Yes! There are 7 places to see redwoods in Orange County and a few other places in Southern California.
If you are planning your California redwoods vacation, this is NOT the post for you. I definitely recommend visiting Redwood National and State Parks in Northern California for the FULL redwoods experience! I've been and there really is no substitute for the real thing.
But if this is your only California trip, then these might be fun stops while you are visiting other tourist attractions in Orange County.
I'm writing it more as a "fun fact" story about how there are actually redwoods growing here. For the most part, you will need to pay attention to the days these places are open and you may need to pay to see them. Here is a little preview . . . play along if you want to try to guess where the list will take you!
Redwood Hints
- A county regional park with $3-$5 entry.
- An arboretum open Wed-Mon from 9am-4pm (closed to public on Tuesdays). Donations appreciated.
- A nature center only open on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9am-1pm. Donations appreciated.
- An art installation in the vicinity of one of OC's biggest retail centers. 2 hours free parking.
- On the grounds of another nature center only accessible to the public on weekends from 10am-3pm. Donations appreciated.
- Inside maybe the most notable Orange County landmark with a HIGH price tag.
- Bonus: Not in OC, but there are also some trees in a garden just outside the county line at a location with an admission fee.
Do I have you curious now? Can you guess any of them before you scroll down???
Also, I do need to add a disclaimer that I am not a botanist or horticulturist -- so I'm not sure what kind of redwoods I'm sharing. Some may be Sequoia's or some other related species. But to the casual observer, you will have your redwood dreams fulfilled!
Where can I see redwood trees in Orange County, CA?
You can see redwood trees at 7 places in Orange County ranging from parks with redwoods, to redwood hiking trails, to redwoods at gardens & arboretums, and even some redwoods at a popular theme park here!
How is that even possible? These giants are normally found on the fog drenched north coast of our state where they thrive on the cool, wet weather.
The redwoods in Orange County are not native or even the healthiest of specimens, but they are here and you can visit them for fun without putting the miles on your car.
Redwoods Hike in Brea for Families
Carbon Canyon Regional Park was the first place I noticed redwoods and it turned out to be one of the most family-friendly hikes on my blog. There are twists and turns in this trail with only a small bit of elevation, but it might leave you doubting you are really closing in on the redwoods until TA-DA there they are! The redwood grove just appears in front of you.
There are interpretive signs so you can read about how they came to be in the park and also a marked path. The temperature is so comfortable in the shade of these beautiful trees.
This is probably the biggest grove of trees compared to the rest of the list.
Good to Know:
You'll want to be cautious of rattlesnakes, especially in the warmer spring/summer months. I know, redwoods + rattlesnakes sounds like a weird combo. But checking in with the ranger might be a good idea so you know the conditions along this popular trail.
Also be aware that taking holiday photos is popular here. If you go in the cooler months of October/November you may stumble upon multiple family photo shoots!
Fullerton Arboretum Redwoods
Redwoods are near the front of the Arboretum and the bamboo forest. This is honestly my favorite part of the gardens because you can feel like you have the whole place to yourself and if you get tucked into the grove near the stream it feels like you are in Northern California.
Good to Know:
They do have coyote warning signs posted, which feels weird because it's on a college campus and feels pretty urban in the surrounding areas. However, as we walked around you could see evidence of coyotes although we never saw any here.
Don't feed the ducks. There are ducks to see, but you are not allowed to feed them (it's not good for the ducks!).
Redwoods at Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Beach
This may be my favorite spot out of all of them! The redwood grove is to the right of the entrance. A shady spot to rest and feel what it feels like to be in a small forest of these trees. Bring a storybook about redwoods to read. We once got to hear a volunteer read The Lorax here.
Good to Know:
Stay on the trail here, please.
Not open every day - only 9am-1pm Tues, Fri, and Sat.
Noguchi Garden Redwoods in Costa Mesa
My photo doesn't even look real, but it is! Walk up the sidewalk along the lawn to sit beneath and between the redwoods for a really pretty view of the rest of the art installation by Isamu Noguchi. This part of the art is called Forest Walk.
Good to Know:
This is not a playground, even though it feels playful.
There are also more trees like this nearby off Anton at the lakes behind the Silver Trumpet Restaurant which is almost walkable from here -- just watch your two hour time limit on the parking.
Redwoods at the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach
You may have heard of the Environmental Nature Center's "Reading in the Redwoods" program that happens periodically on their event calendar. Well, this is where it happens. The grounds of this nature center have been a bit of a sanctuary to me and my family over the years as we take spring walks on the trails and look for blooms. You'll feel the peacefulness when you step out into the plant communities and walk along the stream.
Good to Know:
It's only open to the public on Sat and Sun from 10am-3pm (donations appreciated), but you can also invest in a membership and go on weekday afternoons, too.
There are restrooms and even a little gift shop with nature-themed gifts.
Disney California Adventure Redwood Challenge Trail
There are actually real redwoods here and at the Grand Californian. This area is tucked in across from Grizzly Peak. It's a nice nature spot that somehow isn't usually as busy as the rest of the park. The trees here aren't the healthiest, but they must take a beating with the visitors and the summer heat.
Good to Know:
These are INSIDE the theme park which could cost your family hundreds of dollars to visit. It's not worth it just to see the redwoods here! Pick anywhere on this list instead.
However, if you are already going to Disneyland's California Adventure park, pose for a photo with these iconic California trees!
California Botanic Garden in Claremont (LA County) Redwoods
This is my bonus option just outside Orange County. I think this garden may be home to the biggest redwood trees out of the 7 choices - in terms of circumference around the trunk + height.
I'm counting this spot on my list because it is a great day trip from Orange County (sometimes less distance than driving from San Clemente up to Seal Beach) -- and I always like to encourage visits to this garden!
Good to Know:
Admission is charged here, but it seems pretty reasonable at $10/adult and $4/child -- so $28 for a family of four with 2 adults and 2 kids ages 3-12.
The Village of Claremont is also a family-friendly place to grab a bite!
Now, please let me know if you see redwoods elsewhere in Orange County (or nearby) and I will make sure to add them to the list!
