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Travel

Cluster trips See the sites and save gas, too! By Susan PetersonPublished: July, 2008

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Gas prices are high, yes. But so is our desire to travel. With summer in full swing, it’s time to get away for at least an afternoon or a day excursion. So what’s a fun-loving, penny-wise, energy-conscious mother to do?     One word – “cluster.” That is, visit places within the same area, and know what else there is to see and do within the immediate vicinity.          Take San Juan Capistrano, for instance  Perhaps you plan a visit to the jewel of the California missions – Mission San Juan Capistrano. Strolling the beautiful mission grounds, soaking in the ambiance and architecture from another era. Stepping into various rooms that showcase mission living is always an exciting and educational experience.     Before you go, however, make sure to check the Web site for a list of special happenings, such as Living History Days, offered the second Saturday of every month; free storytelling every Thursday and free crafts every Tuesday during the summer; summer concerts under the stars; community appreciation days; and so much more. Be sure to ask about the audio tour called Voices of the Mission and the Passport Explorer, designed specifically for kids. Next stop: Zoomars While in San Juan Capistrano, go to Zoomars, a delightful petting zoo within walking distance from the mission. It features llamas, goats, sheep, horses, emus, alpacas, ducks, guinea pigs, several exotic birds, and lots and lots of bunnies to pet and cuddle. Here, too, you can climb aboard for a miniature train ride or saddle up for a pony ride.     You can also bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at a small park around the corner from the zoo, or indulge in tea time at The Tea House on Los Rios, which is just a block down the road. This lovely Victorian house, with English-style gardens, offers sumptuous brunch and lunch menus, as well as a variety of traditional teas with scones, finger sandwiches, fruits and desserts. Yummy!     Other options to maximize your time in San Juan Capistrano include simply watching the trains pull in and out of the station, eating at the 1940s-era Ruby’s Diner and shopping on downtown main street with its eclectic mix of stores.      So much to see in Newport Beach, too! In Newport Beach, another terrific cluster destination is along, and surrounding, the Balboa Peninsula. Park in just one spot and walk around to enjoy the many amenities.     Balboa Beach beckons with its sand, waters and fishing pier. The adjacent Peninsula Park offers a playground, grassy area and barbecue pits. Inland, across the street, is the Balboa Fun Zone, which is a pedestrian strip packed with things to do.      Rent a bicycle. Take a harbor cruise. Catch a boat over to Catalina! Ride the Ferris wheel and merry-go-round. Hop on board the ferry for a short ride over to Balboa Island. Climb a rock wall. Play in the arcade and games room. Grab a bite to eat. Explore the new Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, especially on the first Wednesday of the month for storytelling, crafts, the touch tank and music geared for preschoolers. Other gas-saving travel tips: > ALWAYS CALL AHEAD: Confirm that the places you want to visit are open, as they can close temporarily for maintenance, or close permanently; that the hours are what you think they are; and that the one attraction – the entire reason for going – is open that day. > PLAN: If you are going to several places in one day, map them out. Figure out which place to visit first, second and third, and rank them either in order of importance or by distance. I go to the one furthest away from home first, so my drive directly home at the end of the day, when everyone is tired, is shorter. > CHECK FOR DISCOUNTS: AAA members receive discounted admission at certain attractions. Amusement parks sometimes offer discounts on their Web site. Call the place you want to visit first and ask if, and where, discounts are available. n Susan Peterson is a freelance writer. Her guidebook, “Fun and Educational Places to Go With Kids and Adults in Southern California,” has indexes by city, by price and by theme. Back to top If you go: > Mission San Juan Capistrano: missionsjc.com > Zoomars: zoomars.com > The Tea House on Los Rios: theteahouseonlosrios.com > Balboa Fun Zone: thebalboafunzone.com > Newport Harbor Nautical Museum: nhnm.org What I liked best: > The hands-on activities at the mission. > Watching kids squeal with delight when they feed the bunnies and other animals at Zoomars. > Tea at The Tea House, with its picturesque surroundings and delicious food. > Going to the Balboa Peninsula is like taking a mini vacation. Nothing beats the famed Balboa Bar - a vanilla ice cream bar dipped in chocolate and coated with nuts or sprinkles. > The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum continues to add new, kid-friendly features. Take a harbor cruise. You’ll enjoy the scenery and hearing about the history of the place and people.

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