Places to Go

Located alongside the San Joaquin Hills, Aliso Wood Canyons is ideal for day hikes. From the top you can see Saddleback Valley and the Pacific Ocean. There is biking, hiking and equestrian trails. Many archaeological finds have been made here, including relics from early days when Indians first hunted, gathered and fished in this part of California.

This park houses the city's recreation offices and has a municipal swimming pool with a diving platform. The park is next to a green hillside with a landscaped botanical trail, featuring acres of plants indigenous to the Southwest. It's an excellent place to relax and connect with nature.

Laguna Niguel Regional Park is a large park with a 40-acre lake for fishing and boating. The lake is stocked with bass, catfish and trout. There are many areas for playing, picnicking, jogging and cycling. This park rests up against the San Joaquin Hills, providing access to lots of hilly areas for hiking. There is also a remote control, glider-plane bluff at the north end of the park, where you're sure to see folks launching their model planes.

Spend the afternoon kicking a soccer ball around or watching local teams play. Bring your skateboard and ride through the skate park. The skate park is open from noon-9:30 p.m. Helmets, knee pads and elbow pads are available for rent.

The Orange County Natural History Museum is dedicated to preserving both the past and present through the display of its unique collection of artifacts. Nature walks, tours, and youth and school programs teach visitors about California's natural history year-round. Additionally, volunteer specialists and local professors conduct a monthly lecture series and facilitate special programs. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.