OC Parks Annual Pass | Orange County Regional Parks

OC Parks Pass-2026 Annual Pass. Have you purchased your Orange County Parks annual pass for now through 2026?

For a mere $55 you get access to awe-inspiring county parks and wilderness areas, for $25 more you can get a combo pass for $80 and go to Salt Creek Beach all summer long.

The county's regional parks are by far the most recommended by Fun Orange County Parks readers.

oc parks annual parking pass carbon canyon regional park

It takes me about 5 minutes to purchase an entry card from the ranger station at the entrance to O'Neill Regional Park or Irvine Regional Park (or whatever regional park you happen to visiting and has an office for these transactions).

Note: I am NOT officially attached to any parks. I am a writer mom and nature guide who independently promotes spending family time outdoors. Always check official sources for current info.

Link here for OFFICIAL OCParks.com pass information for 2026. Passes used to be in the form of decals, but now they are gate cards that last 1 year from the date of purchase.

oc regional parks clark playground with rocks to climb

Orange County Regional Park Locations

Here is a list of Orange County's regional parks officially run by OC Parks.

Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Brea. Multiple playgrounds and big open spaces with lots of trees. There's even a lake! Hike to a redwood grove from this park.

Clark Regional Park, Buena Park. I think of Clark as the "dinosaur park." It may even be my favorite regional park. It has 3 separate playgrounds, an interpretive center, and a trail that leads to a hill with a great view of the surrounding area. It also has a lake that is stocked with trout.

Craig Regional Park, Fullerton. This one is near the Brea Mall. Hard to believe there is a lake in this urban area, but it makes it easy to get away and into nature.

Irvine Regional Park, Orange. This is probably the most popular of all the regional parks and a good starting point for exploring. There's a Farmer's Market on Tuesday which gives you free access to the park, but if you have your annual pass, you'll go any time! There's also a Habitat Adventure Trail, Irvine Park Railroad, multiple playgrounds and hiking trails, a Nature Center, the OC Zoo, and places for picnics and spotting peacocks.

Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Laguna Niguel. Families forget about this one because it's not really close to a freeway or an OC destination, but it's a nice spot to stretch your legs with a walk around the lake or a play at the playgrounds.

Mason Regional Park, Irvine. You'll find this as a daily walking park or a weekend gathering place. You've probably driven by it and not realized how expansive it really is. You'll love the turtles in the lake and the shaded playgrounds at either end of the park. I love birdwatching here and the winding sidewalk paths.

Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley. I wrote a whole post about the 10 Things to Do at Mile Square Regional Park that has all my ideas.

O'Neill Regional Park, Trabuco Canyon. This one is a favorite for feeling like you are getting away from it all. I almost feel like it should be in the "wilderness park" grouping. You'll love the nature center, oak woodland trail, Story Walk and playground. Unfortunately, there's no playing in the creek, but it's fun to admire and listen to the sounds of it bubbling over the rocks.

Peters Canyon Regional Park, Orange. I do know families who visit here, but it's not at the top of my list since during hot weather months there are a lot of rattlesnake sightings here. So maybe best for older kids who can stay on trail and know snake safety.

Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Orange. This one became Instagram popular and is a lot busier than it used to be. It's more of a park with hiking trails, but the creek crossing is fun and there is a waterfall near an old historic dam. There is also a small playground with a view and a nature center.

Yorba Regional Park, Anaheim. This one is a must-visit along with Irvine Regional Park. It's so good for flat walking paths and has over 6 playgrounds with so many lakes and lots of birdwatching to do here. They even have swan paddle boats and surrey carts you can rent.

oc parks annual pass caspers wilderness park

Orange County Wilderness Park Locations

Aliso & Wood Canyons, Laguna Niguel
Caspers Wilderness Park, San Juan Capistrano
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Laguna Beach
Riley Wilderness Park, Coto de Caza
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, Trabuco Canyon (Glenn Ranch Parking Lot, Borrego Parking Lot)

Beach Locations

Aliso Beach Park got moved to the City of Laguna Beach running it is not managed by OC Parks anymore as of March 2023
Capistrano Beach, Capistrano Beach - not very accessible anymore because of coastal erosion
Salt Creek Beach, Dana Point

*Since 2008, I have received complimentary annual passes for 2 or 3 years in my 18 year history writing about them. However, I covered almost all of the OC Parks at my own expense and always renew my annual pass. It's so worth the investment! Link here to full disclosure policy.