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Aliso Viejo is a city of about 51,000 people in the hills of south Orange County, California, a few miles inland from Laguna Beach. Once part of the vast Moulton Ranch, it was developed as a master-planned community from the 1980s and incorporated in 2001, making it one of the youngest cities in the county.
The city is known for its tidy neighborhoods, office parks and generous open space. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park wraps around its southern edge with miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking through oak woodland and sandstone canyons. Soka University of America occupies a striking hillside campus whose performing arts center hosts concerts by touring musicians.
Aliso Viejo Town Center is the hub for shopping and dining, next to the modern library with its clock tower. The beaches, galleries and coves of Laguna Beach are about 15 minutes away, making the city a quiet, convenient base for exploring the coast.
One of the largest parks in Aliso Viejo, with sports fields, big playgrounds, picnic shelters, open lawns and walking paths, set among the city's green rolling hills. It is popular with local families and youth sports leagues on weekends. Restrooms and parking are on site, making it an easy stop with kids.
A small private liberal arts university on a hillside campus with Mediterranean-style buildings, fountains, gardens and views over the surrounding wilderness. Founders Hall and the central plaza are especially photogenic. Visitors can walk the open areas of the campus; check the website for public events and parking.
A modern concert hall on the Soka University campus known for its warm acoustics and a stage that welcomes classical, jazz and world music performers from around the globe. With around 1,000 seats, every seat feels close. Tickets are often reasonably priced, and parking is right next to the hall.
The city's main open-air shopping and dining center, with restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, a movie theater and everyday shops around walkable plazas. It is a convenient stop for a meal after a hike. The center also hosts community events, and the city library is next door.
An Orange County Public Libraries branch in a modern building with a distinctive clock tower near the Town Center. It has a children's area with story times, study rooms, computers and free programs for all ages. It is a quiet, cool indoor stop on hot afternoons and is easy to combine with shopping nearby.
The main trail through Wood Canyon in the wilderness park, reached from trailheads on the Aliso Viejo side, following a creek under oaks and sycamores on a mostly gentle fire road. Side trails lead to sandstone caves and ridge views. It is a good choice for families; go in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Beyond My Ken, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Tracie Hall from Orange County, us, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Tracie Hall from Orange County, us, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Tracie Hall from Orange County, us, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Tracie Hall from Orange County, us, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Beyond My Ken, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Beyond My Ken, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Uzbekman24, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Beyond My Ken, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Catatonique, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Beyond My Ken, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: VictorNeff, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Beyond My Ken, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Beyond My Ken, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Beyond My Ken, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0