Places you’ll go, things you’ll see

Looking for fun that doesn’t demand long-distance travel, a recent

inheritance or weeks of vacation time? Check out new guides to nearby

venues at Newport Beach Public Libraries.

You may know there’s a castle at San Simeon, but have you ever

visited Ostrich Land near Solvang, the vintage railway in Fillmore or

the antique doll museum outside Paso Robles? Ever taken a glider ride

over the Santa Ynez Valley or careened down a water slide in Arroyo

Grande?

Find these and hundreds of other little-known, kid-friendly

adventures in the third edition of “Fun with the Family in Southern

California” by Laura Fraser and Pamela Lechtman. Listings include

amusement parks, hiking trails, zoos, aquariums and children’s

museums, all within about six hours of home by car.

Tips about other nearby destinations are in David Vokac’s “The

Great Towns of Southern California.” In addition to restaurants,

sights and lodgings in such popular venues as Idyllwild, Morro Bay

and Pismo Beach, there are weather, crime and affordability ratings

that may help you decide whether to turn a memorable visit into a

permanent stay.

Even closer to home are attractions in the second edition of

Gregory Lee’s “The Best of Orange County.” Even if you’ve lived here

for years, you can learn about off-the-beaten-track museums, putting

greens, nature preserves and antique malls in this travel guide

devoted exclusively to local draws.

If you’re among those who enjoy navigating peaks and painted

deserts on fat tires, check out “Mountain Bike! Southern California:

A Guide to the Classic Trails” to research rides geared for mountain

bikers of all skill levels. Each route profile features a ride

description, detailed trail map, nearby services and descriptions of

native flora and fauna.

Those more inclined to travel by foot can uncover nature walks,

family hikes and all-day adventures in John McKinney’s “Day Hiker’s

Guide to Southern California.” Directions, maps and hike descriptions

for 150 outings from San Diego to Santa Barbara are included. Another

two dozen opportunities along coastal, canyon and mountain trails are

featured in Randy Vogel’s “Best Easy Day Hikes, Orange County.”

Discount diva Mindy Glazer concentrates on a completely different

kind of excursion in “Shopping Secrets of Southern California.” In

her bargain-hunting guide for picking up just about anything sold in

Southland retail outlets, as well as online, are hundreds of sources

for appliances, cars, clothing, computers, furniture, sports goods,

travel and more. And with the 50% and more you can save on just about

everything you buy, you might have enough for a more exotic

escape-when that major windfall finally comes.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach

Public Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams in

collaboration with Claudia Peterman. All titles may be reserved from

home or office computers by accessing the catalog at

www.newportbeachlibrary.org.