Picnic

Lantern Bay Park in Dana Point is one of the best places for an ocean view family barbecue. New playground with roller slide in 2021.

Yorba Regional Park in Anaheim is a forested paradise with fishing lakes. Feels like Yorba Linda, but actually in Anaheim.

Mason Regional Park in Irvine is a lovely regional park with a lake and multiple playground areas. Use it as a picnic spot or a family walk.

San Miguel Park in Newport Beach is among the top parks for its manageable size and variety of equipment. I discovered this park while checking into Bonita Canyon Sports Park. …

Bonita Canyon Sports Park in Newport Beach is at the corner of MacArthur Boulevard and Bonita Canyon Drive near the 73 Tollroad/Freeway. Although the park appears to be on Bonita …

Coastal Peak Park in Newport Beach offers more than just stunning views. It’s located high up in the Newport Coast hills and right next to the trails of Laguna Coast …

Cabot Park in Laguna Hills is small, but good for younger kids.  It’s near the Crown Valley Costco and a great little place for the kids to get out their …

Pioneer Road Park is probably best-known for its summer water play. Thanks so much to Mary for recommending this one! It’s not even on the map. My kids “oooh-ed” and …

Newport Beach Civic Center Park (nicknamed “White Bunny Park” or plain old “Bunny Park”) is perfect paired with Newport Beach Public Library.

Serrano Creek Park in Lake Forest is a natural looking OC playground tucked away by horse stables near a tree-covered trail for exploring.