Best places to spend the day outdoors in Orange County

Southern California is full of natural treasures. From the beaches to the mountains, there's plenty of sights to see. Spend your summer days enjoying the great outdoors at these fun spots:

Fullerton Arboretum

At 26-acres, this botanical garden is filled with many different plants from around the world. There are walking trails, community gardens, a cactus garden, exotics trees, and even a turtle pond! With so much to see, you might have to make a few return visits to catch it all. The Fullerton Arboretum is open from 8 am – 4:30 pm every day, and offers free guided group tours on special monthly topics every other Saturday at 10 am.

Isamu Noguchi’s California Scenario (Noguchi Garden)

This beautiful outdoor sculpture garden has been recognized as one of the county’s best. The 1.6 acres of gardens are designed to symbolize the diverse geographical characteristics found in California in six principle elements: Forest Walk, Land Use, Desert Land, Water Source, Water Use, and Energy Fountain. Many sculptures incorporate indigenous materials into their design. The garden is located in Costa Mesa and is free to the public every day from 8 am to 12 am.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is home to some of the last coastal canyons and only natural lakes found in Orange County. Visitors can hike, run, bike, or ride horseback through the forty miles of walking trails that wind through oak and sycamore woodlands. They can also enjoy ridges with extensive scenic views. 

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary

Voted one of the top birdwatching sites in Orange County, the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary is a fantastic place for photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and birdwatchers. Guests can explore the plants and animals of California on family-friendly nature trails through Modjeska Canyon. With picnic areas, wildlife observation areas, and plenty of benches, there’s an abundance of places to relax and enjoy the scenery. It’s also educational. The sanctuary offers exhibits for both kids and adults, along with a Nature Science Center for curious visitors.

Bolsa Chica Wetlands

Enjoy the natural beauty and culture at this 1,300-acre saltwater marsh. With over 200 species of birds, the locations frequently attract birdwatchers and photographers. The 5-mile network of hiking trails open from sunrise to sunset, scenic overlooks, and free tours make it a perfect place for any outdoor lover to visit.

Crystal Cove State Park

The 3.2 miles of beach and 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness that make up Crystal Cove Park are some of the largest remaining examples of natural seashore in Orange County. It’s popular with swimmers, surfers, mountain bikers, hikers, and just about everybody looking to escape the urban atmosphere. The area offers beach areas, tidepools, hills, and wooded canyons. As a State Park, there are also programs offered year-round, like guided hikes, tidepool walks, community events, and geology talks.

Treasure Island Park

Located in Laguna Beach, Treasure Island is known for its clear waters and clean sand. These features make it the most popular spot in the city for swimming and snorkeling. It is also known for its excellent facilities: clean bathrooms, grassy lawns, and spacious parking garage.

Carbon Canyon Regional Park

This park offers grassy areas for picnicking, tennis courts, and a 4-acre lake for fishing. It also offers a trail through Redwood Grove—Orange County’s only grove of Coastal Redwoods. These massive trees in Grove are a favorite of many visitors. They can get up to 100 feet high, which is a breathtaking sight for those walking the 1.1-mile nature trail. For hikers and other nature enthusiasts of all ages, this park is a must see.