Day Trips that Won't Take the Whole Day
Five things to do within 20 miles of Aliso Viejo.
With hectic lives and a busy toddler who doesn't want to be buckled into the car for very long, outings that don't fill our entire day is the perfect option for my family.
I've lived in Aliso Viejo for 14 months and have built my own collection of day trip gems. The best part — all of them are less than 20 miles from home.
- Zoomars Petting Zoo, approximately 9.8 miles from Aliso Viejo
I went to Zoomars with my family about six months ago. It is small, but fun for a relatively quick day trip. My daughter was still pretty young at the time so her animal interaction was limited. However, she loved the rabbits. We'll be back to visit the pigs, horses and chickens very soon.
- Balboa Island, approximately 13.1 miles from Aliso Viejo
I've lived in Orange County for about seven years and somehow never made it to Balboa Island until this past weekend. Now, I'm in love. The quaint shops and easy beach access will entertain you for as many hours you allow. Be sure to stop by Balboa Candy for some salt water taffy.
- Pacific Marine Mammal Center, approximately 3.9 miles from Aliso Viejo
This has to be one of my favorite places in the world and it is practically in Aliso Viejo's backyard. This animal rescue center is a great place to introduce children to nature. Come back often to watch these injured Pinnipeds gain back their strength.
- The Great Park, approximately 9.8 miles from Aliso Viejo
The Great Park in Irvine offers a large variety of events and programs. Every Sunday (rain or shine) the Great Park becomes a Farmer's Market, full of fresh produce. The park includes attractions, like the orange hot air balloon ride and the carousel, as well as programs and classes, like the regular star gazing activity.
- Aliso Beach, approximately 9.6 miles from Aliso Viejo
_The large parking lot and easy beach access makes Aliso Beach one of my favorites in Orange County. Plus, you have to love the name. Swimmers and surfers are often found testing Aliso's waves. It is a great place to just park the car and watch the water.
In This article
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Zoomars Petting Zoo
31791 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano, CA -
Pacific Marine Mammal Center
20612 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA -
Aliso Beach
Aliso & Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA
Julianna Crisalli
8:51 am on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
What day trips do you enjoy?
Megan
9:26 am on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Winter is a great time for tide pooling. We recently went to the tide pools behind the Ocean Institute in Dana Point as saw an octopus. In all of my tide pooling trips this was the first time I saw an octopus. There were also a lot of sea stars. You can check out the local tide schedule on the weather station website to see what time low tide will be.
Julianna Crisalli
9:42 am on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Great idea Megan! Thanks for sharing. I've never been to the tide pools, but I know I'll love it.
Wendy Harder
9:53 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Even closer to home you can walk the Millennium Trail at Soka University (one mile loop with free parking) -- and then have lunch with the students, staff and faculty at the Soka Bistro (open 11:30 am - 1 pm, $9.50 per person for all you can eat including dessert and beverage.) Enjoy!
Julianna Crisalli
9:58 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Another great idea, thanks Wendy!
AVResident2
4:14 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
That’s a great tip. Soka is a wonderful resource, but it seems that very few in the region (and some who actually work in Aliso Viejo) know about its existence. I’m not a marketing professional, so I don’t know how this problem could be addressed; and it’s not really limited to Soka University.
It seems that many people in OC have the gravely mistaken impression that Aliso Viejo is a “cookie-cutter community" with nothing to offer for entertainment.