Nature Hikes

Barbara’s Lake is an easy hike near Laguna Beach. It’s only about 10 minutes away from the beach and especially nice to visit in spring!

Nix Nature Center is the home base for Laguna Coast Wilderness Park on Laguna Canyon Road (Hwy 133) with easy hikes for families.

Where to find wildflowers (2022) from Orange County + kid-friendly spots. California wildflower guide for identification + safety tips.

List of kid friendly things to do in Dana Point crafted from family exploring with kids during the past decade!

Hike the Redwood Trail in Brea with 5 options for families. Start at Carbon Canyon Regional Park & take the trail to this OC redwood grove.

My cheat sheet to 2022 park and beach passes for OC families will help you figure out how to choose the best parking options for your family.

Aliso and Wood Canyons wildflower hike brings out the colors of spring in Aliso Viejo with a downhill/uphill hike by a creek bed.

The viewing deck at Limestone Canyon was rebuilt after the 2020 wildfires. Visit it on monthly Wilderness Access Days & docent-led programs.

Dana Point Headlands Nature Interpretive Center opened in April 2010 with an interpretive trail and breathtaking views of the Pacific.

Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo is outside the Norman P. Murray Community Center. It’s perfect for family walks near an awesome playground.