Picnic table

Brush Canyon Park in Yorba Linda provides safe viewing of freight trains in an idyllic neighborhood setting.

Mandeville Park in Laguna Hills is a playful oasis surrounded by palm trees. It’s a favorite park for walks and looking at the view.

Lang Park in Laguna Beach is directly across the street from The Montage resort. You’ll enjoy sea breezes and views of the ocean.

San Onofre State Beach is more than a bluff-top campground. Head toward the beach on a family hike for astounding views and solitude.

Capistrano Beach Park, better known as Capo Beach, is one of my favorite Orange County beaches – not for swimming – but just to pull into the parking lot, pile …