In Orange County, there are no excuses for not spending time outside! Beautiful weather year-round, scenic rooftops with views for days and acres of canyon trails make up the California dream. Clear your mind with the beach breeze or amidst a mystical redwood forest—yes, there are redwoods here!
Orange County really has it all when it comes to impressive scenery. From cityscapes at sky-high cocktail bars to ocean views atop beachside bluffs, we’ve rounded up the most picturesque places both on and off the beaten path. Cut down on your screen time and soak it all in at these 14 scenic places in Orange County.
Pixar Pier
There is no view more magical than the ones at Disney California Adventure® Park in Anaheim. Perched along a whimsical waterfront boardwalk, Pixar Pier boasts views of the fountain-filled lake, iconic Ferris wheel and, of course, the Incredicoaster. For a bird’s-eye view, load into a Ferris wheel carriage and ride all the way to the top for panoramic park views. Lamplight Lounge is best for cocktails, and golden hour is definitely the best time to visit this scenic spot in Orange County. Take a deep breath from a busy day at the park to enjoy people-watching amidst the magic.
Weir Canyon Trail
Anaheim may be best known for Disneyland® Park and the Anaheim Packing District, but this Orange County city is also home to some of the most scenic hiking trails. Weir Canyon is a 3.7-mile loop that’s popular among adventure-seekers for bird-watching and hiking. The trail is moderate in terms of difficulty and takes about an hour and a half to traverse. There is not a building or rollercoaster in sight—just miles of rolling Anaheim Hills! We love this trail for scenic solitude away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Pro tip: The canyon is sunny, so stay hydrated and don’t forget a hat and sunscreen.
RISE Rooftop Lounge and The FIFTH Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
Cityscapes are one thing, but add fireworks—now that’s a view! RISE Rooftop Lounge is located on top of The Westin Anaheim Resort with a direct view of Disneyland® Park’s magical fireworks display that shoots off at 9 p.m. Cozy up in one of the fire-lit lounges, order a round of bourbon-infused Ruby Sunset cocktails, and sip back and relax for the show. The fireworks are also visible from The FIFTH Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, which sits atop the Grand Legacy At The Park. We also love the theme nights here, so be sure to come grab a $16 cocktail on Tiki Tuesdays and Whiskey Wednesdays for a midweek pick-me-up.
Christ Cathedral
The wild card on our list is Christ Cathedral. This architectural titan has nothing to do with nature, but it no doubt deserves an honorary mention for its beauty in design and magnificent height. Standing 120 feet tall and constructed entirely of glass, this operating church is a trailblazer for modern architecture. By day, the city is reflected in the cathedral’s mirrored exterior; by night, a 90-foot neon cross lights up the church. On the top floor of the cathedral is the “Chapel in the Sky,” with 360-degree views of Orange County.
Community Center Park
Community Center Park is a neighborhood hub designed for large family outings and field days. Stretches of lawn space are perfect for playtime, and a focal duck pond makes for a peaceful picnic spot in the afternoon. Statues dot the park: one is of giant Adirondack chairs in bright orange and yellow, and another is of ancient heroes carved in stone. Enjoy the space while it stands! A revitalization project for Garden Grove was approved in March, including plans for a parking structure to be built over Community Center Park.
Anaheim Coves
The Anaheim Coves are a relatively new addition to Orange County’s collection of nature parks. This 26-acre enclave was created and completed less than five years ago and offers over two miles of multi-use trails along the Santa Ana River. The coves are brimming with wildlife, and educational markers along the trail help visitors spot local species. Kids love the nature play area, which is to the left of the parking lot by Lincoln Avenue. Once you find it, the playground is filled with fossils and a boulder climbing net, but the highlight is definitely the zipline.
Redwood Grove in Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to drive up north to see California’s iconic redwoods. Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea is home to Orange County’s only coastal redwood forest, which is accessible by multiple trails. While challenging, Prospect Trail is a favorite. The path starts like a typical hike, with a tree-shaded path and picket fence border. As the path progresses, hikers find themselves in a dreamy redwood grove. Hills make the hike a good workout, but the redwood views are worth the trek!
Inspiration Point
Boasting clifftop views of Corona del Mar, Inspiration Point is breathtaking at any time of day—however, sunset is truly spectacular. Pink and orange hues paint the sky, and dolphins are often spotted along the coastline. Views are backed by million-dollar homes, and there are plenty of grassy spots for a picnic overlooking Pirate’s Cove. It’s a popular spot, so come early to stake your claim! For an up-close view, take the stairs down to the sand to watch the sunset from the beach.
Local Insight: Grab a sandwich from Gallo’s Italian Deli before heading to Inspiration Point for a picnic!
Hive & Honey Rooftop Bar
Uh-huh, honey! Hive & Honey Rooftop Bar is the night-out spot in Irvine for sky-high views and boozy libations. This chic lounge is situated on top of the Marriott and boasts spectacular sunset views of Orange County. The atmosphere is upscale, and the vibes are as high as the altitude. If you’re a vodka person, Nectar of the Gods is a must-try with Tito’s vodka, Aperol, lemon juice and peach syrup. Hive & Honey also serves light bites, so head here on your next night out to see what the buzz is about!
Heisler Park
For views that just won’t quit, lace up your sneakers and take a stroll through Heisler Park. This stunning park in Laguna Beach sits just north of downtown and winds along the bluffs of Cliff Drive from Aster Street to Diver’s Cove. The water below is electric blue, and there are tons of coves and tide pools to check out, whether during a morning coffee walk or a romantic sunset stroll. Visitors can also enjoy walking trails, gardens, picnic tables and barbecues. Start at the north end of the park and end at the gazebo for panoramic views of downtown and Main Beach.
Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Hidden on the campus of Cal State Fullerton sits a 26-acre botanical garden with scenery perfect for an Orange County picnic. This abundant oasis is located on the northeast corner of the college’s grounds and is filled with foliage from across the globe. Along with flora and fauna native to SoCal, the Arboretum is home to a world-class collection of sustainable habitats. To really make the most of your time here, take advantage of the garden’s volunteer opportunities for locals. You can hone in on culinary skills, learn how to compost and even plant your own bonsai to take home. Visit any day of the week with a $5 donation per visit.
Crystal Cove State Park
A tale as old as time and an OC treasure, Crystal Cove State Park has been a beloved seaside destination since the 1950s. This protected stretch of shoreline in Newport Beach features scenic rural spaces, 3.2 miles of sandy beaches, rolling waves and tidepools. It doesn’t matter if you’re hiking the backcountry trails or sunbathing on the sandy shores—the views are always stunning. You can even experience it all by staying the night in one of the park’s restored beach cottages, available to rent on the state park website.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Newport Beach truly has it all—even wetlands! Known by locals as the “Back Bay,” the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is an ecological area that’s home to more than 1,000 acres of open space. The entire preserve is boarded by a bayside trail that’s perfect for hot girl walks, run clubs and scenic bike rides. It also happens to be one of the best bird-watching sites in North America. During winter migrations, up to 35,000 birds can be spotted at once, but you’ll also want to keep your eye out for endangered species like Light Footed Clapper Rails, Brown Pelicans, Peregrine Falcons and more.
Orange Hill Restaurant
Orange locals know it well, but even people who have lived in Orange County their whole life will be wowed by the cascading views at this clifftop restaurant. From a patio table, views stretch from Catalina Island to downtown Los Angeles, but you can also keep cozy inside the dining room, which features huge windows. This spot is best for sunset dinner dates, but the restaurant also functions as an event space for celebrations. Enjoy a backdrop of rolling hills as day turns to night and the city lights begin to glow. P.S. Don’t miss happy hour from 4-6 p.m. on weekdays!
Originally published in Locale Magazine
Text by Emily Miller
