Teens

Sea World is the only park in which you can get up close and personal with sea creatures and get an education while having fun. You can meet Shamu the killer whale, watch the Dolphins play their tricks, visit the sharks in their natural habitat, go to the South Pole on an icy safari and peek at the Penguins – all that fun for a bargain.

The first time I saw Joshua Tree NP I thought I just crossed through the twilight zone and into another planet. The eerie landscape and the uncanny tree formations combine to transport you to a different state of mind.
This 800,000 acres park straddles the Mojave and Sonoran deserts in California. It is home to the most stunning rock formations, desert views and an unexpected oasis here and there.
The park was named after the most prevalent tree in the area. Mormons passing through the area called it Joshua Tree because it resembled their prophet Joshua praying to God.

The San Clemente Coastal Trail is a newly completed hiking and biking trail in the city of San Clemente. The trail is a section of the planned California Coastal Trail which will parallel the beach throughout the state of California when complete.

The trail starts from North Beach next to the Metrolink train station and it runs under the bluffs, next to the train tracks with great views of the beach all along the way. The full hike is about 3 miles long (each way). The south end of the hike terminates at Trestle Beach or San Mateo Creek.

This hike is considered easy and it is great for families with small children.

It’s a park. It’s a beach. It’s a campground. It’s all of the above and much more.

San Clemente State Beach is one of the rare places where everything aligns perfectly to make your visit unforgettable. You will want to come back again and again.

The “State Beach” offers camp sites atop the bluffs with breathtaking views of the ocean. The camp has around 160 campsites which are divided into group, RV and tent areas. The campground is beautifully laid out with paved roads connecting the various areas. Each campsite has a fire ring, picnic table, shade ramada and shade trees - with drinking and washing water nearby. Bathrooms – with hot showers - are never too far.

Anaheimer Tip: This park is extremely popular. You will need to make reservations many months ahead of time. Go to ReserveAmerica’s website and book your camp sites up to a year in advance.

Better known as Surf City, it boasts the longest uninterrupted stretch of beach on the west coast. The city has a lot of attractions, parks, theaters, malls and restaurants – but let’s faces it: the main attraction will always be the beach.

There are several beaches to choose from, each one with its own personality. Some of them are managed by the city and others are part of the State Park system.

After the closing of El Toro Marine base in 1999 a great debate erupted in OC. What to do with the huge real estate vacated by the marines? Some wanted a new airport, others preferred more urban sprawl, but the forces of nature won. Now we have the Orange County Great Park.

Also known as Corona Del Mar State Beach.

Sturtevant Falls Hiking Trail is located in the foothills above Arcadia and Pasadena in the heart of the Angeles National Forest.  This is only one of many hikes available in the Chantry Flats area, but it is my favorite hike because of the reward at the end of the hike – the waterfall.

Once you reach the Chantry Flats area, find a parking spot and purchase a parking tag (Wilderness pass) - they cost $10. There is a general store at the flats that sells snacks, gear, maps and the parking tags.

This park is located in the city of Buena Park, north of Anaheim. It is another large recreational area with lakes, streams, trees, hills, playgrounds, sports fields, bike trails and a very nice hiking trail.

The park lands range from large open grass areas, to gently rolling hills of native plants, to shear sandstone cliffs to the north.

For sports enthusiasts, the park offers sand volleyball courts, three softball fields and a baseball diamond and tennis courts.