“Happiness is a picnic blanket and a basket full of goodies”. We all need mini vacations from our everyday hustle. Here are my favorite spots to spend beautiful Southern California summer in the perfect blend of food, fun, friends and family.

    Address: Crescent Bay Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

• Top of the World is a scenic picnic spot in Laguna Beach, California. It offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, coastline, and surrounding hills. The park has grass areas, picnic tables and benches, hiking trails, sunset views, photography spots, seasonal whale watching, restrooms and parking lot. Pro tip: bring layers for changing weather, arrive early for parking and best views

    Address: 3350 Alta Laguna Blvd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

• Lantern Bay Park is a popular park with spectacular views of Dana Point and the harbor. It has large grassy area and shaded areas with pine trees. The park has BBQs and picnic tables, playground, bocce ball court. There are also donation-based yoga classes in the park. It’s in the walking distance to the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. The park has public restrooms, free admission and parking.

   Address: 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629

• Pines Park is situated on a bluff and offers beautiful ocean views. There is a playground for kids, water fountains, lit path, benches, picnic tables, barbecues, grassy area and grassy hills, paved trails, fun tunnel slide, climbing wall, sunset viewing benches. Parking is on the street along the side of the park. There are no restrooms, swings and the playground is slightly sunken below street level.

   Address: 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

• Treasure Island Park: You can do whale watching from the grassy lawns. The park has sandy floor, making it ideal for swimming. The water is clear for snorkeling. There is a hidden cove called Middle Man’s Cove. The park offers ample parking, clean restrooms, wheelchair ramps. The park has benches. It’s at walking distance to Goff Cove and Wesley Drive. The park has free admission, is dog-friendly (on a leash)

   Address: 30799 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

• Heisler Park: The Heisler park is stretched along the bluffs on Cliff Drive from Aster Street to Diver’s Cove. The park has ocean views, walking trails, gardens, a marine refuge with tide pools, picnic tables, barbecues, lawn bowling greens. Popular park wedding sites include a Gazebo and Monument Point. Amenities include restrooms, wheelchair access. The park is dog-friendly (on a leash)

    Address: 375 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651-1623