Irvine Regional Park is the perfect place to spend an idyllic day outdoors with friends and family. Santiago Creek meanders through the park, passing shaded hillsides dotted with picnickers, the Orange County Zoo, and group sites that accommodate all sorts of celebrations. The 495-acre (200 hectares) park features built-in barbecue spots, restroom facilities, and a biking and walking path that cuts through the park and shows off its best features. Equestrian enthusiasts can take their horses for a jaunt along the designated equestrian trail and past a beautiful lake. The park also boasts the Irvine Park Railroad, which takes visitors of all ages on a 10-minute ride to an oak grove and past several lakes.
Take a leisurely walk through Orange County's past. Your path will take you through four buildings, and each one is a history lesson. The first building, Serrano Adobe, was built by the Serranos, who were cattle ranchers in the 1860s. Next, the El Toro Grammar School is an 1890 construction and is a one-room schoolhouse just like in the Little House on the Prairie books. Then there is the St. George Episcopal Mission, built in 1891. Finally, there is the Bennett Ranch House, built in 1908. The tour is free of charge, and reservations are not required unless you have a large group.
Crystal Cove State Park spans 3.2 miles (5.15 kilometers) of beach and over 2000 acres (809.37 hectares) of wilderness. Visitors to the park can relax on the beach, hike or go horseback riding on the many trails that criss-cross the verdant landscape. Explore tide pools and hidden coves as well as canyon flora and fauna. Finally, the crystal clear waters have been designated as an underwater park and are great for scuba diving, skin diving, and underwater photography, thus covering all aspects of outdoor exploration.
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is a locals' favorite for hiking and biking, especially during spring when a spectrum of wildflowers bloom. This 7,000-acre wilderness preserve boasts a diverse landscape, from rolling hills and rugged canyons to lush woodlands and sweeping ocean vistas. This area features Barbara's Lake, Orange County's only natural lake. With "wilderness" in its name, it's no surprise that pets are not allowed in the park. The lucky ones may delight in spotting deer, bobcats, and weasels. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park provides an ideal setting for nature walks, picnics, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the great outdoors.
The panoramic view of the wilderness and the Pacific from Hortense Miller Garden is second to none. Yet, the view is not quite what makes it a treasure of Laguna Beach. The character of the garden and the house truly reflect Hortense Miller's love of nature. The garden spreads across 2.5 acres ( 1 hectare) on the upper slope of Boat Canyon and has over 1000 plant species that grow with limited usage of fertilizers and chemical controls. In the middle of the garden, a simple but elegant house wrapped with floor-to-ceiling glass quietly enjoys the company of its best decorator: nature. Ensure that you book a ticket on their website before planning a visit.
This is a non-profit botanical garden situated on 26 gorgeous acres of the California State University Fullerton. Botanical collections are sectioned into zones: the temperate zone, the tropical zone and the arid zone. There is a rare fruit grove featuring subtropical fruits like cherimoyas, kiwis, papayas, guavas and rare citrus varieties. The Children's Garden is the site for educational programs and hands-on fun. Also on the grounds is the Heritage House, an Eastlake Victorian cottage built in 1894 by Dr. George C. Clark, an early Fullerton physician, as his home and office. There is a lot of nature and a little bit of history here, making for a wonderful outing. Although admission is free, a voluntary donation is suggested.
A short walk from the bustling downtown Laguna Beach, this park is an amazing hidden oasis. The grassy bluff and the sandy beach with giant rocks and hidden caves make this park a favorite spot for photographers, sunset watchers, picnickers, and even seabirds. There are also a variety of art stands selling local artwork. Reconnect with nature, take a walk, or simply enjoy a lovely barbeque with your family in Heisler Park. Furthermore, with plenty of parking options, the park is convenient and great to visit with the entire family.
The Bolsa Chica Conservancy was established in 1990 in order to preserve the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. It includes the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center and is run completely by volunteers. The conservancy has several exhibits, including live reptiles and sea aquariums. Visitors can walk through the wetlands on a 1.5 mile loop trail. No dogs, bikes or horses are allowed. This is both an educational and fun outing!
Chino Hills State Park is a 14,173-acre (5,735-hectare) park in the vicinity of Santa Ana Mountains. The land was originally used for cattle grazing and visitors can see some remaining features from that time, including an assemblage of ranch houses and enduring windmills. Declared a state park in the year 1981, Chino Hills has been a popular attraction ever since, attracting adventurers from all parts of the country owing to its nearly 90-mile (144.84 kilometer) network of interconnecting trails that provide splendid opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Also a great destination for wildlife watching, the park's lush landscape of woodlands and grasslands are a sanctuary for majestic red-tailed hawks, California gnatcatchers and bobcats. Chino Hill State Park is one of the few parks in the country to shelter Chaparral woodlands.
Bordered by Aliso Creek to the north and rocky headlands to the south, Aliso Beach Park is not only picturesque, but also a unique Laguna Beach attraction. Surfers frequent here to ride the waves, and friends often gather around the fire pits on the sand. Many family-friendly features, such as a designated children's playground with swings, a pirate ship, and other fun toys, also makes it fun place for a family hangout.