After Thanksgiving’s feast, it’s tempting to kick back, rest a plate of leftovers on your swollen belly and wonder if anyone will notice if you sneak in another slice of pumpkin pie.
But before you sink into the Sofa of Oblivion or wade into Black Friday crowds, consider stepping into the outdoors with friends and family. Not only will you have a fine time, that leftover piece of pie will be guilt-free.
To get motivated, here are five top places to stroll or hike without breaking too much of a sweat. Hey, it’s the holiday season; joining a gym is for January.
But first, consider a bonus excursion – a walk around the block. Yes, your block.
Neighborhoods are always changing. Some holiday decorations already are going up. Even better, there’s some green to the grass due to recent drizzles. Most everyone is in good spirits.
There’s even a nip in the air – but not too much. Remember, that’s why we live here. So let’s get going.
LAGUNA LAKE, FULLERTON
Why: There aren’t many parks with lakes in north Orange County, and Laguna Lake Park is one of the prettiest. The landscape invites quiet contemplation as much as it does strolling.
What: This gem of a park covers 28.5 acres and offers groomed walking paths and shade trees. The seven-acre lake is more like a large pond and that’s just fine. The California Department of Fish and Game often stocks the lake, but you need a fishing license.
Tip: If the park seems more like a warm-up, head toward the eastern edge and cross Lakeside Drive. There, you will find the Juanita Cooke Greenbelt Trail.
Amenities: Restrooms, some paths for people with walkers or in wheelchairs.
Where: 3120 Lakeview Drive in Fullerton.
TIDE POOLS, DANA POINT
Why: Because we live here partly for the ocean, but many of us rarely get there.
What: At the base of the Headland cliffs, you’ll find tide pools with sea anemones, starfish and sea urchins. And keep in mind, this trip isn’t just about tide pools. Strolling the wharf is wonderful, too. With king tides expected this week, keep an eye on the waves.
Tip: Visit the Ocean Institute. Admission is $5 and the hours today are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There also are tours of the Brig Pilgrim, the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center and the new Headlands and Beyond exhibit.
Amenities: Restrooms, concrete and groomed paths for those with walkers or in wheelchairs. The tide pools, however, require that you can descend steep stairs and move over soft sand.
Where: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive in Dana Point.
SANTIAGO OAKS, ORANGE
Why: Santiago Oaks Regional Park is off the beaten path, and is often nearly empty. The county parks system describes it as “secluded.”
What: The 1,269-acre park has an orange grove, a now-dry creek and old oaks.
Tip: The hilltop views are among the coolest in the county. But be warned, the steep trails can be a slog.
Amenities: A nature center, restrooms, limited paths for people with walkers or in wheelchairs.
Where: 2145 N. Windes Drive in Orange; $3 entry fee.
BOLSA CHICA, HUNTINGTON BEACH
Why: With a makeover that has stretched over several years, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is finally ready for awesome selfies.
What: Covering 1,300 acres of coastal estuary, the park includes an interpretive center in the north lot, salt marshes, coastal dunes, nesting islands, and an array of migrating birds.
Tip: Park in the south lot and check out the wood platform that stretches deep into the marsh.
Amenities: Restrooms, some limited paths for people with walkers or in wheelchairs.
Where: The north lot is on Warner Avenue near Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. The south lot is on Pacific Coast Highway across from the state beach.
QUAIL HILL, IRVINE
Why: This wilderness oasis is suitable for families of all ages.
What: Quail Hill offers a wide, 1.8-mile loop that is relatively flat with great views of the Santa Ana mountains when you look beyond the 405 Freeway.
Tip: Bring your cellphone and dial 949-743-5943 for a free, self-guided nature tour. Or listen to the information on the way to the park.
Amenities: Best park restrooms in the county, picnic tables, groomed paths for people with walkers or in wheelchairs.
Where: 34 Shady Canyon Drive in Irvine.
One last note: Regular state park fees apply today.
Contact the writer: dwhiting@ocregister.com
