Most tourists associate Malibu with star sightings and surf culture, but the real star of this scenic stretch of Pacific Coast Highway is the opportunity to go on nature outings so close to Los Angeles.

Leo Carrillo State Park offers up a family-friendly blend of beach fun – think tide pools, coastal caves, views to die for and water exploring galore – with campgrounds and hiking trails to boot. The park has 1.5 miles of beach for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing and beachcombing. Plan your visit for low tides and you won’t be disappointed. Expect to see crabs, sea anemones, sea stars, sea urchins, mussels, barnacles and more. For maximum enjoyment, bring sturdy waterproof shoes, favorite sand toys, towels, a change of clothes and a sense of adventure. Nature walks and campfire programs are offered and a small visitor center has interpretive displays.

Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a place Michele had driven by hundreds of times, but never stopped.  Debi had raved about taking guided tours there, so they opted to meet on the coast for some exploring.  There’s a nice picnic area near the dirt parking lot with a few tables.  Then they took off down the path to the beach for some one-of-a-kind birdwatching spotting hummingbirds and a night heron right away.  The Lagoon was the main attraction, so we walked along the beach and turned our attention towards the Santa Monica Mountains looming beyond the Pacific Coast Highway bridge. We saw the antics of pelicans, terns, and protected species of plover.

In addition to birdwatching, Malibu Lagoon State Beach offers a whole lot more in the way of nature activities. Guided tours of the wetlands and other natural elements such as grunion, the monarch butterfly, tidepools and the gray whale are scheduled seasonally. The Malibu Lagoon beach features wetlands, flower gardens and a sandy beach, which is popular with novice and seasoned surfers alike.

The Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society family walks at Malibu Lagoon are offered every fourth Sunday of the month at 10 a.m., rain or shine. Walks are FREE and kids and parents are provided with binoculars. Experienced, kid-friendly guides are patient and eager to share their love of birds with little ones. May not be appropriate for kids under 5.

Another reason for picking this location was a first-time visit to the new Legacy Park in Malibu. Just walk across the street from the Lagoon and you’ll find yourself in a wonderland of California native species.  The park is divided into habitats with whimsical mosaic statues sprinkled along the dirt paths. According to the City of Malibu website, this park holds the distinction of being “at the heart of the only location in California where four other natural coastal habitats – ocean, lagoon, creek, and bluffs – will be linked and accessible.”

Restaurants and shops are right next to the park in the village area of Malibu for easy access to food and restrooms.  Next time you drive the coast — consider stopping for a short, but memorable nature outing.

Both Debi Huang (GoExploreNature.com) and Michele Whiteaker (FunOrangeCountyParks.com) are travel hungry 2011 Superoos who have taken to adventuring together on monthly outings somewhere in between Debi’s home base of Los Angeles and Michele’s in Orange County.

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Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

If I lived in the midwest and had never been to the California coast, I think I would day dream about it often.  I would probably take snippets from different television shows, movies, and Beach Boy songs to create an image  in my head of what I believed a Southern California beach vacation might be like.  It would be a vision filled with palm trees, wide sandy beaches, surfers, and families biking along a coastal path.  For many people who have never been to California, the vision in their head looks alot like Huntington Beach, and their dream resort just may be the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa.

My family recently had the pleasure of staying at the Hyatt Huntington Beach and the opportunity to enjoy a little bit of time being Orange County tourists.  I am always telling friends who are planning a trip to Disneyland that they should find a hotel near the beach so that their kids can see a bit more of what Orange County has to offer beyond the Disney Strip on Harbor Blvd.  Don’t get me wrong, I think families should definitely work some Disney time into their vacation schedules, but I believe a day at the beach in between all the theme park madness can make the entire vacation that much more enjoyable.

What makes the Hyatt Huntington Beach so special?  Well besides being directly across from Huntington State Beach, the gorgeous red tiled roofs and Spanish style architecture, and comfortable guest rooms with amazing views of the grounds and ocean beyond, there is the Slyder’s Water Playground pool area.  Simply said- it rocks!  Older children (and parent’s like me who love acting like a kid) will have a ball sliding down the three different water slides while little ones will feel comfortable playing in the shallow splash pools.  There are cabanas for rent that flank the pools that are perfect for families with younger kids who need naps because they can close up completely to provide privacy and have flat screen tvs which are great for providing some white noise.

Another fun aspect of the resort is that there are several fire pits located on the property, including at Slyder’s, which make for excellent S’mores making stations.  S’mores kits are available at the grocery store on the property and the warm fire is certainly welcome because when the sun goes down, the coast can get chilly.  If you would rather have your S’mores at a bonfire on the beach, Toes on the Nose, the resort’s gear and adventure store, can reserve a fire pit for your family and even provide S’mores kits and beach chairs.

Toes on the Nose is a great resource for families visiting Huntington Beach.  They have bicycles, wet suits, surf boards, wet suits, beach chair, umbrellas and even sand toys available for rent.  Its also a great place to book surf and stand up paddle lessons as well as kayak tours.  They even provide a beach butler service which includes a private cabana on the beach with lounge chairs, towel service, chilled water and energy drink delivery, and chilled face and body mist spray!

There are plenty of great dining options on the Hyatt property.  The Californian features classic California cuisine and is a great place to bring the young kids for breakfast or lunch but might be best suited for older children during the evening when the atmosphere is a bit more upscale.  Casual dining in a fun surfer atmosphere can be found at Pete’s Sunset Grille.   Two poolside restaurants are open seasonally and offer casual poolside fare along with specialty drinks.

For more details about the resort, read my entire review of the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa.

If all this talk of a Hyatt beach/Disney vacation has peaked your interest, then be sure to check out the Hyatt’s Explorer Package.  It’s great for families looking to escape over spring break or the summer.

With the three night Explore Package, families will enjoy:

• Breakfast for two adults and two children under 18
• Two-Day Disney Park Hopper Tickets for two adults and two children under 18
• A S’mores kit
• Valet parking
• Two bike rentals one-half day each

Click here for more information and booking information.

Stop by for  Monday Madness on January 24th for a great giveaway featuring a stay at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach and much more!

Disclosure: My family received a complimentary night at the Hyatt Huntington Beach which included two meals in order to complete this story.  The resort did not ask that I express any particular opinion and everything I have stated regarding the resort is based on my honest opinion.

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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.

Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

Welcome to

Across the country, our state parks are in peril.  The recession and mismanagement of tax payer money has resulted in legislators making drastic cuts in funding.   In some states such as Arizona, the lack of funds has resulted in park closures.  California has seen reduced hours, increased entry fees, and skeleton crews doing their best to keep the parks going.  The decreased ranger presence has also lead to an increase in crime.  Something has to change.

Luckily, Californians have a chance to solve the state park budget woes with Prop 21.  For only $18 a year, which will be added on to vehicle registration fees, Californians can enjoy unlimited free entry to all of their state parks, beaches, and historical sites.   Its that simple.  Free entry means families will have a place to go for inexpensive outings; it means that people will be motivated to use their state parks more often; and it means kids will get more exercise, education, and fresh air.  Passing Prop 21 will also serve as a model for other states which are faced with the same situation.  Saving California’s state parks isn’t just a California issue, its a national issue.

This week, bloggers across the country are encouraged to share their favorite state parks with their readers while encouraging them to support Prop 21.  I would like to share with you all one of mine, Crystal Cove State Park.

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I always say that spending time at Crystal Cove is like stepping back in time. Though it is located just south of Newport Beach, the cliffs just above the beach block out the sounds of traffic on Pacfic Coast Highway and hide the hillsides filled with million dollar homes.  Its a great place to play in the surf, climb on the rocks, and explore tide pools. Its also a wonderful place to enjoy a beachside vacation.  Historic cottages from the 1930′s and 40′s are available for rent at very reasonable rates (under $200 for a family of four!) and they are located right on the sand!  A restaurant located beachside provides a fun experience for both cottage visitors and day trippers alike.  The Shake Shack at the top of the bluffs provides sweet treats and sandwiches to families not in the mood for a sit down meal.  Out on the water, visitors can enjoy kayaking, surfing, diving, and fishing.  The entire stretch of Crystal Cove coastline has been protected as an Underwater Preserve.

While the stunning beauty of over 3 miles of pristine California coastline is the main draw for most tourists, the back country in the inland portion of the park is also worth a visit.  Hikers can enjoy the unique scenery of  rare chaparral habitat  whilst taking in dramatic views of the ocean below.   There are several hike-in campsites to enjoy if you are up for a 3 mile uphill trek and primitive conditions.  Horseback riding and mountain biking are also popular activities enjoyed by visitors to this spectacular state park by the sea.

Do you have an outing or State Park  that you would like to spotlight this week?

Perhaps its a post about a vacation you just took or a day trip that you think our readers should know about.  Or maybe its a post about A STATE PARK THAT YOU LOVE!  Link up something fresh from your blog using the Mr Linky below. 

PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS.

Step 1: Pick a recent post (past couple of days)

Step 2: Under “Name” write: “Title of your blog post (blog name)” – blog name in parenthesis
Under “url” paste: the link to your blog post (not your home page)

Step 3: Grab the Spotlight Thursday image and link to this post so your readers can see who else is playing along this week.

We want to be sure that everyone who participates in Spotlight Thursdays gets their moment in the spotlight so blogs that don’t link back will unfortunately have to be removed.

Proudly participating in Delicious Baby’s Save Our State Parks themed Photo Friday.

But wait- there’s more! Be sure to join @trekaroo and @doubleadventure at the #TMOM  twitter party which will be held 9pM ET on Monday, 11/1/10 to share the love & learn about #Prop21 in CA.

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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.

Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

Just yesterday, at the playground our 3 year old who normally would be clambering across the tree house playground was lethargically sitting on my lap in the shade. With beads of sweat trickling down his little face he sighed, “I’m roasted like a marshmallow!” One of the best things about summer is finding fun places to cool off our kids close to home or a road trip away.

Photo by: www.flickr.com/photos/23826464@N04/3479116232

Beach Bumpkins

Kids and beaches are a winning combination. Tidepooling is a fun and educational way to cool off and explore the beach.
Kid-Friendly Tidepools Along the California Coast

Trekaroo families know which beaches are best for kids. Read their reviews:
Kid-friendly Beaches in Miami & Palm Beach, Florida
Kid-friendly Beaches in Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Kid-friendly Beaches in South Carolina
Kid-friendly Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii
Photo by: Brennan Pang

Fun Escapes into Cool Museums

Not in the mood for getting wet?  Escape to an air-conditioned museum instead!  Get cool and develop new interests.  Lydie Thomas tells us How to Make a Trip to a Museum With a Kid a Pleasant Experience.

Ready?  Start exploring kid-friendly museum exhibits for summer 2009 Across the US | San Francisco Bay Area
Museum Free Days in the San Francisco Bay Area – GrandmaDot
Photo by: www.flickr.com/photos/emeryjl/1317616335

Wonderful Water Parks

River Head, NY: Splish Splash Water Park
Martap112 loves it because it has “a lot of rides to choose from”.
Denver, CO: Water World
One of the largest water parks in the nation with more for young kids than most.
Lydie Thomas reminds us to play hard, but stay safe:
Kid Safety TIps at a Water Park or Public Pool

Water Parks in Florida
Water Parks near San Francisco
Water Park in Washington
Photo by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/papalamour/206475271

Livin’ it up at a Lake

Yosemite, CA: Lake Tanaya
Escape the crowds at this lake with it’s “stunning views, large beach and shallow waters” according to TravelPangs.

Oakland, CA: Lake Temescal
A neighborhood swimming lake that’s a “great place for kids” according to mitchguez.
Jim Thorpe, PA: Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Christine O’Toole recommends it because it “offers more than a vacation’s worth of activities”.
Photo by: Brennan Pang

Splash Pads, Fountains and Pools

Chicago: Splash at Millennium Park
asmpman says, “This whole park is fabulous!”.
San Francisco Bay Area Public Pools
The City | Peninsula | East Bay
San Francisco Bay Area Splash Parks
Peninsula | East Bay
Photo by:www.flickr.com/photos/brian-m/233359192

Unexpected Places to Cool Off

Jacksonville (Florida) Zoo & Gardens:
Splash Ground is a “perfect midday break” from walking around the zoo -  BarnesFam
California: Universal Studios
Yes, there’s a splash park!  Gretchen “took along swimsuits and watershoes and hung out in the splash park” with her kids all summer.

More Lists for Cooling Off By Trekaroo Familes:

• Places to Cool Off in Texas by romar

• Places to Cool Off in the Chi-town Area by asmpman

• Fun Summer Activities in the Tri-State Area by michipo

(This is an excerpt from our July 2009 Trekaroo Newsletter – Don’t miss any issues: SUBSCRIBE to the Trekarooo Newsletter)

Trekaroo is a reviews website dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.