A few weekends ago, my boyfriend and I decided to go on a hike at the Nature Interpretive Center in Dana Point, California. Or at least, we thought we did. Turns out, we ended up on the other side at the Dana Point’s Headlands Conservation Area. Oops! But hey, no complaints here. We still got to explore the great outdoors and got some exercise in.

After our accidental detour, we finally made it to the Nature Interpretive Center. Let me tell you, this place is legit. They’ve got interactive exhibits, live animal habitats, and educational programs for visitors of all ages. And the best part? You get to enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby islands while you learn about the local flora and fauna.

So, we decided to hit up the hiking trails. We started off with an easy 0.7-mile loop that offered views of the harbor and coastline. And let me just say, the rain we’ve been getting lately really brought out the colors of the grass and flowers. It was beautiful. But then, I gasped at what I thought was a stick on the trail. Nope, turns out it was a weird-looking lizard. Or was it a snake? Honestly, I couldn’t tell. But we showed a picture to a ranger later on and he told us it was an alligator lizard. Of course, the one time I encounter a rare animal on a hike, it had to be a lizard. Why does this always happen to me?

Anyway, I’m glad we finally made it to the Nature Interpretive Center and learned a thing or two about the natural world. And now we know that both areas are connected by a gate at the end of the same street we parked on. Lesson learned, folks. Always do your research before you go on a hike. Or, you know, just wing it and see where the day takes you. Either way, it’s bound to be an adventure.