Ryan Kollock likes to begin the day by hitting the local trails .
ACTIVE ADVENTURE
Morning : “ My ideal day in Laguna starts with a hike along the fire trails ,” says Ryan Kollock , personal trainer and founder of Code Green Fitness . “ The dirt trails run from easy to difficult as far as steepness and terrain . Be sure to plan your route before you begin your hike .” You can access the trails from Alta Laguna Park and Moulton Meadows Park ; however , Kollock cautions to look out for mountain bikers .
To re-energize , head to Active Culture , where Kollock recommends the pina colada or Strawberry State-of-Mind shakes and the Berry Tasty smoothie . “ I also go to Banzai Bowls and get the Maui Sunrise ,” he adds , describing the blend topped with bananas , strawberries , blueberries , coconut shreds and granola .
Afternoon : As the summer day heats up , cool off seaside . Grab a stand-up paddleboard — rentals are available in town — and hit the ocean . Paddleboarding is a great way to get an afternoon workout in while beating the heat , and it offers unique views . “ On a flat , clear day , you can enjoy all the sea life from Main Beach to Pearl Street ,” Kollock says . “ I have seen leopard sharks , stingrays , seals and occasionally you get to paddle with a school of dolphins .”
A couple of Kollock ’ s favorite routes are from Cress Street Beach down to Montage and back , and from Cress Street north to
Rockpile Beach at the south end of Heisler Park .
Next , visit Thalia and Brooks Street beaches for surfing , or Oak Street for bodyboarding and bodysurfing . “ You can also head to Divers Cove in north Laguna and go snorkeling any time of day ,” Kollock adds .
Evening : As evening approaches , take a stroll along the beach or on the walking path at Heisler Park to enjoy the sunset . Kollock likes to cap off an active day by riding the trolley to Montage and slowing down with takeout food and wine . “ There , you can walk and enjoy the sights and , after dark , sit down at the outdoor fire pit , have a drink and make s ’ mores with the kids .”
FAMILY EXPLORATION
Morning : Start the day with an active and educational visit to 7,000-acre Laguna Coast Wilderness Park , where families can explore the local environment . The Nix Nature Center offers hands-on kids ’ exhibits and information about the park . Take a walk on Mary ’ s Trail ; the short loop , from the Nature Center , is easy enough for youngsters .
“ A lot of our families just love hiking here ,” says Lisa Roberson- Beery , former co-president of the Laguna Beach Parents Club . “ There are appropriate trails for different ages .”
On your way back down the canyon , stop by the Pacific Marine
Mammal Center ( PMMC ). Its viewing area is open to visitors daily from 10 a . m . to 4 p . m .; docents are on hand to answer questions about the sea lions and seals being cared for at the center . “ If your kids love animals , this is always a fun thing to do ,” Roberson-Beery notes .
On Saturdays , stop by the Laguna Beach library for Children ’ s Craft Open House from 11 a . m . to 3 p . m ., geared toward kids aged 12 and younger . Afterward , refuel with falafel at the nearby Adonis Mediterranean Grill , a favorite lunch spot for Roberson-Beery .
Afternoon : A visit to one of Laguna ’ s famous tide pools , available at seven different spots around town , is sure to keep the kids enchanted . “ Exploring the tide pools is a lovely summer activity ,” Roberson-Beery says . She suggests the Heisler Park pools at low tide , as docents are available to inform visitors about the tidal habitats and answer questions . “ It is so fun and educational ,” she says . “ It is a real treat . Last time , we saw an octopus there .” You ’ re also likely to encounter hermit crabs , kelp snails and fish .
Evening : On Sunday evenings , Bluebird Park — which features a large children ’ s playground — is the place to be for the summer music in the park series . Bring your blanket and picnic , or order for park delivery from Gina ’ s Pizza or Z Pizza .
“ Arrive early ,” Roberson- Beery advises . “ If you get there late , you will feel overwhelmed . Everyone goes to it ; it is that much fun . If your family is spending the afternoon down at Bluebird Beach , send a representative to hold a spot .” Concert set-up is allowed from 3 p . m . onward .
FOR MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE LAGUNA , HEAD TO OUR PLAY LISTINGS ON PAGE 116 .
Youngsters can explore an array of sea life at the tide pools .
26 SUMMER 2016 CITY GUIDE