Orange County from A to Z

Dawn Jan - Orange County
May 20, 2012

Summer is just around the bend and planning for those months is in full swing. Follow the alphabet around Orange County by taking this little tour. All these stops are sure to keep you busy exploring all our area has to offer. 

A - A Whale of a Tale Bookshoppe. The perfect bookshoppe for children of all ages where you are bound to find books to please even the most reluctant readers. 

B - Balboa. Whether you start at the fun zone, the island or the ferry, it's an easy day trip that feels like a vacation away.

C - Carbon Canyon Regional Park. Walk through the majestic Redwood grove or join a guide for a weekend hike, offered every Saturday and Sunday.

D - Disneyland. Downtown Disney, Disneyland, and the newly renovated Disney California Adventure are full of magic and fun. There are year-round changes and activities to keep you coming back for more.

E - Environmental Nature Center. Whether you want a bit of quiet rest or an adventure you'll love it here. There are naturalist-led hikes with activities, a discovery room, school programs, camps, and more.

F - Farmer's Market. Farmer's markets are making their way all across the county. Stop by to taste some produce fresh from the farm, grab a bite from a food truck, or pick up some homemade gifts.

G - Great Park. OC Great Park has it all. Take a free ride on the giant orange balloon or carousel, visit the farm and food lab, or walk through the local exhibitions.

H - Huntington Beach Pier. Take a walk down Main Street or through The Strand, have a milkshake at Ruby's, enjoy a concert in the Pier Plaza, fly a kite, or surf the waves. Every day is a new adventure at the Pier.

I - Irvine Park Railroad. A wonderful park with an actual train to take you for a ride. Don't forget to head here for the holidays and see what they have in store.

J - Jump Around. Head to the nearest bounce house for a day of fun in an inflatable playground. Try Froggs Bounce House, Pump It Up or House of Bounce.

K - Kidseum. The Bowers Kidseum gives little ones a way to explore cultures from around the world and to learn and imagine what it is like to live and play in those places.

L - Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Choose from over 40 miles of trails through oak woodlands and around the canyon with gorgeous views of the California coast.

M - Mission San Juan Capistrano. This historic landmark is fantastic to tour and explore (with a built in history lesson, of course) and you can even stop to pan for gold.

N - Newport Beach Library.  Stop in to check out a book, enjoy the various story times and crafts for kids from infants to teens or join a book club. There are four different branches to choose from.

O - Ocean Institute. Learn about marine life and step aboard a tall ship at this incredible institute for ocean explorers.

P - Pretend City. Let the kids take over this miniature city as they work their way through all of the daily tasks in the world around them.

R - Richard Nixon Library. A beautiful building and gorgeous grounds, you can also walk through replicas of several white house rooms as well as an exploration of the space program.

S - Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Watch wonders unfold during incredible shows for even the littlest theater lovers. This is a wonderful way to cultivate an appreciation of the arts.

T - Tanaka Farms. This working farm holds year round tours and events. Take a ride on their tractor-pulled wagon, pick your own fruit or vegetables, take a tour, and visit the petting zoo.

U - Underwater Park, Crystal Cove. This designated underwater park is perfect (and protected) for exploring tide pools, underwater life, and a gorgeous view above and below the water. If you don't feel like getting your feet wet, you can hike or bike the trails or just enjoy the view. Head to their website for a map of the sites, in and out of the water.

V - Volcom Skatepark. The perfect place for skaters to gather in Costa Mesa. Also try out the newly renovated Etnies Skatepark for concerts, classes and parties.

W - Whale Watching. Twice a year for several months we get to watch the migration of these gorgeous whales make their way along our coast. Try Newport Beach Whale Watching or Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Safari.

Y - Yorba Regional Park. This Anaheim park offers everything from fishing and paddleboats to bike trails and baseball fields. Spend the day gallavanting around or invite some friends and throw a party.

Z - Zoo. Orange County has a variety of places to see your favorite animals. The Santa Ana Zoo and Orange County Zoo are great places to visit. Zoomars Petting Zoo and Prehistoric Pets are a unique, hands-on experience.