“ MANY OF THE BEACHES AND WILDERNESS TRAILS ARE PLACES YOU CAN THOROUGHLY ENJOY WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY .” — SEAN HUNTER BROWN
FAMILY ITINERARY
For families looking to plan the perfect day in Laguna , options abound , too , when it comes to fun activities for both parents and children . For Chris Olsen , owner of the Wine Gallery restaurant and dad to Tyler ( age 7 ) and Tanner ( age 4 ), his ideal day begins with breakfast at the “ kid-friendly ” Orange Inn , which serves up items like bagels , muffins , freshly baked cinnamon rolls and breakfast sandwiches that will appeal to the whole family . Next , it ’ s a jaunt to Bluebird Park “ for some running around .” According to Olsen , Bluebird ’ s amenities can ’ t be beat : It boasts picnic tables , children ’ s play areas and ample grassy space for family games or picnics . “ Bluebird Park is one of the best parks in Orange County and we go there a lot for play days ,” Olsen says .
Of course , in Laguna , some beach time is also in order , and Olsen prefers to bring his kids to family-friendly Hakama Beach . For a fun adventure for all ages , he also points to the Agate Street Beach tide pools , “ through the arch … [ during ] low tide , for the younger kids ,” he says , adding that the blowhole over at Wood ’ s Cove is great
“ for the big kids .” ( Note : The tide pools below Heisler Park , during low tide , are also great for families , as docents are present to educate visitors about the tidal habitats and answer questions . Crescent Bay , Treasure Island and Shaw ’ s Cove also boast tide pools teeming with sea life .)
When it comes time to take a break from the sun , Olsen enjoys a “ walk up to Adolfo ’ s for lunch and a ‘ dad beer .’ ” After fully digesting their Mexican meal , the family will head back to the beach in front of Surf & Sand Resort for a swim . And , to cap off the day , you ’ ll find them walking over to Wine Gallery for a family dinner ( the restaurant ’ s pizzas , cooked in a wood-fired oven , more than appeal to parents and kids alike ).
As for Brown , there ’ s no better way to spend the day with his family than in the great outdoors . “ Many of the beaches and wilderness trails are places you can thoroughly enjoy with the whole family . [ There are ] lots of places to get off the beaten path but still be close to many amenities for children ,” says Brown , whose ideal outing with his daughter , Finley ( age 11 ), includes bodysurfing at Oak Street Beach . Brown says he loves creating new memories at that coastal spot , where he spent much of his childhood . “ Nothing beats a
14 SUMMER 2017 CITY GUIDE
“ BLUEBIRD PARK IS ONE OF THE BEST PARKS IN ORANGE COUNTY AND WE GO THERE A LOT FOR PLAY DAYS .” — CHRIS OLSEN
Left : Chris Olsen and his children ; above : Bluebird Park ’ s play area full beach day in Laguna with the family ,” he says .
Whether you have kids in tow , an appetite for outdoor adventure or simply want to indulge in some of the area ’ s best food , each day in Laguna offers endless opportunities for every interest .
FOR MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE LAGUNA , HEAD TO OUR PLAY LISTINGS ON PAGE 116 .
TOP LEFT : KELLY BROWN ; BOTTOM LEFT : COURTESY OF CHRIS OLSEN