Visit Joshua Tree National Park - Things to Do in Orange County

Though I know Joshua Tree isn't in Orange County, it is about a one and a half hour drive, so I wanted to post something about it.

Joshua Tree National Park is a pretty cool place. Filled with all kinds of funky trees, beautiful stars, and rock mountains, it really is a power spot where you can go and rejuvenate from all the daily stress. The Joshua Park National Park is a great hiking/camping/rock climbing spot, and you can walk through a variety of trails there.

We got to visit Joshua Tree this summer, and hiked through all kinds of trails in 106 degree weather. It was pretty hot when we went, so you will definitely need water, sun block, and a big hat to keep you away from the sun. You might want to go check out a swap meet in Orange County to buy a big farmer's hat for $4.

When we went, we stayed at the Spin and Margie's Desert Hide-a-Way. It was a cute little bed and breakfast (no breakfast though) type of hotel with only five rooms. The owners at this hotel did an awesome job with their hotel, and it surely is a place where you can re-energize from the daily hustle and bustle.

At night, the stars were amazingly beautiful since there really aren't any city lights in Joshua Tree. You can see all kinds of stars that you never knew existed above us. We went during a time when there were a bunch of shooting stars, so got to see a few of them while we were there.

If you're feeling stressed, or just want to get in touch with nature again, Joshua Tree National Park is one great place you go and check out. Only about an hour and a half from Orange County.

Joshua Tree National Park

74485 National Park Drive

Twentynine Palms, CA 92277

(760) 367-5500

http://www.nps.gov/jotr/

7-Day Vehicle Permit: $15

The Huntington Library - Things to Do in Orange County 17

Enjoy a Gorgeous Garden Outside of Orange County – The Huntington Library

Henry Edwards Huntington (February 27, 1850–May 23, 1927) was a railroad magnate and business leader. What he left behind for us to enjoy is The Huntington Library Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, an educational and research institution known for its gorgeous gardens. This gem is located outside of Orange County in the city of San Marino. You will be able to see art collections and beautiful gardens at The Huntington Library.

The Huntington Library is one of my personal favorites, and it is a must see! It’s one of the most gorgeous places I have seen in my life. I would recommend you budget an entire day to walk around and see all of what The Huntington Library has to offer. This place is huge, but if you get tired, you can always relax alongside some of the most beautiful scenery that The Huntington has got to offer.

There are varieties of fun gardens that you can see at The Huntington Library. There’s the cactus garden, the rose garden, and the Japanese garden, all which have been landscaped magnificently. I particularly loved the rose garden because it had so many different varieties of roses for you to see.

If you can plan ahead of time, you should also make a reservation at the Tea Room for an afternoon tea at The Huntington Library. Since it’s a popular place, you’ll need to book ahead of time for you to enjoy your afternoon tea there. At the afternoon tea, they will amuse you with fresh-made scones, tea of the day, sandwiches, and dessert, all for only $15 per person. The clotted cream with my scones were so good! To reserve, call (626) 683-8131.

This is a wonderful place is great to go on a date, or with your family. It is a place where anybody can go to enjoy and appreciate its beauty. The Huntington Library is about an hour away from OC with no traffic. I hope you have the chance to go and visit soon!

Tune in tomorrow for more fun things to do in Orange County!

Huntington Library
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
(626) 405-2100
http://www.huntington.org/

Admission:
Adult: $15 Weekdays, $20 Weekends
Students: $10
Seniors: $12 Weekdays, $15 Weekends
Children: $6

Park Hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 12PM-4:30PM
Saturday & Sunday: 10:30AM-4:30PM

Parking is free at The Huntington

Irvine Regional Park - Things to Do in Orange County 15

Enjoy the OC Zoo and a Little Train Ride at the Nature Filled Irvine Regional Park

If you drive North on Jamboree Road, you will drive through the mountain and come across the Irvine Regional Park in the city of Orange.

Irvine Regional Park is a huge park in Orange County where you can enjoy a picnic, BBQ, ride on a pony, or cruise along on the mini-train that goes around the park. With a lot of nature surrounded by ponds and trees, the park is a great place to relax with your loved one, or enjoy with your entire family.

Inside the Irvine Regional Park, you’ll also find the Orange County Zoo. Admission to the zoo is $2 for children and adults over 3 years old, and free for children 3 and under. You’d be surprised to see that there’s a big grizzly bear inside the zoo. You’ll also see other animals such as an eagle, fox, goat, and coyote, amongst many others. Since it’s a zoo without too many visitors, you can enjoy the nice, quiet atmosphere there.

After leaving the zoo, there is a nice little trail filled with nature that you can follow. With all the daily hustle and bustle, I’m sure the trail and the nature will help you to refresh a bit. It’s a great feeling go out to get some fresh air out in the park!

There are other activities at the Irvine Regional Park. Some of the fun ones are renting a boat to float across the lake or renting a bicycle to explore the park even more. With so many activities that you can enjoy at the Irvine Regional Park, you can fill your whole day here. Enjoy a day of soothing relaxation with a beach blanket and a book here, or you can bring your whole family along for a BBQ party!

It’s a great park in OC, and I hope you can enjoy the Irvine Regional Park soon!

Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92862
(714)973-6835 or (714)973-3173
http://www.ocparks.com/irvinepark/default.asp?Show=Introduction


Parking: $3 weekdays, $5 weekends
Open: Nov. 1 - March 31, 7:00am to 6:00pm.
Open: April 1 - Oct. 31, 7:00am to 9:00pm.
Office Hours: Mon. - Fri., 7:30am to 3:30pm.