Even in Los Angeles, there’s just something about the holidays that make you feel like ice skating outdoors; call it hometown nostalgia, call it a desperate desire to cool off from all this heat — whatever works! And you’re in luck because there are multiple places you can go ice skating in Los Angeles, even while wearing t-shirts and shorts!
Ice Skating here in SoCal can give you a taste of winter fun without the cold — thank goodness! We have our elves out there looking for more places, so stay tuned as we make updates! Here’s a list of the 11 best places to go ice skating in Los Angeles. Have fun!
For the first time in two years, the Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square is returning to Los Angeles! Offering lots of winter fun, it’s the city’s largest outdoor rink, welcoming over 54,000 skaters each year. The rink will be open from November 23rd, 2022, through January 1st, 2023. Tickets are available online starting October 3rd, 2022, and must be purchased in advance.
Town Square Park 41902 Main St., Temecula, CA 92590
Drive to Temecula for some ice skating fun! “Temecula on Ice returns with a state-of-the-art ice rink, rental skates, Bobby skating aid, and its own radio station playing the best skating music.” The ice rink is open daily from December 15th through January 8th, 2023, including Christmas Day and a special New Year’s Eve skate. The minimum age to skate is 3 years old. Details and advance tickets are available online.
SkyPark at Santa’s Village: A Nostalgic Christmas in the Woods 28950 CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385
There are so many things to do at Santa’s Village — tea with Mrs. Claus, breakfast with Santa, shows, and ice skating! “You might even catch Santa out there practicing his moves in between visits to his house and workshop.” Skate rentals are included, or you can bring your own. Recommended for all ability levels, ages 2 and older. Details are available online. They’re open from November 17th until January 2nd, 2023.
Hotel del Coronado
1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118
If you feel like scheduling a little getaway, think about the famous Hotel del Coronado. From November 17th through January 1st, 2023, “the iconic resort shimmers and shines as its signature red turrets are draped in thousands of sparkling lights with magical Christmas trees, snowy surprises and garlands galore filling the property with holiday cheer.”
Their special Skating by the Sea Package includes overnight accommodations and two passes to The Del’s legendary beachfront ice rink. Details are available online.
Ocean Lawn at Paséa Hotel & Spa 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
For a fun getaway option, you’ll find an outdoor skating rink at the Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach. “This secluded skating experience is complete with holiday cocktails and bites, theme nights, evenings honoring first responders,” and more. Tickets are valid for 90 minutes of skating. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available online.
Ken Dyda Civic Center
30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Families can have some fun ice skating while enjoying a view of the ocean! Skating in the Park opens Friday, December 16th with a special Tree Lighting Ceremony from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The festivities also include holiday music, inflatables, on-site food trucks, and crafts.
The skating rink will be open throughout the months of December 2022 and January 2023. Reservations are recommended as drop-ins are limited. Check the website for hours, prices, and special themed nights happening throughout the month including Ugly Sweater, the 80s, Under the Sea, and Winter Wonderland.
Huntington Beach Holiday Ice Rink 325 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Huntington Beach is the place for Surf City Winter Wonderland. From November 18th through January 8th, 2023, families can ice skate “with an unobstructed view of the pier, sand, and sea.” It’s an only-in-Southern-California opportunity. Get the cameras ready! Tickets and details are available online.
The Cube Santa Clarita
27745 Smyth Dr., Valencia, CA 91355
The Cube Santa Clarita invites families to participate this holiday season as they share the tale of the Grinch whose heart was “two sizes too small”. The fun begins on Saturday, December 10th with show times at 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Tickets are available online for this special experience. Check the website for details including regular public skating session hours.
Kana Okubo skating at Pershing Square in 2019, photo used with permission
You can skate under the stars at the only 8,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink on the Westside from November 16th – January 16th, 2023 and attend their grand opening on November 16th. There are no timed sessions and no limits. All-day skate passes include re-entry.
Irvine Spectrum Center
670 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
From November 4th through January 8th, 2023, families can take a drive to the Irvine Spectrum Center for the chance to Skate Under the Stars! The popular ice skating rink is located in Giant Wheel Court and is open daily. Thirty-minute skating lessons are also available on Saturdays. Check the website for prices and details.
Civic Center Plaza 717 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701
The City of Santa Ana is hosting Winter Village, a family-friendly holiday attraction, from December 8th through January 8th, 2023. The festivities include live entertainment as well as an outdoor ice skating rink. A tree lighting ceremony will be held on December 10th at 5 pm. Ice skating is offered for ages 3 and up. Space is limited; advance purchase is recommended and can be done online.
Pumpkin patches bring a touch of farm life to Southern California cities, but many have more to offer than supplying the raw materials for Halloween jack-o-lanterns.
They have carnival rides, activities for children, petting zoos and often live entertainment.
Here are some of the places at are opening between now and early October.
Los Angeles County
Cal Poly Pumpkin Festival: Oct. 1-30. Pumpkin patch with photo stops, hayrides, goat petting, corn maze, fair food and live entertainment. Tickets are only available online for reserved time slots. $6-$10 for general admission; $5-7 for ages 3-12. There will be a preview Sept. 30 with food and drink samples and entertainment; tickets are $70. AGRIscapes Center, Cal Poly Pomona, 4102 S. University Drive, Pomona. cpp.edu/~pumpkinfestival
Carved at Descanso Gardens: Oct. 7-31. Hundreds of carved pumpkins on display, hay maze, holiday foods. $20-$26 for members, $32-$38 for non-members.1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. 818-949-4200, descansogardens.org
Forneris Farms: Oct. 8-31. Pumpkin patch and corn maze. Entry is $5, cash only, and there are additional charges for other attractions. 15200 Rinaldi St., Los Angeles. fornerisfarms.com
La Verne Heritage Foundation: Oct. 7-30. Pumpkin patch, tractor-pulled rides, petting farm. Heritage Park, 5001 Via De Mansions, La Verne. laverneheritage.org
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch: Oct. 7-30. Pumpkin and teepee villages, bounce houses, straw maze, petting zoo, giant rocking horses. Admission $10-$30 depending on date and time, extra charges for activities. 10100 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City. 310-276-9827, mrbonespumpkinpatch.com
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, Farmers Market: Oct. 15-31. Games, activities and animals. Free admission, extra charge for activities. 6333 W 3rd St., Los Angeles. mrjackolanternspumpkins.com
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, Torrance: Oct. 1-31. Games, activities and animals. Free admission, extra charge for activities. 17520 Prairie Ave., Torrance. mrjackolanternspumpkins.com
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, West Los Angeles: Oct. 1-31. Games, activities and animals. Free admission, extra charge for activities. 11852 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. mrjackolanternspumpkins.com
Pa’s Pumpkin Patch: Sept. 30-Oct. 31. Petting zoo, pony rides, corn stalks and fair foods. Advance reservations are required and can be booked online. 6701 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach. paspumpkinpatch.com
Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch: Oct. 1-31. Pumpkin bounce house, train rides, petting zoo, carnival games. No entrance fee, but activities cost $3.50-$7. 11650 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles. shawnspumpkinpatch.com
Toluca Lake Pumpkin Patch: Sept. 26-Oct. 31. Petting zoo and haunted maze. $10 for admission to both. 10601 Riverside Drive, North Hollywood. 818-505-8039
Orange County
Hana Field Pumpkin Patch: Oct. 1-29. U-pick pumpkins and sunflowers, corn maze and barnyard. $10 admission, $15 for flower-picking, activities extra. 427 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa. 949-653-2100.
Irvine Park Railroad: Sept. 17-Oct. 31 Free haunted house, hay maze, hay pyramid, picture stands. Other activities cost extra, including train and hay rides, bounce houses, face painting and panning for gold. Great Pumpkin Weigh-off, Saturday, Sept. 24. Free admission, but parking is $3-$7. Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange. 714-997-3968, irvineparkrailroad.com
Pick of the Patch Pumpkins: Sept. 17-Oct. 31. Giant slides and inflatables. Admission is free; wristbands for inflatables cost $17-$30. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. abctreefarms.net
Pumpkin City, Anaheim: Sept. 30-Oct. 31. Carnival rides, games, petting zoo, entertainment. 2180 E. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim. pumpkincity.com
Pumpkin City, Laguna Hills: Sept. 30-Oct. 31. Carnival rides, games, petting zoo, entertainment, Oktoberfest beer garden. Laguna Hills Mall, 24203 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills. pumpkincity.com
Tanaka Farms: Open now through Oct. 31. U-pick pumpkins, wagon rides, arts and crafts. $10 general admission; extra for activities. Parking passes are required, fee is $10 on weekends. 5380 University Drive, Irvine. 949-653-2100.
Zoomars at River Street Ranch: Saturday, Sept. 24-Oct. 31. Petting zoo with goats, sheep and guinea pigs, pony, train and mini-tractor rides. Admission is $15, $12 for children12 years and younger, 31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano. 949-831-6550, riverstreetranch.com
Riverside County
Big Horse Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch: Oct. 1-30. Giant maze at Big Horse Feed and Mercantile. Food vendors and beer garden on weekends. 33320 Temecula Parkway, Temecula. $15 admission, $10 parking on weekends. 951-389-4621, bighorsecornmaze.com
Hunter’s Pumpkin Patch: Open now through Oct. 30. Carnival games, rides, barrel train, food. 12125 Day St., Building Q, Moreno Valley. 951-440-2027, hunterspumpkinpatch.com
Peltzer Pumpkin Farm: Saturday, Sept. 24-Oct. 31. Petting zoo, games, mining, face painting, rides. $2 admission on weekdays, $3 on weekends, extra for attractions. Pumpkin painting classes for $20 Tuesdays and Thursdays in October. 39925 Calle Contento, Temecula. peltzerfarms.com
Pick of the Patch Pumpkins: Saturday, Sept. 24-Oct 31. Giant slides and inflatables. Admission is free; wristbands for inflatables cost $17-$30. 18614 Dexter Ave., Lake Elsinore. abctreefarms.net
Pumpkin Factory: Oct. 1-31. Rides, bounce houses, petting zoo. 1545 Circle City Drive, Corona. thepumpkinfactory.com
San Bernardino County
Frosty’s Forest: Sept. 30-Oct. 30. “Hocus Pocus”-themed corn maze, sunflower labyrinth, petting zoo, bounce houses, carnival games. $5-$10 admission. A scary corn maze called Haunted Harvest is on the property with $30 separate admission.14861 Ramona Ave., Chino. frostysforest.com, thehauntedharvest.com
Greenspot Farms: Opens Oct. 1. Rides, farm animals, duck races, crafts and hay maze. Free admission. Scary nighttime attractions will be offered Oct. 16-31, including Haunted Hayride and Haunted Trail. Tickets are $15-$30. 10133 Ward Way, Mentone. 909-794-7653, greenspotfarms.com
Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm: Open now through Oct. 31. U-pick pumpkins, more than 50 attractions including corn maze, petting zoo and rides. Live entertainment in October. $10-$25 admission for adults, $5-$20 for children; extra charge for some attractions. Live Oak Canyon Road at the 10 Freeway, Yucaipa. liveoakcanyon.com
SkyPark at Santa’s Village: Oct. 8-30. Pumpkin patch, activities, live entertainment and trick-or-treating on weekends. $59 for adults, $49 for children. 28950 Highway 18, Skyforest. skyparksantasvillage.com
Feel that nip in the early-morning air? That’s right, fall is delivering cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours, which signals California’s broadleaf trees to get their colors on. Grab a thermos of steaming, pumpkin-spiced something and hit the road—maybe to a California State Park—to see oaks, aspens, dogwoods, and willows cloaked in their candy-colored coats.
When’s the best time of year to witness this autumnal splendor? That depends on many factors: the type of tree, the region, and the elevation, to name a few. But foliage report websites such as California Fall Color and Mono County’s Fall Color Report can provide real-time conditions. Typical foliage seasons are provided below, but keep in mind that as with any general guideline, it could change—in this case, due to a single storm or cold spell. Check local websites or other resources (if you are visiting a state or national park, a call to one of their ranger stations might provide some insight). For optimal leaf-peeping without the weekend crowds, plan a midweek trip to these autumn hotspots, listed south to north:
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Julian, San Diego County
In Julian, autumn is the grandstand season, both for apple-pie eating and leaf-peeping. Sample the town’s homemade apple confections, then watch black oaks do their color-changing trick at Lake Cuyamaca in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. A scenic 45-minute drive leads to Palomar Mountain State Park, where you can put some miles on your feet while you admire bracken ferns and leafy oaks on the Thunder Ridge and Chimney Flat Loop. Or hike the Five Oaks Trail at Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve, home to some of the oldest and largest black oaks in San Diego County. Typical peak season: early to mid-November.
Temecula Valley and Murrieta, Riverside County
In Southern California’s wine country, colorful leaves cling to gnarled grapevines after the harvest, making autumn’s magic last well into November. Savor vintages and vineyards decked out in fall colors as you drive past 19 wineries on Rancho California Road plus 10 more on De Portola Road. In neighboring Murrieta, pedal your mountain bike or hike through Cole Canyon‘s oak woodlands and Sylvan Meadows’ bunchgrass prairie. At the end of the day, nab a patio seat for fall-themed dining in Old Town Temecula.Typical peak season: late November to early December
Oak Glen, San Bernardino County
At this rural enclave in the San Bernardino Mountain foothills, autumn stakes its claim in the golden oaks punctuating the hillsides and orange pumpkins dotting Riley’s Farm. At the Wildlands Conservancy’s Oak Glen Preserve, a 2.4-mile loop leads from park headquarters downhill through the apple orchards of century-old Los Rios Rancho, Southern California’s largest apple farm. Typical peak season: mid-October to early November
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County
Southern Santa Barbara County is known for palm trees and sandy beaches, but northern Santa Barbara—aka the Santa Maria Valley—is known for tasty Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay. Drive the 30-mile Foxen Canyon Wine Trail to see pastoral vineyards showing off their autumn regalia. Hop on your bike and ride through 14 miles of forested canyon on Tepusquet Road, a one-lane byway near Byron Winery. Or drive to Guadalupe’s Oso Flaco Lake to see golden-hued arroyo willows and walk its 1.5-mile boardwalk trail above the tranquil lake (don’t forget binoculars for bird-watching). Typical peak season: as early as August, through mid-October
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Bishop to Bridgeport, Inyo and Mono Counties
Expert leaf-peepers never miss a road trip on US 395 to see the Eastern Sierra’s blue-ribbon fall foliage. Catch the aspen show between Bishop and Bridgeport by side-tripping west on major roads heading into the mountains: Highway 168 from Bishop to Sabrina and South Lakes, the June Lake Loop (Highway 158) past Silver and Grant lakes, and Lundy Lake Road seven miles north of Lee Vining. Or keep north on US 395 to see quaking aspen stands glow like stained-glass windows at Conway Summit, then score even more aspen eye-candy by driving Bridgeport’s Twin Lakes Road west to Twin Lakes. The Mono County Fall Color Report offers weekly updates on where the fall colors are looking their best. Typical peak season: mid-September through October
Sonora to Sonora Pass, Tuolumne County
Every autumn, Highway 108‘s aspen groves put on a dazzling color show. Start your trip in Sonora with a hike on Dragoon Gulch Trail, taking in views of Gold Country’s colorful hills. Then head east on Highway 108, cruising up the grade past Pinecrest Lake. Pause at Donnell Vista to admire volcanic ridges gussied up in fiery yellows and oranges, then pop in to Kennedy Meadows Resort to say hello to the horses or fill up with a hearty burger before ascending another 10 miles to Sonora Pass. As you descend down the east side, the aspen show is nearly nonstop. Typical peak season: early September through October
Hope Valley, Alpine County
South of Lake Tahoe, Hope Valley’s dense aspen groves offer nearly traffic-stopping displays of glowing golds, opulent oranges, and brilliant reds. Start your drive from the west on Highway 88 in Jackson or Pioneer, then wind your way uphill until you top out at Carson Pass. A sharp descent plunges you into Hope Valley, where you’ll pull over every quarter-mile to snap another photo. Aspens border both sides of the highway, but especially showy stands are found near Red Lake and Wylder Hope Valley Resort. For even more aspen glory, take a side trip north on Highway 89 over Luther Pass into Meyers and South Lake Tahoe. Gorgeous groves show off their colors all the way north to Emerald Bay. Typical peak season: mid-October to mid-November
Nevada City and Grass Valley, Nevada County
Walk down Nevada Street in Nevada City to see century-old sugar maples and American sweetgums (liquidambars) turning a brilliant stoplight red. Planted by Gold Rush miners in the mid-1800s, these fall foliage champions pair well with the Victorian buildings lining the town’s historic district. Explore downtown, then walk the level Cascade Canal Trail, shaded by red-hued dogwoods and deep green Douglas firs. In nearby Grass Valley, stroll around Empire Mine State Historic Park, where the colorful leaves of ornamental sweetgums, silver maples, and sugar maples accent the subtler gold of native black oaks. Walk any of the trails that start at the Gold Hill Drive Trailhead to see the trees sporting their fall colors. Typical peak season: mid-October to mid-November
Pumpkin patches bring a touch of farm life to Southern California cities, but many have more to offer than supplying the raw materials for Halloween jack-o-lanterns.
They have carnival rides, activities for children, petting zoos and often live entertainment.
Here are some of the places at are opening between now and early October.
Los Angeles County
Cal Poly Pumpkin Festival: Oct. 1-30. Pumpkin patch with photo stops, hayrides, goat petting, corn maze, fair food and live entertainment. Tickets are only available online for reserved time slots. $6-$10 for general admission; $5-7 for ages 3-12. There will be a preview Sept. 30 with food and drink samples and entertainment; tickets are $70. AGRIscapes Center, Cal Poly Pomona, 4102 S. University Drive, Pomona. cpp.edu/~pumpkinfestival
Carved at Descanso Gardens: Oct. 7-31. Hundreds of carved pumpkins on display, hay maze, holiday foods. $20-$26 for members, $32-$38 for non-members.1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. 818-949-4200, descansogardens.org
Forneris Farms: Oct. 8-31. Pumpkin patch and corn maze. Entry is $5, cash only, and there are additional charges for other attractions. 15200 Rinaldi St., Los Angeles. fornerisfarms.com
La Verne Heritage Foundation: Oct. 7-30. Pumpkin patch, tractor-pulled rides, petting farm. Heritage Park, 5001 Via De Mansions, La Verne. laverneheritage.org
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch: Oct. 7-30. Pumpkin and teepee villages, bounce houses, straw maze, petting zoo, giant rocking horses. Admission $10-$30 depending on date and time, extra charges for activities. 10100 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City. 310-276-9827, mrbonespumpkinpatch.com
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, Farmers Market: Oct. 15-31. Games, activities and animals. Free admission, extra charge for activities. 6333 W 3rd St., Los Angeles. mrjackolanternspumpkins.com
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, Torrance: Oct. 1-31. Games, activities and animals. Free admission, extra charge for activities. 17520 Prairie Ave., Torrance. mrjackolanternspumpkins.com
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch, West Los Angeles: Oct. 1-31. Games, activities and animals. Free admission, extra charge for activities. 11852 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. mrjackolanternspumpkins.com
Pa’s Pumpkin Patch: Sept. 30-Oct. 31. Petting zoo, pony rides, corn stalks and fair foods. Advance reservations are required and can be booked online. 6701 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach. paspumpkinpatch.com
Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch: Oct. 1-31. Pumpkin bounce house, train rides, petting zoo, carnival games. No entrance fee, but activities cost $3.50-$7. 11650 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles. shawnspumpkinpatch.com
Toluca Lake Pumpkin Patch: Sept. 26-Oct. 31. Petting zoo and haunted maze. $10 for admission to both. 10601 Riverside Drive, North Hollywood. 818-505-8039
Orange County
Hana Field Pumpkin Patch: Oct. 1-29. U-pick pumpkins and sunflowers, corn maze and barnyard. $10 admission, $15 for flower-picking, activities extra. 427 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa. 949-653-2100.
Irvine Park Railroad: Sept. 17-Oct. 31 Free haunted house, hay maze, hay pyramid, picture stands. Other activities cost extra, including train and hay rides, bounce houses, face painting and panning for gold. Great Pumpkin Weigh-off, Saturday, Sept. 24. Free admission, but parking is $3-$7. Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange. 714-997-3968, irvineparkrailroad.com
Pick of the Patch Pumpkins: Sept. 17-Oct. 31. Giant slides and inflatables. Admission is free; wristbands for inflatables cost $17-$30. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. abctreefarms.net
Pumpkin City, Anaheim: Sept. 30-Oct. 31. Carnival rides, games, petting zoo, entertainment. 2180 E. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim. pumpkincity.com
Pumpkin City, Laguna Hills: Sept. 30-Oct. 31. Carnival rides, games, petting zoo, entertainment, Oktoberfest beer garden. Laguna Hills Mall, 24203 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills. pumpkincity.com
Tanaka Farms: Open now through Oct. 31. U-pick pumpkins, wagon rides, arts and crafts. $10 general admission; extra for activities. Parking passes are required, fee is $10 on weekends. 5380 University Drive, Irvine. 949-653-2100.
Zoomars at River Street Ranch: Saturday, Sept. 24-Oct. 31. Petting zoo with goats, sheep and guinea pigs, pony, train and mini-tractor rides. Admission is $15, $12 for children12 years and younger, 31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano. 949-831-6550, riverstreetranch.com
Riverside County
Big Horse Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch: Oct. 1-30. Giant maze at Big Horse Feed and Mercantile. Food vendors and beer garden on weekends. 33320 Temecula Parkway, Temecula. $15 admission, $10 parking on weekends. 951-389-4621, bighorsecornmaze.com
Hunter’s Pumpkin Patch: Open now through Oct. 30. Carnival games, rides, barrel train, food. 12125 Day St., Building Q, Moreno Valley. 951-440-2027, hunterspumpkinpatch.com
Peltzer Pumpkin Farm: Saturday, Sept. 24-Oct. 31. Petting zoo, games, mining, face painting, rides. $2 admission on weekdays, $3 on weekends, extra for attractions. Pumpkin painting classes for $20 Tuesdays and Thursdays in October. 39925 Calle Contento, Temecula. peltzerfarms.com
Pick of the Patch Pumpkins: Saturday, Sept. 24-Oct 31. Giant slides and inflatables. Admission is free; wristbands for inflatables cost $17-$30. 18614 Dexter Ave., Lake Elsinore. abctreefarms.net
Pumpkin Factory: Oct. 1-31. Rides, bounce houses, petting zoo. 1545 Circle City Drive, Corona. thepumpkinfactory.com
San Bernardino County
Frosty’s Forest: Sept. 30-Oct. 30. “Hocus Pocus”-themed corn maze, sunflower labyrinth, petting zoo, bounce houses, carnival games. $5-$10 admission. A scary corn maze called Haunted Harvest is on the property with $30 separate admission.14861 Ramona Ave., Chino. frostysforest.com, thehauntedharvest.com
Greenspot Farms: Opens Oct. 1. Rides, farm animals, duck races, crafts and hay maze. Free admission. Scary nighttime attractions will be offered Oct. 16-31, including Haunted Hayride and Haunted Trail. Tickets are $15-$30. 10133 Ward Way, Mentone. 909-794-7653, greenspotfarms.com
Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm: Open now through Oct. 31. U-pick pumpkins, more than 50 attractions including corn maze, petting zoo and rides. Live entertainment in October. $10-$25 admission for adults, $5-$20 for children; extra charge for some attractions. Live Oak Canyon Road at the 10 Freeway, Yucaipa. liveoakcanyon.com
SkyPark at Santa’s Village: Oct. 8-30. Pumpkin patch, activities, live entertainment and trick-or-treating on weekends. $59 for adults, $49 for children. 28950 Highway 18, Skyforest. skyparksantasvillage.com
With everything going up in price this summer, going out to dinner with the whole family might just blow that budget right out the water! From the three fantastic blogs below, we rounded up a list of local Southern California restaurants in Orange County offering free meals and deals for kids!
Note: Details may be subject to change (we found that most restaurants have stopped deals and discounts due to the pandemic). In any case, be sure to call your local restaurant to confirm if they’re participating.
The city of Laguna Beach California has a high concentration of named beaches along it’s nine mile long waterfront. Thirty-six to be exact! While each of these beaches are excellent places to visit some have their limitations or are just not one of “best” that Laguna has to offer.
Unfortunately (for most of us) there are beachfront gated communities such as Irvine Cove, Emerald Bay, and Three Arch Bay that close off access to their beaches from the general public. Others such as Totuava have difficult access and some are simply all wet at higher tides.
On the brighter side, Laguna is known for its stunning cove beaches such as Thousand Steps, Crecent Bay, and Victoria Beach. But the focal point of the beach scene in Laguna is at Main Beach where you’ll find grass lawns, volleyball courts, shops, restaurants, and lots of people. It’s the best people-watching spot in all of Laguna.
One section of the shoreline from Main Beach to the Keyhole Rock at Pearl Street Beach is a continuous sandy beach, but it has stairwells at each street so the city has created 12 separate beach names between these end points. Walking on the sand from Main Beach to Pearl Street is a thrill and you can return on the sidewalks of Coast Highway if you’d like. There are many shops and restaurants along this route. Of course it’s possible to turn around or loop back at any of the stairways you find on the way to the end at the Keyhole. If you do the whole thing you can cross many of the Laguna beaches off your to do list.
There are a few parks in Laguna Beach worth mentioning. The crown jewel by far is Crystal Cove State Park at the north end on the border with Newport Beach. This park has six different beaches with two of them in Laguna. You can hike the trails in the park on the bluff or walk long distances on the brown sand below. Heisler Park is another worthy stop in Laguna. It’s just a few paces north from Main Beach and is home to a large picnic area above Picnic Beach and excellent tide pools at Rockpile Beach. Finally in South Laguna there is a huge park called Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park with loads of hiking and mountain biking trails. At the bottom of this canyon is family-friendly Aliso Creek Beach.
Below is our list of the best beaches in Laguna Beach ordered from north to south. As we said, even the smaller hard-to-find beaches in Laguna are worth a visit. So if you have extra time, then check this complete list of Laguna Beaches and see how many you can find!
Moro Beach is the southern beach in Crystal Cove State Park located between Laguna Beach and the Corona Del Mar area of Newport Beach, CA. For many years this was […]
Crescent Bay Beach is a large popular beach in northern Laguna Beach, CA. The main public access is on Cliff Drive one block from where it begins at North Coast […]
Shaw’s Cove is a small sandy locals beach tucked away below homes in Laguna Beach, CA. There is a public entrance to Shaw’s at the intersection of Fairview Street and […]
Fisherman’s Cove Beach is a small south-facing beach tucked away in Laguna Beach, CA. The signage at the entrance to this beach is clearly signed Fisherman’s Cove, but locals also […]
Picnic Beach is the northern beach of Heisler Park in Laguna Beach, CA. The park above the beach offers grassy areas to spread out on and many picnic tables as […]
Main Beach is the simple name given to the main centrally-located city beach in Laguna Beach, California. Main Beach is a nice sandy beach in a broad cove that faces […]
Pearl Street Beach is located below a stairway that begins at the west end of Pearl Street in Laguna Beach. Pearl Street ends at Ocean Way just one block off […]
Woods Cove Beach is in a sandy cove that has rocky points at both ends and fancy Laguna Beach homes high above the bluff. Bette Davis lived in the English […]
Victoria Beach is a long white sandy beach south of Victoria Drive in Laguna Beach. The majority of this southwest-facing beach lies in front of the private gated Lagunita housing […]
Treasure Island Beach is south of the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach, CA. This sandy beach is the north end of the same large cove that begins at Aliso Beach […]
Aliso Beach County Park is a popular sandy beach in South Laguna Beach, CA. Unlike many of the nearby beaches, Aliso Beach has a large off-street parking area next to […]
Table Rock Beach is a locally-known tucked away beach in south Laguna Beach, CA. This is an excellent sandy beach in a deep cove with homes high above. Rocks of […]
Thousand Steps Beach is one of the largest beaches in south Laguna Beach, CA. It’s a wide sandy beach with volleyball courts, restrooms, and tide pools and even caves to […]
Southocbeaches.com has all the info for you to enjoy The Pageant of the Masters!
The Laguna Beach 2022 Pageant of the Masters Theme is Wonderful World.
A kaleidoscope of international art becomes your passport to distant lands, cultural celebrations and fascinating history in the 2022 production of Wonderful World.
This one-of-a-kind theatrical event, featuring live narration and original music performed live by the Pageant’s orchestra, takes place in the beautiful Irvine Bowl on the grounds of Laguna’s Festival of Arts July 7-September 2, 2022, every evening starting at 8:30 p.m.
Pageant of the Masters is at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach.
You can check out the Festival of Arts when you are attending the Pageant of the Masters.
Festival of Arts Raffle Information Is Online
All summer long, Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters guests have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win a brand new 2022 C40 Recharge Twin Ultimate (approximate retail value $60,540). On Saturday August 27, 2022, the lucky winning ticket will be pulled. Tickets are sold for $5 each or 5 tickets for $20.
We love quaint and charming Old Town Seal Beach, Main Street with all its shops and restaurants, and of course, the beach, pier, jetty, surf, and everything in the sun! Check out our blog for a collection of the best things to do and see in and around Old Town Seal Beach.
Many travel bloggers write about Old Town Seal Beach because of the quaint charm that it has. We loved how TanamaTales.com described the gem of Seal Beach:
If you are looking for underrated beach towns in California, check out the best things to do in Seal Beach!
California’s beach towns are famous all over the world. A lot of visitors come to our shores in search of the lifestyle and vibe that is presented in TV shows and movies.
On the contrary, residents and connoisseurs of the area miss the authenticity many towns had before the booming age of travel. It has been said that ‘Old California’ does not exist anymore near big population centers.
But, I digress. I have found my slice of ‘Old California’ not that far from Los Angeles.
Enjoy your day in Old Town Seal Beach. We love it and hope that you do too!
THINGS TO DO IN SEAL BEACH
The Community & Visitor’s Guide published by Seal Beach’s Chamber of Commerce includes a Old Town Seal Beach Map and Walking Tour on page 14 for your enjoyment.
Check out the newly finished River’s End Park featuring a paved pedestrian/biking recreational trail that meanders through the park connecting the San Gabriel River Bike Trail to the First Street/Ocean Avenue intersection at the First Street Beach Parking Lot entrance. There’s a nature trail, playground, access to the jetty and water, picnic tables, and it’s a romantic spot for sunset gazing with unobstructed views according to CA Real Estate Group‘s very own Christine Almarines! Her Instagram page is dotted with photos and videos of breathtaking sunset views!
Little outdated, but a fun site by ThingsToDoPost.org to see the well organized reviews and scores of what people are saying in this Seal Beach Food Guide. (Call before heading over!)
WHERE TO PARK IN SEAL BEACH
There is plenty of free parking on the city’s streets. Now, if you choose this parking option, pay attention to time restrictions. Most spots have a 1 or 2-hour limit.
Public lots (next to the pier and at the end of 1st Street) allow you to park for a longer period of time. You pay according to the time spent on site. These lots allow you to pay (and extend your time) from your phone (you need to download the application though).
Pull your calendars out and plan a picnic, get your lawn chairs ready, and get ready to head to your local park. Plus, guess what? Almost all the Orange County summer concerts are FREE!
Here are two sites that have compiled a list of all the summer concerts by respective Cities. They provide links to the actual event and/or City websites that provide complete info.
