San Juan Hot Springs adjacent Highway 74 has seen better days. There is not too much left except for a couple of pools of hot steamy water. Back in the 60s and early 70s, San Juan Hot Springs was a hippie hang out. Before that, there were San Juan Capistrano Hot springs. In the late 1800s, a … [Read more...]

Gum Grove Park in Seal Beach hugs the edge of Los Cerritos Wetlands. This park is a popular place for locals to walk their dogs but unknown to most of the public. There is only one trail a rather dusty road down the middle of the park shaded by eucalyptus trees. Several small single tracks trails … [Read more...]

If you love nature, critters, and water, then the Bolsa Chica Wetlands has it all. But it’s easy to miss this place if you don't know what you're looking for. Bolsa Chica reserve includes over 1,200 acres of undeveloped wetlands, lowlands, and lower mesa operated by the California Department of … [Read more...]

Ruby's Shack is located on the bluff overlooking Crystal Cove Beach. Since the mid-1940's the Shake Shack has been a favorite stop for both locals and tourist. Before Ruby took over the place was known as the Date Shack and its signature drink was date shakes. Food and drinks (especially the … [Read more...]

The Ranch house at the Stanley Ranch Museum was constructed in 1891 by Edward G. Ware. Mr. Ware was co-developed the Eureka walnut and is credited with introducing the Valencia orange tree to Orange County. This house was home to Edward, his wife Mary and daughter Lillian who married Arthur C. … [Read more...]

Here is a wonderful list of the most romantic things to do in Southern California. From date ideas to weekend getaways. Wine tasting on the central coast, cozy mountain retreats, and secluded beach towns are all perfect destinations. If you are looking for a romantic escape when time or budget is an … [Read more...]

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is a wonderful little gem located on the campus of Long Beach State. What the garden lacks in size is made up by the beauty of the place. Dedicated in 1981 the garden is designed to look like a miniature Tokyo Imperial Gardens. Covering a little over one acre the … [Read more...]

Founded in 1998, and located in the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country, Palumbo Family Vineyards and Winery may be small, but the wines echo the perfect blend of depth and elegance of many of its larger counterparts. Only producing 2,500 cases per year, the family-run estate is truly a … [Read more...]

As of August 2016, the Cultural Court Statues have been removed to make room for an expanded parking lot. The Cultural Court Statues in Little Saigon Westminster are away from the hustle and bustle of Bolsa Avenue. In all, there are seventy-two statues of ancient priests in various poses. These … [Read more...]

Bennett's Honey Farm is located about one mile off Highway 126 in Fillmore California. The sign for the honey farm is easy to miss but well worth the effort to find. The honey processing facility is not open to the public but there is a small store where visitors can taste and purchase Bennett's … [Read more...]

Niguel Botanical Preserve is a hidden gem 4 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean along Crown Valley Parkway. The garden covers a little over 18 acres of Crown Valley Community Park. The preserve is located on a hillside with numerous trails leading to the top of the hill. From this vantage point, … [Read more...]

It’s little surprise that Sherman Gardens is regularly ranked as the top attraction in the pretty California town of Corona Del Mar.  This hidden gem covers over two acres of land packed with flora and fauna from around the globe. Far more than your average botanical garden, the site is also home … [Read more...]

A hidden gem in the desert of Palm Springs, the Moorten Botanical Gardens is the perfect destination for anyone that has an appreciation for desert flora. Established in 1938 by Chester "Cactus Slim" Moorten and his wife, Patricia, and now owned and operated by their son, Clark Moorten, the … [Read more...]