7 Best Picnic Spots in Orange County

Plan your perfect picnic at these amazing Orange County Locations for your first trip to the OC! 

Why are picnic spots important? Because the green space refreshes the soul of people of all ages. Access to green areas such as parks and nature reserves is directly related to a decline in obesity rates in adults and children, as well as other stress and health metrics. 

If you are thinking about what things to do in Orange County then look no further than these gathering spots!

 If you want to find some outdoor space in Orange County, here is a list of seven parks in Orange County:

1 | For the barefoot lifestyle 

Lantern Bay Park

Lantern Bay Park is a relatively large and flat grass park with views of Dana Point and the harbor. There are many shaded pine trees, public toilets, playgrounds, and bocce courts. Every day at 10 am in the park a donation-based “My Heart Yoga in the Park” is held. 

This real OC gem is a must-have for your picnic priority list. Its Location is fascinating, and a harbour, park, and ocean view, Lantern Bay Park has everything Dana Point has to offer.

2 | A Picnic spot for the Whole Family

Pine Park

The pine park at Capistrano Beach is situated on a cliff just above the ocean and is a great place to launch a picnic while enjoying the bright blue seascape and listening to the echoes of the waves crashing underneath.

With beautiful coastal views, Pines Park features a playground and a grassy area, as well as a picnic table and BBQ facilities in the park, surrounded by many pine trees.

3 | For the Staycation Seeker 

Treasure Island Park

Close to the Montage Resort, you can find some of the most beautiful views of the coast of Orange County.

Sunset picnics at Treasure Island Park in Laguna Beach cannot be beaten, as you can even see the whales in the grass above the surf!

Treasure Island Park is located south of the Montage Resort in South Laguna Beach, California. Entering Treasure Island Beach is a long concrete ramp on the southwest side of Montage. 

The trail here is very beautiful, and there are benches and washrooms along the way in case you get tired. The views of the Pacific Islands and coastline are breathtaking. Park along the coast highway. It is located between Goff Cove and Christmas Cove in the north and Aliso Beach Park in the south.

4 | For Sunset-Chasers 

Picnic park

The Picnic Park is actually the beach park on the north side of Heisler Park in Laguna Beach, offering a grassy area and many picnic tables.

This park stretches from Aster Street to Diver’s Cove along the cliffs of the road, with walking trails, gardens, marine sanctuaries with tidal pools, picnic tables, barbecues, and lawn bowling alleys. 

Popular park wedding venues include gazebos and monument points, and yes, toilets are available.

5 | For nature lovers

Tewinkle Park

Tewinkle Park is a tranquil park hidden behind the OC Fairgrounds, with a large pond with ducks, turtles, and geese. The well-preserved grounds offer beautiful trails and rich shades of mature trees.

The beautiful park, its lakes, and waterfalls (with ducks to feed!) have a lot of rocks to climb. Also, a wheelchair-accessible playground for children is available.

If you are a sports enthusiast, there are many more things to do in Orange County, there are 12 tennis courts, baseball, and volleyball courts. 

6 | For leisure, local experience

St. Honoré State Beach

Want to have a beach day? This iconic surf spot is one of the best! San Onofre State Beach is one of my favorite meeting places, as you can head straight to the beach for a relaxing gathering and enjoy a straw-thatched roof cottage. 

San Onofre State Beach is one of the most popular beaches in all of California, with almost 2.5 million visitors a year, it is one of the five most popular state parks in the state. It has surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, campers, kayaks, birds, fishermen, and cyclists. 

State Beach has three distinct areas: San Onofre Bluffs, San Mateo Campground and San Onofre Surf Beach.

7 | For the Zen-Seeker

Huntington Central Park

Explore the tranquil, nature-filled Central Park of Huntington Beach, always with a cool breeze and courtesy of the Pacific Ocean. Family and friends will enjoy this beautiful beach close to the hand of nature.

Huntington Central Park is the largest city-owned and operated park in Orange County, consisting of 356 acres of land between Central Park West and Central Park East.

Central Park West landscapes the famous Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, Huntington Beach Golf Course, Huntington Lake, Casey Lakeview Cafe, Dog Park, covered picnic shed and the Shipley Nature Center. 

Central Park East includes the Central Library and Cultural Center, Huntington Beach Theatre, Adventure Playground, Huntington Beach Sports Center, Park Bench Cafe, Footpath, Sports Venue, Picnic Table and Grill, Natural Amphitheatre, and Bandstand. 

Free and paid public parking is available throughout the park. 

Huntington Central Park is also home to many special events, concerts, Shakespeare in the park, Easter Hunting, Family Fun Day, and Huntington Beach Taste.