For those who don’t want to be in the gym, check out these local Orange County workout parks with outdoor fitness equipment.  An article appeared in Atlantic Cities called “The Latest Scourge Afflicting Our Parks: Outdoor Yoga Classes.” It sets up a scenario where private business is using public park space and not paying rent or fees for a facility. A good point, because sometimes the use of the park for classes affects the usability of the parks for the rest of the public.  However, there are some parks in Orange County with sections set up specifically for outdoor fitness.

Orange County Workout Parks with Outdoor Fitness Equipment

El Toro Park in Lake Forest

The fitness section of El Toro Park in Lake Forest is set apart from the playground by tennis courts. You can’t even see the playground from here!  However, there’s a wide array of equipment that gets shade in the morning and evening hours (this photo was taken at 2pm in the afternoon):

Oso Viejo Park in Mission Viejo

There’s a section of Oso Viejo Park called “Village Green” which is on the opposite side of the park from the awesome playground. I’ve written about the fitness area and the Oso Creek Trail before.  There are three different stations working different parts of the body.

Cedar Grove Park in Tustin

Cedar Grove Park was redesigned in August 2013 with a fitness area for adults.

Mandeville Park in Laguna Hills

Mandeville Park has a short fitness trail loop, which you can make a bigger workout by running some of the hills you’ll go up to get to the park (Mandeville Road — or Aliso Hills Drive).

Sycamore Creek Trail in Dana Point

Sycamore Creek Trail has no playground, it’s just a wide fitness trail and green space that links up to the bike trail along San Juan Creek.  It’s right near Del Obispo Park, though. And you can walk to many parks from here: Creekside Park, Mission Bell Park, and Descanso Park on your way to downtown San Juan Capistrano/Los Rios Historic District on the bike trail. Park off Del Obispo on Quail Run.

Mason Regional Park in Irvine

Mason Regional Park’s fitness course is tucked in the north corner of the park near the playground with the red slide.  Head to your right and the back of the park after you go through the entrance. You will have to pay $3-$5 to access this park.

Canyon View Park in Aliso Viejo

This fitness equipment overlooks a spectacular view of Aliso Wood Canyon.

Ridgecrest Park in Aliso Viejo

Ridgecrest Park in Aliso Viejo has fitness equipment stations set up along the exterior paths of the park – so you can walk from station to station.

San Clemente North Beach Trail

Perfect trail for walking or running with a view. Pull-up bars near the Lifeguard Station by the pier.

Laguna Niguel Regional Park 

There is a fitness course rounding the perimeter of the park.

Stanton Central Park in Stanton

This park has everything, included a walking loop and fitness station!

More Parks in Orange County with Outdoor Fitness Equipment (info from readers):

• Garden Grove has 5 parks with outdoor fitness equipment (Garden Grove Park, Magnolia Park, Jardin de los Niños, Clinton, and Eastgate Park).
• Santa Ana also has a number of fitness parks and even has a Fitness Task Force which offers 5 fitness maps of the city (Golden Trail East, Downtown Santa Ana, El Salvador Park, Jerome Park, and Santa Anita Park.) There are a number of recreation facilities in the city. Garfield Park also has a fitness area.
• Grijalva Park in Orange has a workout area outdoors, but under shade cover.
• Laurel Glen Park and Pine Tree Park in Tustin
• Concourse Park in Portola Hills
• Tracks at Brea Trail

More Tools for Outdoor Exercise:

• Parks with Outdoor Handball and Racquetball Courts in Orange County
• How Far Around? Top Tools to Figure Walking Distances or Map Runs
• Walk Maps: Knowing the Distance When You Go the Distance

Originally published in July 2013.