I want to be active while visiting OC. But I can't surf. What can I do?

Moving to Orange County, I, a non-surfer, was worried that the only recreation I would find would be of the aquatic sort. I have been proven very wrong!

Orange county is covered in trails. Bikers, hikers, runners, and leisure walkers all share the dirt and sand trails. Every morning, I take a run in the Aliso and Woods Regional Park in Laguna Niguel. Taking a run, walk or hike under the early morning cloud cover jump starts my morning.

Besides being good exercise, the trails provide breathtaking scenery. Many of the trails, including West Ridge, Lynx, and Cholla trails have vantage points overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Others, like the Aliso and Woods Regional Park curve through vast canyons.

It is a good idea to keep your eye open for wildlife. I’ve seen quail, snakes, birds of every sort, jackrabbits, and field mice. Most of the trails have bobcat-warning signs posted at entrances. It has been my experience that fast-moving bikers are more of a threat than the cats.

Parking is a minimal fee of around $3.There is usually free street parking around the entrances.

There is a great website that highlights the different trails: www.trails.com. Just enter the area you want to hike in, and a description detailing trail length and level of difficulty, will pop up.

A few pointers:
* Wear sunscreen.
* Take plenty of water.
* Wear bright colors.
* Go in groups.
* Take a camera.
* And most importantly, HAVE FUN!

The views expressed on this post are mine and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Place Media.