California Family Destination Guide

Dana Point Ocean Institute Located next to the Dana Point harbor and the Pacific Ocean, the Ocean Institute offers science and maritime history programs to youth during the week, and is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Visitors can enjoy ocean-themed exhibits, marine life touch tanks and aquaria with hundreds of marine creatures. Institute staff and volunteers are on hand to share the secrets of our seas. Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery everyday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. For an added charge, visitors can enjoy marine mammal cruises onboard the Institute’s R/V Sea Explorer or sail onboard the tall ship Spirit of Dana Point. Ocean Institute 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr. Dana Point, CA 92629

Tags: Orange County

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

Tags: hiking, parks, train