Here’s our list of the best parks to visit in Orange County.
Crystal Cove State Park’s historic district
Perched atop a coastal cliff, Pines Park offers ocean views, playgrounds and grassy spaces. From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., guests can enjoy picnic tables and barbeques surrounded by pine trees, water fountains and a lit, paved path.
The iconic grassy hill is the focal point of Salt Creek Beach Park’s 18 stunning acres, and visitors can not only access the beach, which is often frequented by professional surfers, but they can also enjoy a picnic, barbecue or comfy bench spot to enjoy the view. Salt Creek Beach is a very popular spot for sunbathers, surfers and swimmers alike, and it is one of the most popular spots in Orange County to catch one of Southern California’s unforgettable sunsets.
Concerts at Salt Creek Beach Park; photo courtesy of OC Parks
This hilltop park known as “Top of the World” features tennis courts, a half basketball court, a kids’ play area, a baseball field, walking trails, picnic tables and plenty of parking. From 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., people can enjoy the scenery and facilities at Alta Laguna Park, in addition to access to nearby hiking trails and wilderness parks.
Covering more than 500 acres of space, Great Park offers plenty of activities for families, individuals, children and lovers of the outdoors. From art complexes and galleries to athletic fields, walking trails and playgrounds, Great Park serves to entertain its nearby community.
Located in the heart of San Clemente, Linda Lane Park provides a bounty of amenities for every type of guest. The park offers direct beach access, grassy spaces, picnic tables and designated children’s play areas—and is open to dogs on leashes.
The city of Orange draws in all lovers of nature with this 1,269-acre scenic wonderland lying alongside Santiago Creek. Santiago Oaks Regional Park appeals to any adventure seeker, including hikers, bikers and equestrians, as this park is never lacking in mountain panoramas, flowing creeks, abundant wildlife and interconnecting trails that highlight the breathtaking views all around.
Santiago Oaks biking; photo courtesy of OC Parks
Spanning across over 3 miles of beach, 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness, an offshore underwater area and an enclave of 46 vintage rustic coastal cottages, Crystal Cove State Park works to conserve, educate and entertain. Guests can hike, camp out and immerse themselves in untouched nature preserved by the park.
This grassy expanse in Newport Beach checks all the boxes for a perfect park day. Begonia Park's features include two barbeques, a 75-person picnic area, play equipment, water fountains and scenic views.
Tucked into a grove of heritage Oak and Sycamore trees and surrounded by rolling foothills filled with wildlife, Irvine Regional Park makes for a serene setting. Shaded turf areas and ponds with stone waterfalls are the centerpiece of the park, which also features tables; barbecues; trails for walking, bicycling and equestrian; six playgrounds; four softball fields; two horseshoe pits; and a lake.
Irvine Regional Park; photo courtesy of OC Parks
Nestled between the Pacific shoreline and a steep bluff lies this historic state beach that’s favored among water sports enthusiasts. San Clemente State Beach is the perfect backdrop for a field trip, surf day or escape from the city.
Located on La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel Regional Park features 227 vast acres encircled by a diverse range of trees that provide both beauty and shade. A 44-acre lake is a focal point of the park, as it is supplied with catfish and bass year-round and trout during the winter months. Note: anyone above the age of 16 must have a fishing license.
Laguna Niguel Lake; photo courtesy of OC Parks
Covering over 350 acres of land, this serene Huntington Beach city-owned park hosts a variety of activities and events for people of all ages year-round. The expansive grassy fields of Huntington Central Park are often utilized for all types of recreational activities, such as picnics, biking, playing and strolling around the paved paths while enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
Boasting some of the most famous hiking trails in Orange County, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park features approximately 4,500 acres of pristine open space and wilderness. The land was originally part of the Juaneno or Acajchemem tribal land, but is now under the jurisdiction of O.C. Parks and home to many rare and endangered plants and animals.
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park; photo courtesy of OC Parks
Newly redesigned in 2014, Mission Viejo’s Pavion Park is the perfect public park for families as it features an interactive playground including subtle integrations of natural history with interpretive signs about animals that are (or once were) native to the area. Colorful, comfy benches are set all around for parents to relax, socialize and supervise their kids as they play on the park’s many fun and diverse play structures.
The gorgeous Balboa Peninsula is home to the beloved 10.5-acre Marina Park—which features a nautical-themed playground, outdoor fitness circuit and basketball courts, and the popular onsite café, Lighthouse Bayview Café. An outstanding hub for fun, family and community, the park offers elegant architecture and an extensive play area to visitors of all ages, as well as a sailing center and numerous recreational facilities on both land and sea.
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