El Ocean Institute está en la hermosa dársena Dana Port y ofrece programas sobre las ciencias oceánicas y la historia marítima. Los fines de semana, este centro permite el acceso al público general. Algunas de las cosas que podrá hacer aquí son observar los acuarios gigantescos, poblados por criaturas marinas, mirar mientras les dan de comer a los animales y recorrer las exposiciones temáticas. Para los más chiquititos, ellos encontrarán una gran variedad de actividades. Si quieren recorrer el lugar en catamarán o hacer el crucero de mamíferos marinos, tendrán que comprar una entrada extra. La Zona Protegida Dana Point se encuentra a pocos metros del Instituto.
A paradise for surfers, the Wedge is the name given to a particular location off the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach. The spot is called so owing to the huge wedge-like waves that occur here due to the outstretched Newport Beach Jetty that lies in the path of the incoming tides from the North Pacific Ocean. With waves reaching as high as 30 feet (nine meters) at times, the Wedge occupies a very special place on the bucket list of most surfers and adventure seekers.
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.
If the air inside one of the area's many malls seems too stuffy for you, head to Newport Pier for a day of shopping and dining right on the water. Whether you are in search of a quick buy for a day out on the beach or looking for souvenirs to bring back home, you can find it among the many shops and restaurants in this bustling oceanfront area. Here, you can pick up an OC sweatshirt to emulate those moody walks by the waves or get the kids some toy shovels to build expert sand castles. Then, stop by one of the many kiosks for a fruit smoothie for the ride home, but before you go, make sure to walk out to the end of the pier for some great views of Catalina Island and the surrounding beaches.
Spanning 58 acres (23 hectares), the Oak Canyon Nature Center is a beautiful oasis of nature in the city. The sanctuary, flanked by three canyons is home to a diverse array of animal and bird species. Well-marked hiking trails offer a great opportunity to discover the park's many wonders. Stop by at the John J. Collier Interpretive Center to learn more about the natural features and history of the place.
This beautiful park is more than a mile long and rests on 175 lush acres of land. With more than 400 picnic tables, this park is ideal for a family outing. There are four lakes with connecting streams for fishing and sailing model boats. There are plenty of pedestrian and biking trails for the more active visitors. For children, there are many sets of play equipment like slides and jungle gyms. This place opens daily at 7 am.
Located close to Treasure Island Park, Goff Cove is a relatively secluded beach, offering stunning views, tide pools and gentle waves. The beach is perfect for simply soaking up the rays away from the hordes of tourists or going for a swim. This sandy cove has also been declared a marine sanctuary, so snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear waters is also a great idea. If you decide to visit Goff Cove, keep a lookout for climate updates as the beach can be closed during rough weather.
The elevated location of Overlook Park provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including rolling hills and distant mountain ranges, making it a popular spot for nature and photography enthusiasts. With its well-maintained pathways and lush greenery, this park invites individuals and families to enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and moments of relaxation. The park features amenities such as benches, picnic tables, and open spaces, making it an ideal place for gatherings and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat to unwind or a spot to enjoy the beauty of nature, Overlook Park is the place to be.
A pocos metros del barullento centro de la playa Laguna, este parque es un increíble oasis escondido. El risco cubierto de follaje y la playa de arenas blancas, con rocas enormes y cavernas escondidas, hacen de este parque uno de los favoritos de los fotógrafos, recién casados, amantes del atardecer y de los picnics (hay parrillas, pero el primero es quien se queda) e incluso aves marinas. También los visitantes encontrarán una variedad de puestos donde podrán comprar piezas de artesanía local. Estén atentos a los bancos tallados, únicos en su clase. El parque Heisler es conocido como uno de los mejores en el condado Orange.