10 Best Outdoor Activities in Orange County

The waters off the coast of Orange County offer some of the best vantage points for whale spotting on the West Coast. Located directly in the gray whale migration path from Alaska to Mexico, this area has deep, underwater canyons close to the shore where whales tend to congregate. 

Whale-watching tours depart from Newport Beach and Dana Point and last 2 to 3 hours. What you’ll see depends largely on the time of year and time of day, with gray whales appearing between December and April and blue whales, the largest creatures on the planet, sometimes approaching the surface between May and October. Playful dolphin pods make frequent appearances, even jumping alongside the boats. Be sure to have your camera ready.

Crystal Cove State Park has 18 miles (29 km) of hiking trails through wooded hills and dusty landscapes plus 4 beautiful beaches. Trails of easy to moderate difficulty wind down through canyons and climb gently sloping hills, sometimes offering panoramic views of the coastline.

The park’s beaches feature rocky outcroppings and stretches of soft sand that border a marine-protected area. At Reef Point, low tide reveals several tide pools where visitors can observe crabs, starfish, and a host of other wildlife (although they must take care not to disturb them). For a serene spot to swim and relax on the sand, head to the beach just below the Moro Campground.

Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve is a swath of scenic wilderness in Orange County that is protected for its biodiversity and geological significance. The privately managed park is only open to the public on quarterly open access days or via docent-led tours by Irvine Ranch Conservancy, so be sure to plan far in advance if you aim to visit.

The iconic geological formations that give the park its name resemble the limestone formations of the Grand Canyon, albeit at a very small scale. The rest of the park is filled with thick oak woodland, threaded with streams. Tour with knowledgeable docents and learn about the park’s native plant and animal species, which include eagles, mountain lions, and Tecate cypress trees.

One of the surf capitals of the world, Huntington Beach has 10 miles (16 km) of coastline and waves for every skill level. The city is packed with surf schools that offer solo and group classes for first-time surfers as well as experienced surfers looking to up their game. 

Rent a board and wetsuit from one of the beachside surf shops and paddle out into the blue. As a center of beach culture, Huntington Beach also plays host to competitions like the US Open of Surfing. These events draw massive crowds and present a great opportunity to observe the pros and get a feel for the surf community. Ask the pros for surfing tips and then put them into practice.

At the tip of the small peninsula in Dana Point lies a sea cave large enough to enter. To reach the cave, take the beach stairs down from the Ocean Institute and make your way along the rocky path that hugs the cliffside. Be sure to check the tide before starting your journey, as the path is only accessible when the tide is low.

Wear water shoes or grippy sandals to navigate the half-mile path, which can be slippery in parts. Along the way, you’ll pass tide pools filled with waving anemones. Finally, you’ll find the narrow entrance, which opens up to a wider cave. Look back through the cave entrance, and you’ll have a stunning view of the sunlit sea.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a bird-lovers paradise, with more than 300 species of birds regularly spotted within its limits. The reserve covers 1,300 acres of coastal estuary consisting mostly of saltwater marshes. In addition to its resident bird species, the site also hosts many migratory species from both the north and the south.

While you’re certain to see birds any time of year, winter and summer promise the most sightings. In the colder months, shorebirds migrating from northern regions can be seen feeding in the mudflats at low tide. In the summer, head to the dunes in the South Lot to observe nesting in action.

The hike through Black Star Canyon starts straight and easy but develops into a rocky scramble before finally landing at its stunning waterfall. For experienced hikers only, you’ll want to pack lots of water, a hearty lunch, and your water shoes before embarking on this 7.5-mile out-and-back trek.

Most of the trail is through woodland and follows a winding creek, which you’ll have to cross several times. The latter half is challenging, with steep slopes and large boulders to navigate. You’re finally rewarded with the sight of the waterfall: it tumbles dramatically down the steps of a cliff face, past greenery sprouting from the rocks, filling a shallow pool at its base.

The Huntington Beach bike trail is a scenic coastal pathway that runs parallel to the Pacific. Paved and flat, this easy trail is perfect for inexperienced bikers or families with children. The views are fantastic, with the wide blue of the ocean and palm-studded sandy beaches stretching out along the 8-mile (13-km) trail. 

The route begins at Sunset Beach and ends just south of Huntington Beach where the Santa Ana River meets the ocean. Make a mid-way stop for a swim and a snack at Huntington Beach Pier. At the end of the trail, you have the option to continue inland along the 60-mile (97-km) Santa Ana River Trail.

The Arboretum and Botanical Garden at California State University, Fullerton contains more than 4,000 types of trees and plants. Stretching out over 26 acres, this sprawling greenspace is an ideal place to spend a slow afternoon surrounded by the sounds and smells of nature. Wander through the wisteria tunnel, explore a diverse collection of palms, or spread out in a grassy meadow to picnic. 

Plants are organized by ecosystem and species, with ponds and winding pathways giving the gardens shape. Fruit-bearing trees are one of the arboretum’s specialties: the park contains a nationally recognized citrus collection, a peach and nectarine grove, plus tropical varieties like guava and starfruit trees. Visit in spring and see the trees in their blossoming glory.

Tanaka Farms in Costa Mesa takes advantage of Southern California’s produce-perfect climate to grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables all year long. The farm’s biggest draw is their picking tours, where visitors hop on a tractor, head out to the fields, and pick their own berries and greens.

A family spot, Tanaka Farms organizes a host of kid-friendly activities, like autumn pumpkin picking and a winter illumination festival. Before you leave, be sure to stop at the market stand, where the farm’s fresh seasonal picks are for sale along with other local bounties like bread and honey.