The Santa Ana River connects the San Bernardino Mountains, from Big Bear Lake to Huntington Beach. Streams that feed the rivers flow from high in the mountains down to the beach. In fact, the Santa Ana River is the largest coastal stream system in Southern California. Collectively, the drainage area surrounding the river form the … More Recreation and Drinking Water Along the Santa Ana River
At 10am every Saturday and Sunday morning, kayakers and nature lovers from all over Southern California gather at the Newport Aquatic Center for a guided tour of Newport’s ecological reserve. A critical part of the Santa Ana Watershed, the reserve is on the Pacific Flyway, a kind of Route 66 for birds migrating with the … More Kayaking the Newport Bay Estuary
One of the best ways to see the Santa Ana River up close is on the back of a horse. The Santa Ana is the spine of a watershed that reaches from Big Bear to Huntington Beach, and you can show your kids one of the best up-close views of its natural beauty while riding … More Riding the River on Horseback
If you’re looking for a twist on a 5k or 10k event, or simply want and chance to explore mountain trails in the wintertime, Snowshoe the Bear might just be for you. Every February, Southern California’s snowshoe event draws people out into mountain trails above Big Bear Lake. First timers shouldn’t be intimidated – the … More Winter Fun at Big Bear
There are so many cool things to do with your kids in the Santa Ana Watershed, which extends from Big Bear to Newport Beach, coving much of the Inland Empire and Orange County. One thing that these two regions share is a water supply – if you live in the IE or the OC, most … More Snow Day, Cali-Style
Do you want to introduce your kids to nature? We live in one of the most populated regions in the United States, so sometimes it’s nice to get away from it all and experience the mountains, or “Southern California’s backyard.” For a day trip to a quieter place where you can be immersed in the … More Explore Big Bear’s North Shore
Huntington Beach is the place where the Santa Ana River makes waves – quite literally. Part of what makes Surf City such an excellent place to catch a wave is a sandbar created by sediment flowing from the Santa Ana. People have gathered here to surf and enjoy the SoCal lifestyle for decades, and Huntington … More Surf’s Up in Surf City!
If you’re looking for a quick way to escape rising temperatures, it’s tough to beat a day trip to Mt. Baldy. Have your kids “unplug” – there is no cell phone reception – and visit a different world from a simpler time. Easily accessible from the 210 Freeway (directions below), Mt. Baldy is where the … More Beat the Heat in the Headwaters
The Santa Ana River Trail was called the “longest and best” off-road cycling path in the Los Angeles area by LABikePaths.com. It winds for 40 miles along the Santa Ana River from Green River Canyon, where the river emerges from the San Bernardino Mountains to the ocean, between Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa. The Santa Ana … More Riding Bikes in Riverside: Santa Ana River Trail