California Family Destination Guide

March 1, 2010 is opening day for one of California’s most colorful displays of flowers. Each year this 55 acres hillside overlooking the Pacific ocean turns into a carpet of color. Carlsbad was once a sleepy little beach town until the arrival of Legoland California. Hotels sprang up, tracts of houses were built and open fields disappeared. One farm has managed to survive even though its are located on prime ocean view land. Each year thousands of visitors trek to Carlsabd to stroll through to see nature’s artistry. Highlights of the Carlsbad Flower Fields include Miniature Rose Garden, Sweet Pea Maze, the American Flag of Flowers and a 1,500 square foot Poinsettia Display. There is a charge to enter the fields $10.00 for Adults, $9.00 for Seniors 60+, $5.00 for Children 3-10. Proceeds help ensure the Flower Fields will be here for future generations to enjoy. The display lasts about eight weeks each year and can be seen from the San Diego Freeway. The Carlsbad Flower Fields 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008.The flower fields season is March through mid May. Hours: Open to the public seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 6:00

Irvine Regional Park is an affordable family destination in Orange County, California.  Admission is by the car load so pack the car full of kids and head off to the park. Things to do at the park include The Irvine Park Railroad, The Orange County Zoo, pony rides, paddle boat rentals, bike rentals (or bring your own) fishing and picnics. There are plenty of shady areas for your picnic underneath the huge Oak trees that grow throughout the park. Bring along your bicycles and you  will have miles of paved trails to explore. Irvine Regional Park Irvine Regional Park is located at 1 Irvine Park Rd Orange, CA 92862 USA From south Orange County: Take Interstate 5 north to the Jamboree exit. Turn right (east) onto Jamboree and proceed straight until Jamboree dead-ends into Irvine Regional Park (about 5-6 miles). From south Orange County: Take Interstate 5 north to the Jamboree exit. Turn right (east) onto Jamboree and proceed straight until Jamboree dead-ends into Irvine Regional Park (about 5-6 miles). more information