission Viejo

Gives away how long I've been blogging! (This is now shaded by trees and surrounded by flora.)

George Upton All Access Playground at Carl Thornton Park in Santa Ana

This spot has some hidden critters in the rock walls.

Irvine Regional Park=4 Playgrounds + 1 Zoo + 1 Railroad + 1 Lake + Lots of Ponies

Some animal ride-on toys at the playground by the lake.

Family Guide to Crystal Cove Historic District via Los Trancos

The tunnel on the way to the Historic District has amazing wildlife artwork!

Strands Vista Park in Dana Point

More ocean artwork, this time it's made out of mosaic at Strands Vista Park. Seek out the sidewalk!

Lower Peters Canyon Park in Irvine

This one has dolphins in the design of the playground surface!

San Clemente Pirate Park for Yer Little Maties! (Forster Ranch Community Park)

Look out for the crocodiles!

Costeau Park in Laguna Hills

I wonder what critters are in the treehouse?

Newport Beach Civic Center and Park (also known as White Bunny Park)

Can't forget the bunnies at Civic Center Park.

Marina Park in Newport Beach on the Balboa Peninsula

There's a pelican off the pier and fish jumping at Marina Park.

Beacon Hill Park in Laguna Niguel

Little sea creatures embedded in playground, plus a ride-on whale.

Seal Beach Pier and Playground

Seals in the sand by the pier.

Santa Ana Zoo Playgrounds and Rides

There are a few play areas featuring the turtle life cycle, dung beetle roll, and a talking frog that serve as their own mini-playgrounds. Plus the carousel has animals to ride on. (Must pay admission to zoo. Playgrounds included. Rides extra.)

Mason Regional Park in Irvine

This one is at a $3-$5 park, but I have also seen the bumblebee at Barbadanes Park in Mission Viejo.

Ocean Institute Playground in Dana Point

You will have to pay admission to get access to this one. But it's pretty fun and toddler-sized.

Atlantis Play Center in Garden Grove

Whimsical animals at a $2 park.

Newport Dunes Beach Resort

The infamous Moe B. whale at Newport Dunes. Fee for parking if you stay for more than a half hour.

I also got recommendations of parks that aren't on my blog yet or ones with ride-on toys like the bumblebees (but in the shape of bears, squirrels, etc.). Here is what you said:

Craig Regional Park (single horse/pony riding toy or four-way horse/pony riding toy)
Hillcrest Park in Fullerton has a bear ride-on toy - I have this park on the blog, just not a good bear photo.
City Hall Park in Brea has a lion tunnel.

Parks with lakes are also good spots to find many species of birds and sometimes turtles! So you can look for those spots, too. I have a post of 15+ Stroller-Friendly Walks Around Lakes.

You Might Also Like Farms & Gardens, Aquariums, and Carousels

Go to my Kid-Friendly Farm & Garden Outings post . . .

Go to my Southern California Aquarium Trips and Touch Tanks post . . .

Remember that carousels and merry-go-rounds also feature animals (real & imaginary!). Read my post about the 9 Carousels & Merry-Go-Rounds in Orange County . . .

And, finally, there are splash pads featuring animals! The ones I can think of are: Crown Valley Park Splash Pad, Rancho Santa Margarita Splash Pad, and Stanton Central Park Splash Pad. Brio Splash Pad in La Habra has a butterfly and there are some whimsical creatures at Sigler Park in Westminster. You can read my post on all the Splash Parks and Water Play in Orange County.

And don't forget all the tidepool animals you can find at the beach!

More Expensive Animal Encounter Options

River Street Ranch in San Juan Capistrano - admission is about the same as The Santa Ana Zoo at $16 adults, $13 seniors & children (ages 19 months to 12 years old). However, this is NOT a zoo on the same scale. It only includes a guinea pigs (and they are often off exhibit due to temperature), the goat & sheep pen, and a playground. It's a relatively small spot with some rides & attractions. COST: So to get in the door for a family of four with a 4 year old and 2 year old it would cost $58! And I encourage you to check the cost of extras because feed baskets, pony rides, tractor rides, train rides, excavator rides, and mining all cost extra.

This list was created in the spirit of providing some awe & wonder + nature connections, especially for families with animal loving kids under 5 years old. I understand some people object to animals in captivity. Many of the animals featured here were injured and unable to be released back into the wild. I consider them as serving as ambassadors for wildlife and truly building connections with children who will work to protect them as they grow. Barnyard animals have always been part of working farms. I also included lots of options where the animals are depicted on playgrounds or in artwork and no actual living (or once living animals) are involved in the visit. I hope there is something for everyone here.

Originally published in July 2023.

The post 47+ Petting Zoos and Animal Playgrounds in Orange County appeared first on Fun Orange County Parks.

2026 Best Beach Restaurants in Orange County (Family Friendly)

Michele Whiteaker — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:13:00 +0000

The 2026 best beach restaurants in Orange County are the family friendly ones where the adults can enjoy some yummy food or drink while the kids play in the sand. That was the inspiration for picking the best and why I call them family friendly beach restaurants in Orange County.

The beach snack bars you remember as a kid are there in spirit, but some are now legit foodie havens with that luxury price tag. (Remember, during summer they are serving tourists as well as locals!)

It took me a good six months to research this post and updates are ongoing! This is going to be one of those beach restaurant lists that grows and changes over time. I will keep adding to it and I always love when you send in your recommendations and experiences for me to include. Thank you to the mom who requested this -- I have been on the lookout since you asked and finally researched to get a list together for you!

It is a bit heavy on South County beaches, but I will be adding in Newport Beach and Huntington Beach restaurants.

Beach Restaurants: Things to Know Before You Visit

If you aren't from California, you should know there is a MUCH slower pace at the beach. We go there to unwind and relax. It may be the one place we experience in our week where there is no rush.

So, get your California vibe on and be patient and kind. The ocean is right there and remember that this is more than a meal, it's a time to hang out at the beach and enjoy the scenery with your family.

Beaches are busy during the summer and parking can be a challenge
Get there early to have the best chance of avoiding crowds
Please be courteous and respect the staff they are working as fast as they often in small kitchens
You know how I mentioned parking? You will probably need to pay. Sometimes a little and sometimes a lot. So factor that into your budget and try to carpool if you are going with friends or family.
My biggest advice about parking: Research your parking options and if there is an app: DOWNLOAD THE PARKING APP BEFORE YOU GO. You might need to enter your license plate and credit card number and it's a pain if there's bad cell service near the lot and it's probably not as secure as entering it before you leave home on your own wi-fi.
Do not leave valuables in your car when parking at the beach! Thieves know you are going to be away from your car for a while and these lots can be targets.
Free Summer Beach Trolleys are an option for some of these restaurants! It can be a whole adventure for your family. There are free trolleys available for: San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, and Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach during the summer months. Visit my post on 6 Free Trolleys in Orange County and How to Ride Them to find out more! I tried to include relevant trolley stops.
Many of the restaurants offer alcoholic beverages. Friendly reminder not to drink and drive.
These beach restaurants can close, change hours, or change menus based on the season, the staffing, or ingredients available. Be flexible and have a Plan B.

In each city below, I've listed:

links to the websites,
Instagram account handles because sometimes that's the most updated information over the beach restaurant websites,
notes on accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers,
parking options and the ways to pay for that parking,
free trolley stops to reach the restaurants (when it applies),
lists of other nearby options if my top pick doesn't work out,
and finally, links to blog posts I've written to help you make a play trip out of your day.

Let's start at the southern end of Orange County and work our way north!

San Clemente

My pick for San Clemente's best beach eats is West Toast Café.

They bill themselves as an Organic and Local Food Café and that's what you will taste when you savor their dishes. Located at T-Street Beach, it's here to power surf sessions and morning runs along the beach path. When I was there it was also clearly a place where parents let the kids play in the sand while sipping on a morning smoothie or coffee.

What makes West Toast Café special? The freshness of the food is noticeable and the flavors are truly something to take time to enjoy. There is obviously a kids menu - otherwise it wouldn't be on a family friendly list) and also a Venezualan food section of the menu with Arepas, Cachapa, and Tequeños. We enjoyed the Arepa (The Queen): Gluten Free cornmeal patty stuffed with chicken, avocado mix, mayo and Gouda cheese. Served with our signature guasacaca sauce.

They also have the California breakfast regulars like toasts, breakfast burritos, bagels, and sandwiches.

West Toast Café (Instagram: @westtoastcafe) is located at T-Street Beach in San Clemente. It opens at 8am and closes at 2pm weekdays and 3pm weekends. CLOSED WEDNESDAY - Surfing Day!

Accessibility: This restaurant is located off a dirt pathway and it's basically in the sand. I included the photo below and the title photo on this post to illustrate what the path looks like. It is possible to reach if you park at the pier and make your way along the path from the pier, but it's not easy or ideal for a wheelchair. I do have other restaurants on this list that are WAY better for that! Strollers work on the trail as long as you are okay getting them sandy. (EVERYTHING will be sandy!)

Parking: You will use the Passport Parking app to pay for your parking. The closest spots are above the beach and then walk across the T-Street bridge and down to the restaurant. So there are stairs! If you want to avoid the stairs, park at the Pier Bowl Parking Lot. Here are parking rates and instructions from the City of San Clemente.

Trolley Stop for the Pier: San Clemente Trolley Stop 1 on Red Line, then walk from the pier along the San Clemente Beach Trail.

Other beach restaurant options for families in San Clemente:

These are NOT directly on the sand, but nearby.

The Calafia Beach Cafe is the snack bar at Calafia Beach, also known as San Clemente State Beach. The snack bar is located in the center of the parking lot. It has not been open on recent visits, but maybe I'm just going in the off-season or off hours?
Fisherman's Grotto Restaurant has a more formal sit-down restaurant on the pier, but during the summer they also have a snack bar called The Fisherman's Galley. Located on the beachside of the train tracks, but not directly on the beach. Parking by the pier using the Passport Parking app. Or take the San Clemente Trolley!
Finally, across the street from the pier (NOT on the beach side) there is Bear Coast Coffee, Caterina's Gelato, La Gallette Creperie, Consentino's Pizza, and Pierside Kitchen and Bar.

My blog posts which might help give you San Clemente play trip ideas for the day you visit these beach restaurants:

Dana Point

I picked two very different beach restaurants in Dana Point. The one family friendly restaurant right on the sand in Dana Point is the Doho Cafe inside Doheny State Beach. A little further up the coast, after you go through the main part of town is Young's Beach Shack at Salt Creek Beach Park overlooking the beach.

Doho Cafe (Instagram = @dohocafedoheny) is located inside Doheny State Beach. It's open 9:30am-6:30pm, but may open earlier and stay open later during summer.

What makes Doho Cafe special? It's the perfect sunset spot overlooking the surf beach with peeks into the harbor with boats coming in and out. There's usually a Happy Hour from 4pm-6pm which includes food items like street tacos, sliders, and chicken wings. Come for an early dinner with the kids. Smaller beach bites and fresh fare on the menu. They also have the fun beach fare like churros, soft pretzels, and fries.

Accessibility: The closest and most accessible lot would be the Doheny State Beach lot. The paths are really wide here. You may need to navigate around beach bikes on the bike path here. Strollers would work great here.

Parking: The Doheny State Beach parking is the most accessible and great if you have a CA State Parks Annual Pass. Otherwise, you have to pay for a full day here ($15/day) or there is a Dana Point Harbor lot where you can pay $1 hourly at a pay station, but you have to walk in. We tried walking along the beach in March after the storms and it was a bit difficult, but we did it! Summer may be more inviting? There is a small stairway and it drops onto the beach. You might be battling hopping over the stormwater runoff drainage and you'll need to walk a bit, but it is cheaper. Alternatively, you could walk into Doheny through the official entrance along the sidewalk from this parking lot. Either way it is a walk.

Trolley Stops for Doheny State Beach: Dana Point North Route Stop N7 (blue) or even better is Dana Point South Route Stop S16 (burgundy color on the map)

Here is the second Dana Point beach restaurant pick -- only second on my list, not in order of preference. I like them both!

Even though there has been a beach snack bar at Salt Creek Beach Park in the past, Young's Beach Shack just came on the scene in Spring 2023. It's run by The Ranch at Laguna Beach.

Young's Beach Shack (Instagram = @youngsbeachshack) is located inside the OC Parks Salt Creek State Beach Park. It opens at 7am and closes at sunset.

What makes Young's Beach Shack special? You can order anything off the menu at any time. I ordered the BLTA Sandwich for breakfast and the toast was rubbed in garlic and it was just DELICIOUS. My friend liked her breakfast burrito (thanks for the photo of me, friend). Nice restrooms nearby. Unmatched view!

Accessibility: If you know Salt Creek, then it's famous for its STEEP hill down to the beach. I know at some points of the year they run a shuttle down to this point. Strollers would be okay if you wind through the park to get down the hill or I've seen families go ahead and charge down the hill. So it's your preference as far as a stroller goes.

Parking: This spot would be a good option if you have an OC Parks Annual Beach Parking Pass. Otherwise, there are easy pay stations at $1/hour. Check the official parking information from OCParks.com. You can actually walk to this spot if you are out for a hike in Laguna Niguel or nearby. You can take the Salt Creek Trail.

Trolley Stop for Salt Creek Beach: Dana Point Trolley Stop N1 and also a Laguna Beach Trolley Stop on the LONG COASTAL Route (Ritz Carlton Stop 34)

Other beach restaurant options for families in Dana Point:

This restaurant is NOT directly on the sand, but is right on the water in Dana Point Harbor.

I'm a huge fan of family-owned Coffee Importers in Dana Point Harbor for families. It's such a great spot to have a bagel or some ice cream (for the kids) or a healthy breakfast and a special coffee drink for the adults. If you aren't ready to do sand or the beach, you would still have a view of the harbor and it's dog friendly, too. Free parking at Dana Point Harbor restaurant area. The prices have gone up since we used to go, which is understandable with their move and the cost of goods, etc.

My blog posts which might help give you Dana Point play trip ideas for the day you visit these beach restaurants:

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach has so many ocean view or near-the-beach restaurants as a popular tourist spot, but Lost Pier Cafe is the only restaurant I'd rate as family-friendly and right on the sand. Same as Young's Beach Shack at Salt Creek, this one is also run by The Ranch at Laguna Beach which happens to be located almost directly across the street from this location.

Big shout out to my friend, Ashley, for getting me started actually collecting the content while dining at these family-friendly beach eats which started with her introducing me to this restaurant back in October 2022!

Lost Pier Cafe (Instagram = @lostpiercafe) is located at Aliso Beach Park in south Laguna Beach. It opens at 8am.

What makes Lost Pier Cafe special? I love that they have a beach cam on their website so you can get an idea about the weather on the coast before you go. My favorite menu items here are the Clam Chowder Fries, Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad (still dreaming about how good this was) and the Cheeseburger which was the kind that's so juicy you can't put it down until you are done. I know a lot of people come here to get the hot Paper Bag Beignets which are those fluffy doughy pillows coated in powdered sugar. They rent out Grill ‘N Glow portable fire pits powered by propane to customers over 18 years old which you can use in the sand near the restaurant. There is also the playground in the sand at the opposite end of the parking lot!

Accessibility: I am not sure about the width of the sidewalk, but the parking lot is flat and if you come early you can literally park a few parking spaces width away from the restaurant. The majority of tables are round with built-in benches, but there are a few long tables with benches only on the sides. No need for a stroller here since you can park right next to the restaurant and the only other walk is to the playground which is pretty close. Everything is paved up to the sand, whether parking lot or sidewalk.

Parking: You will use the Laguna Beach Parking app or pay station kiosks to pay for your parking. If you come early enough, you can park rather close to the cafe. If the beachside parking lot fills up, you can park in the City's auxiliary lot across PCH. You can cross UNDER Coast Highway through the tunnel by the playground.

Be Aware: In 2026, this "west" parking lot has been closed multiple times for storm surge and waves crashing up into even the restaurant. Check official sources before you go so you know the current situation.

Trolley Stop for the Aliso Beach Park: Laguna Beach Trolley SHORT COASTAL or LONG COASTAL routes (Southbound - Coast Hwy @ Aliso Beach Stop 26)

Other beach restaurant options for families in Laguna Beach:

This restaurant is NOT directly on the sand, but is closest to the Laguna Beach Main Beach Playground and you would have a beach view from the back patio.

The Greeters Corner Restaurant is a big tourist draw, but the menu and setting is family-friendly.
There are also fancy restaurants (at least for not-so-fancy me) like The Deck on Laguna Beach or Las Brisas, but they don't really fit this list because the kids can't play in the sand there and they are not as casual.

My blog posts which might help give you Laguna Beach play trip ideas for the day you visit these beach restaurants:

Newport Beach

My pick for Newport Beach may not be the obvious one. I'm choosing The Jetty at Corona del Mar State Beach which is probably my favorite family beach in the whole county. Corona del Mar is a neighborhood inside the City of Newport Beach.

The Jetty (Instagram = @thejettycdm) is located at Corona del Mar State Beach right at the bottom of the hill. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Open at 11am-5pm on W-F and 9:30am-5pm on Sat-Sun. Don't hold them to the hours or the menu (always subject to change based on staffing and ingredients - this is just one snapshot in time).

What makes The Jetty special? I'm a bit of a chowder snob because I try it wherever I go. I love it. I have to say that I would go back for this Clam Chowder. It was truly tasty and came out steaming hot. My lunch dates both wanted burgers so we all shared the Korean BBQ Burger and the Jetty Burger. The seasoned fries on the Extras menu were also yummy! The food came out in boxes so it would be easy to carry to a spot on the beach. A neighboring table all got the Beach Dog which looked like a sizable and satisfying portion.

Accessibility: You can drive down the hill to the beach and park right outside the restaurant. The seats were on a paved concrete patio. You can watch the waves crash as you eat lunch.

Parking: We paid for our parking at the kiosk. The prices here are steep. Even though it is officially a California State Beach, it is managed by the City of Newport Beach. So you must pay the Newport Beach prices. We paid for 2 hours of parking ($7.10 per hour) which came out to over $14. To stay for the whole day would have been a better deal since the max is $25/day. In our college days we would grab free street parking at the top of the hill and walk down. Street parking can be pretty full, but if you go early you might have a chance at finding one of those spots.

No Trolley Runs This Section of the Coast

Other beach restaurant options for families in Newport Beach:

The Newport Beach coast is so diverse. You start at Crystal Cove State Beach, then Corona del Mar and the shores of Newport Harbor. The Balboa Peninsula has calm inner harbor waters and also smashing Pacific waves on the outside edge. Upper Newport Bay and Newport Dunes take you to the calm wetlands and bay. There's also Balboa Island and a bit more of the coast until it hits the Santa Ana River and switches to Huntington Beach.

I'm thinking Lighthouse Cafe next to Marina Park and playground would have made it to this list, but there is no beach right at the cafe location.
Crystal Cove has Beachcomber Cafe which is a true sit-down restaurant a little on the fancy side for family-friendly. There's always the Crystal Cove Shake Shack, but it's not right on the sand. Both have the issue of complicated parking and getting there which don't make them as family friendly as others on this list.
There's a Ruby's on the Balboa Pier, but again, not super close to the sand while dining. We tried some locations like a donut shop and grabbed breakfast burritos on the Peninsula, but those restaurants didn't make the cut.
We tried Moe B's inside Newport Dunes, but it doesn't have a direct view of the beach. You have to get your burrito to go and sit out on the playground or beach.

Huntington Beach and Seal Beach restaurants are coming up next! Stay tuned.

In the meantime, you can get help planning your beach trips by reading my blog posts on:

Originally published in May 2023.

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How to Barbecue Near the Beach: Places and Tips for Grilling in OC

Michele Whiteaker — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:32:00 +0000

The first thing on my list every summer is to find places to barbecue near the beach.

The list is shorter than I first expected, but there are still plenty of places to "grill out," "cook out," or "BBQ" and be near the beach.

Just keep it really simple and it should be possible to to head out on a moment's notice for an impromptu meal by the waves.

Where Are Grills Near the Beach in Orange County?

Starting from south county to north county, here are a few suggestions:

Pines Park in Capo Beach
Doheny State Beach - in the main picnic area
Dana Point Harbor in the grassy area near Baby Beach
Lantern Bay Park above Dana Point Harbor
West Newport Park
Peninsula Park near Balboa Pier
Bolsa Chica State Beach south end picnic areas (17D and 12E)

I always recommend previewing before you decide to go.

Most of these places have only 2 or 3 grills - so get there early to get a spot.

What to Bring for an Outdoor Barbecue Picnic

Charcoal - recommend buying the bag that you can light (that way you don't need lighter fluid or any other starters). Here's an example of the product I'm talking about: Kingsford BBQ Bag
Grill brush for cleaning the existing grill - or a grill mat that lays over the existing grill grate
Lighter or long matches
Long spatula and/or tongs
Olive oil spray (like Pam)
Tablecloth and maybe towels for the benches of the picnic table
Mess kit and cloth napkins (for each member of the family)
Paper towels and wipes
Pie tins or serving plates
Cooler with food: main course for grilling, pre-prepped side salads or fruit, s'mores ingredients, drinks
Roasting sticks for the s'mores

What to Cook on the Grill When You Barbecue Near the Beach

Grilled veggies
Grilled fruits
Pizza on the grill
Foil packets of potatoes and/or veggies
Corn
Burgers, hot dogs, steak, chicken, brats/sausages, carne asada, kebabs, fish

Recipe Ideas for the Grill

7 Chicken Marinades for Chicken Breasts
Grilled Ratatouille Sandwich (Vegan)
Bacon and Bleu Cheese Potato Salad - make at home and bring along
Easy Chicken Fajitas in Foil Packets
Grilled Pineapple
Simple, No-Cook Dinner Dip - my recipe stolen from TJs
Grilled Bacon Sriracha Meatball Skewers with Coconut Rice & Asparagus

How to Barbecue Near the Beach (or Anywhere There's a Grill)

Adjust the height of the grill so that you get the desired heat (lower=high heat, middle=medium heat, highest level=low heat)
Place bag in grill and light both ends (ONLY on the bags that are designed for this). Usually a small bag is plenty.
Start grilling when the coals start to glow -- after the active flame has died down
When you are done cooking, with your tongs, try to spread out the coals flat so they are dying out individually (save for s'mores if you are making them). If you are ready to go before the coals have completely died out - put it out with water.

And there are many more options when you look at parks inland from the beach. I can think of tons of parks with barbecue grills.

Enjoy your weekend and consider making this a family tradition.

Photo locations (links above under Where Are Grills Near the Beach in Orange County? heading):

Doheny Beach
Pines Park
Doheny Beach
Pines Park
Baby Beach

Originally published in May 2013.

The post How to Barbecue Near the Beach: Places and Tips for Grilling in OC appeared first on Fun Orange County Parks.

Sea View Park in Dana Point

Michele Whiteaker — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:16:23 +0000

Sea View Park in Dana Point is a very small neighborhood playground that is an excellent spot for ocean views! (Not to be confused with Seaview Park near Aliso Summit in Laguna Niguel!)

Directions to Sea View Park in Dana Point: I came through the neighborhoods off Selva Road, but it's much more direct and you will end up on the correct side of the street for parking if you turn off PCH just past the Best Western onto Crystal Lantern. Then make a right turn up the hill on Manzanita and the park will sneak up on you at the curve. Parking along the curb. (Park Address: 25262 Manzanita, Dana Point) MAP TO SEA VIEW PARK IN DANA POINT

Highlights:

A quick stop with amazing views of Doheny State Beach and all down the coast
It has a really nice sea breeze and it's close to the harbor and a lot of yummy restaurants
I loved picking out landmarks like the Lantern Bay Park playground across the way and the Dana Point Bridge over PCH

Sunset views are beautiful
There's a small dirt walking path leading down the hill for some exploring

You'll also find a ramp leading you down to the playground, but it's not an accessible playground.

Benches above and below the playground to sit and watch the kids play or the sunset (if they give you a chance!)

Be Aware:

Play equipment is mostly for older kids rated for 5-12 year olds, so there are some drops from the high points of the structure. And the slide is not easily reachable view ladder or stairs (kids have to be able to climb up a rope climber / spiderweb to get to the slide platform).
This is not a playground for an extended play date due to no restrooms and its small size, but it's worth at least one sunset visit!
Neighborhood Community Watch signs posted
No parking Wednesdays from 10am-Noon for street sweeping
No shade, but still somewhat cool because of proximity to the ocean
Weather might be cooler or foggy here if you are coming from inland
Be respectful of residences on either side of the park

Checklist:

Recycled rubber play surface
No restrooms (neighborhood park)
Park is open 6am-10pm
Official City of Dana Point website for Sea View Park in Dana Point

Parks & beaches near Sea View Park in Dana Point:

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