In Orange County, most of us are fortunate enough to live close to a gorgeous piece of nature and can venture outdoors all year round.
The next time your family has a full day to spend together, why not take advantage of the outdoor fun our county provides naturally by taking a hike? After you all work up a sweat and a hearty appetite, top the day off with a family meal in the fresh air while you gather around a picnic basket. Now, that’s family bonding.
Whether you want a great workout, a spectacular view or just to bask in Mother Nature’s beauty, here are some mini adventures that will feed all of your hiking needs.
Inspiration Point, Newport Beach
Address: Ocean Boulevard and Orchid Avenue, Newport Beach
Length: 2 miles
Best time of day to go: Sunset
Where to park: On Ocean Boulevard or surrounding streets
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Beginner
Do you want to catch the Southern California sunset that’s been made famous in countless movies throughout the decades? Look no farther than Inspiration Point in Newport Beach. Nestled atop rolling hills, Inspiration Point looks out over the deep blue water below.
By nightfall, the colors that paint the sky make this view nothing short of magical.
Because of its shorter distance and lack of major hills, Inspiration Point is great for getting active with the little ones and the pups – at the same time.
Also, places to break for a well-deserved meal are many, including a quick walk down to the sand for a picnic on the beach complete with sand castles and seashells.
If you can grab a seat at the actual viewpoint, you won’t be disappointed; there’s a grass area for family fun as well as that inspiring view.
Be prepared: Bring extra water, sunscreen, beach toys and snacks in case you head to the sand.
Back Bay Loop Trail, Newport Beach
Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach
Length: 10.5 miles
Best time of day to go: Early afternoon
Where to park: Along University Drive
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Intermediate
Get your heart pumping, then break for various activities along the Back Bay Loop Trail in Newport. A 10.5-mile trail may sound intimidating, but this hike offers multiple entry points, scenic stops and educational facilities such as the Back Bay Science Center on Shellmaker Island, the Environmental Nature Center and many more options for squeezing in a little hands-on learning.
If you’re still cringing at the distance, you can easily break up the trail into a walk more suitable for you and your crew of hikers. The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve has a trail roughly two scenic miles long, and if your squad is up for more, a quick walk across the sidewalk parallel to Jamboree Road will set you on course to walk the other side of the trail. Although you may not get a prime beach view on this hike, you get the beautiful Back Bay and all the untouched nature that resides there, including gorgeous birds, jumping fish and an abundance of foliage.
If you want to add a little more adventure to your day, the Newport Aquatic Center offers kayak rentals and tours so you can take your journey on the water.
Be prepared: Have bathing suits on hand in case you decide to grab a paddle or take the short drive to the beach. Bring sunscreen and water and pack a lunch; you’ll work up an appetite if you spend the day here.
La Tour, Laguna Beach
Address: 2713 Victoria Drive, Laguna Beach
Length: 0.3 miles
Best time of day to go: Early afternoon
Where to park: Along the street on Coast Highway
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Beginner
This is more of a stroll than a hike, but it packs a lot of adventure in its bite-size distance. La Tour has something no other hike can duplicate: a mysterious seaside tower. Trek down the stairs to Victoria Beach and journey across the rugged rocks to see the 60-foot, castle-like tower. Constructed in 1926, it stands hauntingly undisturbed, as if lost in time. Kids can frolic on the rocks while you take in the spot’s mystery.
Afterward, head to Main Beach in Laguna Beach and check out the tide pools. When the tide is out during mid-afternoon, you can see various crabs, small fish, sea anemones, sea hares and maybe even some starfish.
Be prepared: Take this stroll with closed-toe shoes because the rocks are unlevel and sharp, bring a backpack for electronics and wear clothing that dries easily in case you get wet.
Salt Creek Trail
Address: 33333 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point
Length: 6.5 miles (one way)
Best time of day to go: Late morning/early afternoon
Where to park: The parking lot at Salt Creek Beach or Chapparosa Park
Cost: $1 per hour or free, respectively
Difficulty: Intermediate
Are you looking for distance without arduous inclines? Then beautiful Salt Creek Trail in Dana Point is the place to go. With 6.5 miles of slight inclines, the trail offers sweeping views of the ocean, San Juan Canyon and the St. Regis Monarch Beach Golf Links.
Begin your adventure at either Chapparosa Park or Salt Creek Beach. A $55 annual pass from OC Parks is available for those who just can’t get enough of this beach.
If you and your group plan to barbecue, play some basketball, have a picnic or head down to the beach, creating a home base at Salt Creek and paying a couple of bucks is a good option. After all, 6.5 miles one way is a long journey, and there’s no shame in turning back for some beach-side fun if the road becomes a bit much. Just make sure you remember how many hours you paid for or you might be hiking your way back to a parking ticket.
Be prepared: Make sure you have your phone with you and set your alarm to go off half an hour before your parking time expires. This will give you ample time to refill your meter or pack up.
Don’t forget your wallet (cash and credit cards are accepted for parking), shoes for walking, sandals if you head to the beach, sunscreen, water and a basketball if you want to shoot some hoops.
Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Orange
Address: 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange
Length: Depends on the trail you choose
Best time of day to go: Late morning
Where to park: The designated parking lot
Cost: $3 per vehicle Monday-Friday; $5 per vehicle Saturday and Sunday
Difficulty: Intermediate/advanced
Want to get lost? At Santiago Oaks Regional Park in Orange, it’s easy to simply wander on the 1,269-acre paradise of peaceful hiking, biking and equestrian trails tucked away miles from any major roads. After passing through the visitor gates, you’re welcomed by orange groves, dirt roads and wooden fences that send you back to the untouched Orange County of yesteryear. Don’t forget the map you were given upon entry, because it’s easy to wind up on a different path than expected pretty quickly.
A few noteworthy trails are the scenic and popular Robber’s Peak Loop Trail, which won’t be on your map but begins at the end of Windes Drive; the leisurely Santiago Creek Trail, which will take you to the Villa Park Dam; and the steep and challenging Sage Ridge Trail, which will give you a panoramic view for many miles in every direction.
No matter which dog-friendly path you take, it will surely lead you and your family to some fresh-aired bliss and most likely one of the many picnic areas scattered throughout the park.
Be prepared: If it has rained recently, make sure to check if the park is open, as it can close for up to two to three days after rains. Also, if your family likes a good bike ride, bring your cycles along because these trails welcome wheels as well.
Dartmoor Boat Canyon Trail, Laguna Beach
Address: Dartmoor Street, Laguna Beach
Length: 4 miles
Best time of day to go: Sunrise
Where to park: Along Dartmoor Street
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Advanced
If your family wants more than a leisurely stroll, Dartmoor Boat Canyon Trail in Laguna Beach is the place to do it, and its coastal view makes this hike all the more appealing. Fair warning: This trek comes with a consistent incline, so it might not be the best option for those who still need piggyback-ride assistance. Once you conquer the main incline, the remainder of the trail shifts from slight hills to flat terrain. Extend your hike if you desire; various trails within the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park cross paths with the Dartmoor Boat Canyon Trail. After you’ve worked your quads, head across the street to Crescent Bay Point Park to relax with a view of the ocean.
Be prepared: Make sure everyone is wearing appropriate shoes for hiking. Bring Band-Aids for blisters, sunglasses, water, sunscreen and hats that provide some shade, especially if you go later in the day.
