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Best Orange County Parks

Best Orange County Parks

Orange County has some best parks. Some of the parks in Orange County have great ocean views, large playgrounds, volleyball courts, and even a pirate ship (Box Canyon Park). Here is my list of the best parks in Orange County.

Table of Contents

Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Laguna Niguel Regional Park is a great park with volleyball courts with sand, tennis courts, picnic tables with shelters, a large parking lot, two playgrounds, picturesque bike trails, hiking trails, and long walking trails.

The park is most known for the fantastic 44-acre lake filled with bass, catfish, and trout during the winter. The park is dog friendly and a great spot for friends, family, and kids to enjoy the playgrounds, fishing, large grass area, and nature.

There is an entrance fee for the park ($3 per vehicle Monday-Friday, $5 per vehicle Saturday-Sunday). The park hours during the winter are 7 am to 6 pm PST and during the spring and summer are 7 am- 9 pm PST. It can get busy during the Spring and Summer months.

Address: 28241 La Paz Rd. Laguna Niguel, Ca. 92677

Heisler Park Laguna Beach

Heisler Park is so beautiful. It is one of my favorite parks in Orange County. It is right off the Pacific Coast Hwy and the park is connected to multiple beaches. Picnic Beach, Rockpile Beach, Diver’s Cove, and Main Beach all connect with walking paths to the park.

The park has a big grass area, Barbeques, picnic tables, gardens, large palm trees, and tide pools at Diver’s Cove. If you are in the mood to take a stroll or just sit and look at the beautiful scenery it is a special place to enjoy the beach, ocean, and coastal California.

The public parking lot is free, but it gets filled up quite quickly. You can park on the street. There is a parking fee of $2.50 an hour. The best times to go are in the morning and early afternoon.

Address: 375 Cliff Drive Laguna Beach, Ca. 92651

Irvine Regional Park

Irvine park is a great place for friends and family. There are so many fun activities you can do at the park. Everything from pony rides, paddle boats, picnic tables, two horseshoe pits for playing games, barbecues, paved trails to walk and bike, hiking trails, a big lake to fish, concession stands that serve hot dogs, burgers, frozen yogurt, etc, and play areas through the whole park.

The regional park also has a large train that rides through the whole park and the OC zoo. They have clean restrooms and there are plenty of play areas and places for your kids to run around.

There is ample parking, but can be a challenge, especially during special events the park holds throughout the year. I advise trying to get to the park as early as possible to get parking. Parking fees during the regular year are $3.00 per vehicle Monday-Friday and $5.00 per vehicle Saturday-Sunday.

It is a great regional park and a place I know kids love.

Address: 1 Irvine Park Rd. Orange, Ca. 92869

Castaways Park Newport Beach

Castaways Park is a great place to have a peaceful walk with your family and kids. It is a paved and flat path that surrounds the ocean and the Newport Beach back bay.

Unfortunately, there are no playgrounds or play areas, however, the amazing views from the bluffs, great weather, and fresh ocean air are worth the trip to the park. There is free parking and there are no entrance fees.

The bird watching and the houses around the bay are awesome. Watch out for bikes and scooters. Go in the morning or before the late evening if want to enjoy the path without as many people.

Address: 700 Dover Dr. Newport Beach, Ca. 92660

Central Park Huntington Beach

The largest city-owned park in Orange County the park has so many amenities. It has great running and walking trails that cover the 300-acre land. It has a lake, a nature center, an equestrian center, a disc golf course, a library, secret gardens, an Adventure playground (Temporarily closed), play equipment, a sports complex, and three restaurants.

The park has a few playgrounds. They just finished building a rope webs playground in January 2022. The bathrooms have all been renovated as well. There are no entrance fees. The park has free and paid parking. You can also find free parking along the street. It is a fun place for the kids. Please be aware if you rent play equipment it may be dated.

The city of Huntington Beach holds special events and activities throughout the year.

Address: 18002 Goldenwest St. Huntington Beach, Ca. 92648

6 Stunning Nellie Gail Ranch Parks

Along with 4 state of the art arenas, 25 miles of beautiful horse trails, 50 acres of open green space, and 5,000+ trees, the Nellie Gail Ranch Association also maintains 6 Nellie Gail Ranch parks for residents and guests to enjoy. To see the list of Parks in Nellie Gail Ranch, click here.

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Howard Chung

Hey Orange County, I’m Howard Chung! I'm here to share weekly information about the best events, restaurants, shopping and activities in and around Orange County, California. Plus, the best hiking, biking, health and wellness options, new hot spots, and more! Click below to follow us.

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