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.
Crystal Cove State Park spans 3.2 miles (5.15 kilometers) of beach and over 2000 acres (809.37 hectares) of wilderness. Visitors to the park can relax on the beach, hike or go horseback riding on the many trails that criss-cross the verdant landscape. Explore tide pools and hidden coves as well as canyon flora and fauna. Finally, the crystal clear waters have been designated as an underwater park and are great for scuba diving, skin diving, and underwater photography, thus covering all aspects of outdoor exploration.
If you have long dreamed of piloting an airplane or a fighter jet, then a trip to Flightdeck Air Combat Center will be a dream come true. Offering simulations in F-16 fighter jets and Boeing 737-700s, visitors get to feel the rush of participating in air combat missions and aerial maneuvers. The center provides a hands-on, immersive experience where participants can engage in air combat missions, test their skills, and feel the adrenaline rush of aerial maneuvers. The friendly staff is well-equipped to prepare you for your first flight and answer any questions you may have before the simulation begins.
Have an adventure at Adventure City! This theme park has a lot of exciting rides and attractions. Watch a performance at the Children's Theater, take a ride on the Freeway Coaster, win a prize at the arcade and hug a rabbit at the Petting Farm. This theme park is a fantastic attraction where you can bring your whole family, though the majority of the rides are geared towards children rather than teens and adults.
Knott's Berry Farm, home to the Peanuts characters, has been a long-time favorite for families visiting the Orange County area. You'll find culturally-themed areas including Fiesta Village, Indian Trails and Independence Hall, where visitors get a look at the influence of these cultures on California life. There are also themed rides such as the Xcelerator and Montezooma's Revenge. Other areas such as The Boardwalk feature rides like Supreme Scream which, measuring in at an astounding 312 feet (95.098 meters), is the tallest structure in the county. Overall, if you're looking for something to please the kids (and maybe give yourself a rest), Knott's is a truly excellent choice. Operational hours vary from day to day, please check website for more details.
Newport Landing Sportfishing offers fishing trips for everyone. Privately charter or rent one of six boats or join one of the daily trips open to the general public for a half day or 3/4 day fishing trips. Local trips allow you to fish in areas from Long Beach to Dana Point, including Laguna Beach. Catch Barracuda, Halibut, Calico Bass, Red Snapper, Giant Yellowtail, White Sea Bass, and many other species. The 3/4 day fishing trips allow you to fish near Catalina Island and over 40 miles of coastline. Newport Landing Sportfishing’s fleet has state of the art electronics, huge live bait systems, spacious indoor/outdoor seating, and full amenities including a full service snack bar/kitchen. For those who don't enjoy fishing, but still love being out on the water and would like the chance to spot a whale, the whale excursions offer a truly unique opportunity for the whole family. For reservations on the open boat, to book a charter or a whale watching reservation; give them a call.
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.
Red Rock Canyon, nestled within the pristine Whiting Ranch Wilderness is a natural wonder that captivates visitors with its rugged beauty and serene ambiance. The defining feature of Red Rock Canyon is the stunning red sandstone formations that give the canyon its name. There's a network of well-maintained trails that wind their way through the canyon, offering varying levels of difficulty to cater to all skill levels. Whether you're a novice hiker or an experienced trekker, you'll find a trail that suits your preferences.
Featuring a scenic sun-dappled expanse, Huntington State Beach is one of the best beaches in southern California. It is popular with both locals and tourists alike. Replete with barbecue pits used year-round but especially in the summer and fire rings for bonfires, this is an ideal destination for a fun day out amid picturesque environs. Avid surfers will relish the opportunities for surfing offered by the beach. Fishing, birdwatching, and swimming are some other recreational options here. Keep your eyes peeled for California Brown Pelicans.
Crystal Cove State Park spans 3.2 miles (5.15 kilometers) of beach and over 2000 acres (809.37 hectares) of wilderness. Visitors to the park can relax on the beach, hike or go horseback riding on the many trails that criss-cross the verdant landscape. Explore tide pools and hidden coves as well as canyon flora and fauna. Finally, the crystal clear waters have been designated as an underwater park and are great for scuba diving, skin diving, and underwater photography, thus covering all aspects of outdoor exploration.
Irvine Regional Park is the perfect place to spend an idyllic day outdoors with friends and family. Santiago Creek meanders through the park, passing shaded hillsides dotted with picnickers, the Orange County Zoo, and group sites that accommodate all sorts of celebrations. The 495-acre (200 hectares) park features built-in barbecue spots, restroom facilities, and a biking and walking path that cuts through the park and shows off its best features. Equestrian enthusiasts can take their horses for a jaunt along the designated equestrian trail and past a beautiful lake. The park also boasts the Irvine Park Railroad, which takes visitors of all ages on a 10-minute ride to an oak grove and past several lakes.
Officially known as the Alta Laguna Park, the Top of The World park offers panoramic views of the surrounding Orange County landscape. Perched at about 1,000 feet (304.8 meters) above sea level, the park commands an impressive vistas of the surroundings. Amidst this natural splendor, the park's attractions extend beyond the scenic allure. Alongside its awe-inspiring vistas, Alta Laguna Park boasts a meticulously designed playground, offering various recreational options such as a miniature soccer field and a half-court for basketball.