Irvine Regional Park: Forge Railroad Ties and Visit the Zoo

A visit to Irvine Regional Park is like stepping back in time with its quiet lakes, outdoor band shell and a boathouse built in 1914. It’s open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 1 through March 31; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 1 through Oct. 31.

The Irvine Park Railroad, a one-third-scale replica of an 1863 C.P. Huntington locomotive, winds through the trees and around the lakes. The trip takes about about 10 minutes and costs $3 per person; children 1 year old and younger ride for free. The conductor acts as tour guide, pointing out the park’s oldest tree, the indentations in a rock where Native Americans ground acorns, and other interesting spots. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the park.

Right next to the station, there are two covered party pavilions that rent for $100 a day each. The pavilions, which accommodate up to 80 people, include picnic tables, barbecues, water and electrical outlets and restrooms. Reserve one and receive discounts on train tickets and gift-shop merchandise. Train hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and holidays. (714) 997-3968.

For $3, children as young as 1 year old can ride a pony (led by a parent or other adult) around a circular trail. Smaller children ride the little Shetlands, and adventurous children 3 and older can ride the larger trot ponies around an adjacent path accompanied by mounted guides. Child-sized saddles and safety belts are used for added security.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. Closed Mondays. (760) 956-8441.

The Orange County Zoo features animals native to Orange County and the Southwestern United States, including vagabonds (the ones housed here that would have otherwise been killed or could not have survived in the wild). No doubt the first one you’ll meet is Abner, the talking raven. He may be the most magnanimous, but the most famous is Samson, the hot-tubbing bear. He arrived in 1996 after a Monrovia couple videotaped him lounging in their hot tub and dining on fruit from backyard trees. He was captured and found to be seriously ill. He was nearly euthanized, but a campaign to save him resulted in a 3,000-square-foot habitat being built for him at the zoo. He has a line of T-shirts, ball caps and other memorabilia at the zoo gift shop.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. (714) 633-2022.

Getting there: From North County, take the Costa Mesa Freeway to Chapman Avenue. Head east for five miles to Jamboree Road and turn left at the park entry. From South County, take the Santa Ana Freeway to Jamboree Road. Head east for 7.5 miles to the park entry.

* A new Discover Orange County will run next Sunday in the Orange County Calendar.