San Diego Zoo - About an hour south of MV in San Diego. The Zoo is enormous. There are value packages but basically it is $35/day for adult. The 100-acre World-Famous San Diego Zoo is home over 3,800 animals of 800 different species.two seperate parks located together.
San Diego Wild Animal Park - Opened to the public on May 10, 1972, the San Diego Wild Animal Park is a unique adventure -- a zoo unlike traditional zoos -- in which animals roam in entire herds and flocks, in enclosures measured in acres rather than feet.
SeaWorld - about an hour south in San Diego. $65/day. See the world-famous Shamu show, play with dolphins, see the world's largest display of sharks, and see truly amazing animals all in this one of a kind amusement park.
Disneyland - 25 min north of Mission Viejo in Anaheim. Walt's original Theme Park continues to reign as "The Happiest Place on Earth" and home to almost five decades of Disney wonder and magic. Disneyland offers over 60 world-famous parades, shows, and attractions, including The Indiana Jones Adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean, and FANTASMIC!
Disney's California Adventure - 25 min north of Mission Viejo in Anaheim. Located next door to Disneyland. Celebrate the fun and adventures of California. Immerse yourself in the California spirit through Hollywood magic, beachfront boardwalk thrills, and great outdoor adventures Disney style.
Knott's Berry Farm- just a little north of Disneyland in Buena Park, about 30 minutes north of Mission Viejo. Most affordable of all amusement parks at $31/day. Knott's is a 150 acres of thrilling rides, exciting attractions, outstanding live entertainment, fascinating historic exhibits, world-famous dining and one-of-a-kind specialty shops.
Six Flags Magic Mountain - about 1 hr and 20 minutes north to Valenica. $39/day. Six Flags Magic Mountain features the world's most thrilling rides plus exciting shows and family adventures. Next door, Hurricane Harbor water park is open May-Sept. The park now has more roller coasters than any other park in the world.
Universal Studios- an hour north into LA (Universal City) $67/day
Wild Rivers Waterpark- June thru September. Located in Irvine off the 405.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Good Eats
A's- very cheap mexican food and burgers in south Mission Viejo. Known for breakfast burritos and homemade salsa along with great burgers.
Cinnamon Roll Fair- fresh cinnamon rolls, cookies, pastries in the morning (on Balboa Island in Newport Beach) 714-328-6548
Cook's Corner- Spaghetti Wednesday's for $6 in Lake Forest, all you can eat
Daily Grill- $12-$25 for entrees. Excellent food w locations in Irvine and Newport Beach.
Empenada Man- hand-made Argentine empenadas and pizzeria. Good, cheap eats. They even have chimichurri and alfajores.
Crepe Maker- in Irvine. French crepes. $4-6.
Felix Continental Cafe- great Cuban food in charming old town Orange.
Golden Spoon- fat-free frozen yogurt, multiple locations
Inka Mamas- 10 min west in Aliso Viejo. Peruvian food. $12-15/entree.
La Sirena Grill- fresh mexican off PCH in Laguna Beach & Irvine. $8/entree.
Las Golandrinas- (5 locations) cheap but fantastic mexican food. Great guacamole and chips.
PJ's Abbey- originally built in 1891 as Gothic-style Victorian Baptist Church, this American-style restaurant has a great setting in heart of Orange. $15-30/dinner entree.
Rockin' Baja Lobster- great mexican seafood place in Newport Beach, right next to pier. $8-12 per entree.
Skimmer's- panini grill in Mission Viejo- good $6/sandwiches.
Strickland's Ice Cream- located in Irvine. (The only frozen custard place I know of).
Taleo Grill- upscale mexican in Irvine. $15-20 per entree.
The Derby- fun dueling piano restaurant at the Kaleidoscope. Piano playing begins at 9 pm to 1 am Tuesday thru Saturday
The Hat- excellent pastrami burgers and fries in Lake Forest but you'll feel like a beast after eating there. Fast food prices.
CHAINS: Panera/Chipotle/Pei Wei/PF Chang's/Cheesecake Factory/Macaroni Grill/Fatburger/Lucille's BBQ/Claimjumper/In N Out/Oggi's Pizza/Coco's/El Torito Grill/California Pizza Kitchen/Baja Fresh
Cinnamon Roll Fair- fresh cinnamon rolls, cookies, pastries in the morning (on Balboa Island in Newport Beach) 714-328-6548
Cook's Corner- Spaghetti Wednesday's for $6 in Lake Forest, all you can eat
Daily Grill- $12-$25 for entrees. Excellent food w locations in Irvine and Newport Beach.
Empenada Man- hand-made Argentine empenadas and pizzeria. Good, cheap eats. They even have chimichurri and alfajores.
Crepe Maker- in Irvine. French crepes. $4-6.
Felix Continental Cafe- great Cuban food in charming old town Orange.
Golden Spoon- fat-free frozen yogurt, multiple locations
Inka Mamas- 10 min west in Aliso Viejo. Peruvian food. $12-15/entree.
La Sirena Grill- fresh mexican off PCH in Laguna Beach & Irvine. $8/entree.
Las Golandrinas- (5 locations) cheap but fantastic mexican food. Great guacamole and chips.
PJ's Abbey- originally built in 1891 as Gothic-style Victorian Baptist Church, this American-style restaurant has a great setting in heart of Orange. $15-30/dinner entree.
Rockin' Baja Lobster- great mexican seafood place in Newport Beach, right next to pier. $8-12 per entree.
Skimmer's- panini grill in Mission Viejo- good $6/sandwiches.
Strickland's Ice Cream- located in Irvine. (The only frozen custard place I know of).
Taleo Grill- upscale mexican in Irvine. $15-20 per entree.
The Derby- fun dueling piano restaurant at the Kaleidoscope. Piano playing begins at 9 pm to 1 am Tuesday thru Saturday
The Hat- excellent pastrami burgers and fries in Lake Forest but you'll feel like a beast after eating there. Fast food prices.
CHAINS: Panera/Chipotle/Pei Wei/PF Chang's/Cheesecake Factory/Macaroni Grill/Fatburger/Lucille's BBQ/Claimjumper/In N Out/Oggi's Pizza/Coco's/El Torito Grill/California Pizza Kitchen/Baja Fresh
Cost Effective Activities
Santa Ana Zoo - about 15 min north of MV. Only $7/day/adult and $4/day for children and 50% after 2 pm. The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is a public zoological garden occupying a unique urban site in the heart of Orange County. Situated on approximately 20 acres, it hosts more than 270,000 people annually.
Orange County Zoo - 10 min north of MV in Orange. $2/day for age 3+. The Orange County Zoo is located inside beautiful Irvine Park. The park is located within the city limits of the City of Orange. The zoo is nestled among the majestic 477 acre wilderness park. The zoo specializes in the animals and plants from the southwestern United States.
Discovery Science Center - 15-20 min north of MV. $12.95/adult $9.95/children. Discovery Science Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting teachers and increasing understanding and appreciation of science, math and technology. In short, Discovery Science Center is a place where children and adults alike can learn while having fun.
Bowers Museum- a hands-on child-friendly learning center designed to teach children about the multicultural world in which we live. Open Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Holiday hours: Nov. 26, Dec. 21-24 and 28-31, noon-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and children 3 or older.
Ocean Institute- On weekends, we open our doors to the public for a sneak peek into how ocean science, history, and literature are used to inspire life-long learners! Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am-3:00pm. $6.50/adults and $4.50/kids.
Aquarium of the Pacific - 40 min north of MV up 405 in Long Beach. $20/adults, $12/kids. The Aquarium of the Pacific is a celebration of the world's largest and most diverse body of water. Through dozens of breathtaking exhibits, you'll meet more than 12,000 of this ocean's inhabitants, including some 550 different species.
Orange County Market Place- 15-20 min north up 405 in Costa Mesa Fairgrounds. Every Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm. Just like a garage sale, except you pay $2 to get in, includes a Farmer's Market.
Boomer's Parks- mini golf, bumper cars/boats, rock wall, batting cages, laser tage, arcades. 10 min north up 405 in Irvine.
$1 Movie Theater- 10 minutes north up 5 in Irvine. $1.50 All shows before 6 pm; $2.00 all shows after 6 pm; Tues $1.00 All Day
Ferris Wheel at Irvine Spectrum Center
Nickel Cade- 5 cent arcades off El Toro? I believe it has a $2 entrance fee.
Orange County Zoo - 10 min north of MV in Orange. $2/day for age 3+. The Orange County Zoo is located inside beautiful Irvine Park. The park is located within the city limits of the City of Orange. The zoo is nestled among the majestic 477 acre wilderness park. The zoo specializes in the animals and plants from the southwestern United States.
Discovery Science Center - 15-20 min north of MV. $12.95/adult $9.95/children. Discovery Science Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting teachers and increasing understanding and appreciation of science, math and technology. In short, Discovery Science Center is a place where children and adults alike can learn while having fun.
Bowers Museum- a hands-on child-friendly learning center designed to teach children about the multicultural world in which we live. Open Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Holiday hours: Nov. 26, Dec. 21-24 and 28-31, noon-5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and children 3 or older.
Ocean Institute- On weekends, we open our doors to the public for a sneak peek into how ocean science, history, and literature are used to inspire life-long learners! Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am-3:00pm. $6.50/adults and $4.50/kids.
Aquarium of the Pacific - 40 min north of MV up 405 in Long Beach. $20/adults, $12/kids. The Aquarium of the Pacific is a celebration of the world's largest and most diverse body of water. Through dozens of breathtaking exhibits, you'll meet more than 12,000 of this ocean's inhabitants, including some 550 different species.
Orange County Market Place- 15-20 min north up 405 in Costa Mesa Fairgrounds. Every Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm. Just like a garage sale, except you pay $2 to get in, includes a Farmer's Market.
Boomer's Parks- mini golf, bumper cars/boats, rock wall, batting cages, laser tage, arcades. 10 min north up 405 in Irvine.
$1 Movie Theater- 10 minutes north up 5 in Irvine. $1.50 All shows before 6 pm; $2.00 all shows after 6 pm; Tues $1.00 All Day
Ferris Wheel at Irvine Spectrum Center
Nickel Cade- 5 cent arcades off El Toro? I believe it has a $2 entrance fee.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Free stuff to do in Orange County
Lake Mission Viejo- not a great website but basically, residents of Mission Viejo get access to this man-made lake, with a beach, kayaks, paddle boats, fishing, bbq pits, grass areas, sand volleyball courts, bball courts, etc. It is just 2 minutes from our house and could be something we go to a couple times.
Orange County Beaches (9, including- Salt Creek- a really nice beach with picnic tables, playground and grassy area 15 minutes from our home. Dana Pointe/Doheney- nice pier/harbor that you can walk around, kayak, ride bikes. There are also picnic areas and lots of trees. 15 min from our home). San Clemente Pier is very cool.
Wilderness Parks- (6) hikes and picnics. Regional Parks- Irvine Regional has Irvine Park Railroad, a 1/3 scale train ride through beautiful and historic Irvine Regional Park located in the foothills of Orange. $4/person.(15) Historical Parks- (7)
Newport Beach Temple- 20 minutes north off the 73.
Newport Dunes- free movies on a huge screen all through the summer, on Friday and Saturday nights beginning at sunset.
Mission Viejo Library
Newport Sports Museum- John W. Hamilton has managed to amass one of the world’s largest sports memorabilia collections, and it’s all on display at the Newport Sports Museum. It’s free. Open since 1995, the museum contains more than 10,000 items, one more impressive than the next. Open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Orange County Beaches (9, including- Salt Creek- a really nice beach with picnic tables, playground and grassy area 15 minutes from our home. Dana Pointe/Doheney- nice pier/harbor that you can walk around, kayak, ride bikes. There are also picnic areas and lots of trees. 15 min from our home). San Clemente Pier is very cool.
Wilderness Parks- (6) hikes and picnics. Regional Parks- Irvine Regional has Irvine Park Railroad, a 1/3 scale train ride through beautiful and historic Irvine Regional Park located in the foothills of Orange. $4/person.(15) Historical Parks- (7)
Newport Beach Temple- 20 minutes north off the 73.
Newport Dunes- free movies on a huge screen all through the summer, on Friday and Saturday nights beginning at sunset.
Mission Viejo Library
Newport Sports Museum- John W. Hamilton has managed to amass one of the world’s largest sports memorabilia collections, and it’s all on display at the Newport Sports Museum. It’s free. Open since 1995, the museum contains more than 10,000 items, one more impressive than the next. Open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
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