Our Five for 5 blog series focuses on what to visit, see and do in Laguna Beach. This third story will be about the family fun activities found in Laguna.
EXPLORE THE TIDE POOLS
Laguna Beach’s coastline is a protected marine reserve, which means the 7 miles allow for a pristine environment where sea life thrives. When you visit the tide pools, you’re able to get up close to see some of the creatures that make the ocean their home in the waters of Laguna Beach. Rockpile Beach, Goff Cove and Treasure Island are all great spots to explore the tide pools. Treasure Island has the largest tide pools and the added benefit of docents from the Laguna Ocean Foundation (http://www.lagunaoceanfoundation.org) that are available to answer questions and guide you through the pools. Remember…when visiting the tide pools, or any beach in Laguna, please do not disturb, touch or remove the animals, shells or plants from the area.
Need to Know:
Metered Parking can be found in the underground garage off Wesley Dr.
VISIT PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) is a non-profit organization that does the amazing work of rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals that are found stranded or injured along the 42 miles of Orange County coastline. At their facility you can visit the “patients” and see how their health is progressing. You may even see a feeding, which is always exciting! Both parents and kids will enjoy the chance to see these animals up close and personal. Please visit them online to view the current patients. The PMMC likes to keep their phone lines free in case they need to respond to any marine mammal rescues.
Need to Know:
20612 Laguna Canyon Rd
Open: 10am – 4pm daily
FREE; donations welcomed
BUILD A SAND CASTLE
Laguna’s beaches are family-friendly and feature wide stretches of sand perfect for building sandcastles. Diver’s Cove, adjacent to Picnic Beach, is particularly good for splashing and wading in shallow waters. Older kids seeking a more exhilarating experience can ride the waves on boogie boards, which are available to rent in town. No matter which cove you decide to visit for the day, there is always plenty of sand for castle building.
CLIMB ABOARD A ROCKET AT BLUEBIRD PARK
Load the family in your car, pack a picnic lunch, and head over to Bluebird Park where the kids can busy themselves on the playground and the adults can rest on a shaded bench or beach towel. With a rocket playground structure, the kids will feel like they are shooting for the stars and shooting down back to earth on one of the slides. For the little tots, there is a pint-sized structure perfect for practicing their new climbing skills. Families can also enjoy a large grassy area and a large turtle sculpture, perfect for climbing on. The park is fenced in so parents can rest assure that no kiddo will be attempting an escape.
Need to Know:
798 Bluebird Canyon
Street Parking
VISIT NIX NATURE CENTER
Laguna is more than just beach! The Nix Nature Center is the gateway to the 20,000 acres of South Coast Regional Wilderness Park. At the center, you can explore exhibits about the early inhabitants of Laguna and how they lived off the land. Learn about the indigenous animals and plants that are in the park and the important role they play in the ecosystem. Plan ahead and attend one of the educational events or guided hikes that the Laguna CanyonFoundation holds each month. This is a great place to discover the wilderness of Laguna!
Need to Know:
18751 Laguna Canyon Rd
Open: 9am to 4pm, daily
Paid Parking, $3
Dress accordingly; you’ll be walking dirt trails
Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks
No dogs are allowed on the trails
By Anne-Marie S.
