Dominated by rolling ridges and rugged canyons, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is a remarkable natural canvas streaked with picturesque meadows, undulating grasslands, and stands of majestic trees. The park's scenic landscape has stirred the imagination of many a visitor, and there is much to do and discover within its stunning bounds. Sheltering yellow warblers, Cooper's hawk, and white-tailed kites and providing a conducive habitat for species such as Pomona rattleweed, hummingbird sage, and sycamores and oaks, this expansive natural area is a delight to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for the peregrine falcons and bald eagles soaring overhead as you hike along the trails, or settle down for a rejuvenating picnic with loved ones.
Conveniently located in Fountain Valley, Mile Square Regional Park is easily accessible from major highways, making it a popular destination for both local residents and visitors from neighboring areas. Throughout the year, the park hosts a variety of activities, including outdoor concerts, cultural festivals, and holiday celebrations. The park's well-maintained trails are perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling, allowing visitors to soak in the scenic surroundings while getting some exercise. Visitors can take advantage of the park's golf courses, baseball fields, soccer fields, and tennis courts. There are also picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a great destination for families and gatherings.
Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park is a wildlife sanctuary that is home to numerous native plants and animals. It spans 523 acres with five miles of trails for hikers, bikers or horse riders. It's a great place to spend the day just relaxing, or you can opt to learn a little about the flora and fauna that surrounds you through one of its educational programs. You'll find picnic tables where you can have lunch with friends and family or even a birthday party for your children. No credit cards accepted at Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park.
Bordered by Aliso Creek to the north and rocky headlands to the south, Aliso Beach Park is not only picturesque, but also a unique Laguna Beach attraction. Surfers frequent here to ride the waves, and friends often gather around the fire pits on the sand. Many family-friendly features, such as a designated children's playground with swings, a pirate ship, and other fun toys, also makes it fun place for a family hangout.
For those who can make only one stop in Corona del Mar, make it the Corona del Mar State Beach. This area alone can make everyone fall in love with CdM, a laid-back multi-million-dollar neighborhood accented by the Pacific, with streets lined by palm trees and flower beds. On the bluff, three signs mark beach access: Lookout Point, Main Beach, and Inspiration Point. Each point has a different view, but all share Catalina Island in the background, with Newport Bay and Balboa Island in the foreground. A few steps towards the south end of Ocean Boulevard is a secluded cove near the Robert E. Badham Marine Life Refuge, and some of the most extravagant mansions follow.
Designed by H.M Patterson, the First Congregational Church of Long Beach is an active church built in the Italian Romanesque Revival architectural a style. Built in 1914, the church’s clergy include renowned senior pastor Elena Larssen and pastor John Forrest Douglas. The church even has its well-known musical choir to boast. Added to the U.S National Register of Historic Places in 2012, the church is a redbrick structure, boasting of a high roof that reaches upto the height of 55 feet (16.76 meters) art glass windows and rose windows. It also actively supports the gay, lesbian and transgender community of the city. Whether you want to attend mass or check out a splendid historical structure and a local landmark, then the First Congregational Church of Long Beach is where you should be headed.