From Coastal Bluffs to Rooftop Bars, These Are Orange County’s Most Beautiful Spots
Orange County offers 23 scenic destinations, including dramatic coastal bluffs at Crystal Cove State Park, the 1,300-acre Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve wetlands, the Sawdust Art Festival canyon and rooftop bars with Disneyland fireworks views. Top spots include Heisler Park’s oceanfront bluffs, Top of the World’s panoramic trails and the Historic District cottages at Crystal Cove. Whether you’re chasing a golden-hour view, a rare redwood grove or a craft cocktail with a side of the Pacific Ocean, here are 23 spots that prove the OC is one of the most stunning counties in California.
1. Where Art Grows Wild
More than 180 local artists sell handcrafted paintings, ceramics, glasswork, jewelry and woodwork at the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach. The summer festival runs late June through Labor Day with glassblowing demonstrations, art workshops and live music beneath eucalyptus trees along sawdust-covered paths. Winter Fantasy returns Nov. 20 through Dec. 20, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It’s a must-visit if you want something that feels less like a marketplace and more like a living art colony.
Sawdust Art Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Rd
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.494.3030
Open daily at 11 a.m. Su–Th until 8 p.m., F–Sa until 10 p.m.
Special Hours: July 4th open until 4 p.m.
2. A River Runs Through It
Moving inland from the coast, Anaheim Coves are a 26-acre nature park tucked along the Santa Ana River that feels like a secret hiding in plain sight. Completed in 2019, Anaheim Coves offers 2.5 miles of accessible multi-use trails, native habitat, fitness stations and educational signage. And the nature play area comes complete with a zipline and fossil dig. Birders, joggers and families make equal use of it. Two trailheads off Lincoln Avenue and Ball Road offer free parking and restrooms.
Anaheim Coves
2916 E Lincoln Ave
Anaheim, CA 92806
714.765.5155
Daily, dawn to dusk
3. Blooms, Boughs and a Bodhi Tree
Hidden in the northeast corner of the Cal State Fullerton campus, this 26-acre botanical garden is a horticultural gem. Wandering the Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s unpaved paths feels worlds away from suburban Fullerton, with wisteria tunnels, rare native species, cacti, fruit trees and one of only three Level IV ArbNet-accredited arboreta in California. Much of what makes it so beautiful is the work of dedicated volunteers who keep it that way. A $5 suggested donation lets you spend the morning lost in something beautiful. Bring your own water (there’s no potable source on site). The garden is also hosting a Golden Hour event Sept. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. Check arboretum.fullerton.edu for upcoming events.
Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton
1900 Associated Rd
Fullerton, CA 92831
657.278.3407
Daily, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
4. Wings Over the Wetlands
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a 1,300-acre saltwater marsh (the largest along the California coast) offering approximately five miles of flat trails through mudflats and open water. Herons, pelicans, egrets and shorebirds make it one of the state’s premier birding destinations, with the Wetlands Interpretive Center off Warner Avenue and PCH providing ecosystem context. It makes for a stunning stop year-round.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
18000 CA-1
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.846.1114
Daily, 6 a.m.–8 p.m.
5. Glass, God and Geometry
Few structures in Orange County are as architecturally arresting as the Christ Cathedral. Originally designed by Philip Johnson and completed in 1980 as the Crystal Cathedral, this all-glass edifice (all 10,660 panes of it!) now serves as the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange. Soaring spires, sculpted gardens, fountains and a serene memorial cemetery surround the main structure. Cultural and musical events fill the calendar year-round. And the 34-acre grounds are a spectacular backdrop for quiet reflection or photography at any hour.
Christ Cathedral
13280 Chapman Ave
Garden Grove, CA 92840
714.971.2141
Daily, 6 a.m.–10 p.m. (buildings close at 9:30 p.m. M–F and 9 p.m. Sa–Su)
6. Where the Canyons Meet the Sea
Crystal Cove State Park stretches 3.2 miles along PCH between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, offering three miles of beach, 2,400 acres of backcountry hiking trails, a 1,100-acre underwater park for divers and the 1930s Historic District with beachfront cottages. The Beachcomber Café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner steps from the sand in the Historic District, and the park stays open daily from 6 a.m. to sunset, with the Historic District open until 10 p.m. Together, they form an experience that could fill an entire weekend.
Crystal Cove State Park
8471 N Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.494.3539
Daily, 6 a.m.–10 p.m. (Historic District); backcountry and beach: 6 a.m.–sunset
7. A Headland Like No Other
Perched above Dana Point Harbor, the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area offers a nearly 60-acre network of conservation parks and trails for some of the most breathtaking views in OC. The approximately three-mile public trail system winds along clifftops and through coastal sage scrub that shelters rare plants and the endangered Pacific pocket mouse. Overlooks above the harbor and Pacific Ocean make prime whale-watching territory from December through April. The Nature Interpretive Center (free to visit) sits at the end of Scenic Drive and adds welcome context to the remarkable landscape.
Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area
34558 Scenic Dr
Dana Point, CA 92629
949.248.3500
Trails: Daily, 7 a.m.–sunset; Nature Interpretive Center: T–Su, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
8. Blufftop Beauty by the Sea
Heisler Park delivers one of the most spectacular ocean views in Orange County from the comfort of a manicured park. Majestic Monterey pines frame vistas of crashing waves, rocky coves and kelp beds below. Photographers and tide pool explorers favor Monument Point, while picnic tables, barbecues and a paved pathway create a perfect spot for an easy oceanside stroll. The park connects to Main Beach at its southern end for an effortless Laguna Beach afternoon.
Heisler Park
375 Cliff Dr
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.497.3311
Daily, dawn to dusk
9. Cocktails in the Clouds
Perched atop the Marriott Irvine Spectrum, Hive & Honey Rooftop Bar combines panoramic views stretching from city lights to mountain sunsets with handcrafted cocktails, agave-forward offerings and shareable bites. Fire pits, outdoor lounge seating and a party-ready atmosphere make it equally suited to date nights, group gatherings and happy hour wind-downs. Live guitar on Wednesdays, saxophone on Thursdays and DJs on Fridays and Saturdays mean every visit feels a little different. Social hour runs Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Hive & Honey Rooftop Bar
7905 Irvine Center Dr
Irvine, CA 92618
949.880.2428
T–Th, 4–10 p.m.; F–Sa, 4 p.m.–midnight; closed Su–M
10. Sunset at the Edge of the World
At the end of Ocean Boulevard in Corona del Mar, a modest blufftop park opens into Inspiration Point, one of the most beloved sunset-watching spots in all of SoCal. Benches face due west over the Pacific, where you can watch sailboats pass through the mouth of Newport Harbor against a backdrop of million-dollar homes and open sky. The atmosphere is peaceful, romantic and quietly inspiring, which is precisely the point. Free street parking in Corona del Mar makes it one of Orange County’s most accessible scenic payoffs, and getting your steps in has never been so stunning.
Inspiration Point
3001 Ocean Blvd
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
949.644.3151
Daily, 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
11. Sandcastles, Boards and the Lifeguard Tower
The postcard version of Laguna Beach, Main Beach is exactly what it sounds like: an iconic white lifeguard tower standing over a wide arc of sand, volleyball courts and a wooden boardwalk built for people-watching. Public art installations dot the park, and the easy surf makes it popular with swimmers and bodyboarders. At the north end, rocky outcroppings give way to tide pools and the beginning of Heisler Park’s blufftop trail. At the south end, the town’s shops and galleries are steps away. There’s no better place to absorb the signature rhythm of coastal Orange County.
Main Beach & Boardwalk
S Coast Hwy & Broadway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.497.3311
Daily, 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
12. Pixar and Panoramic Waterfront Views
Inside Disney California Adventure at Pixar Pier, the Lamplight Lounge celebrates the art of animation in an impossibly charming waterfront setting. Walls are covered in original Pixar concept art and memorabilia, and the outdoor patio offers unobstructed views of the Pixar Pier promenade and Paradise Bay. Signature cocktails (inspired by the filmmaking process) accompany gastropub staples like potato skins with paprika aioli. At night, the twinkling boardwalk and the spectacle of World of Color make it one of the most visually rich dining experiences in all of Southern California. Park admission required. Reservations recommended.
Lamplight Lounge at Pixar Pier
1313 Disneyland Dr
Anaheim, CA 92802
714.781.4636
Hours vary; visit disneyland.disney.go.com for current times
13. Golden Hour on the Hill
Orange Hill Restaurant offers panoramic views that sweep from Catalina Island to the Los Angeles skyline on a clear day. Twinkling path lights, tropical gardens, fire pits and an award-winning wine list give it a romantic, timeless ambiance that has made it a fixture of Orange County dining since 1971. The menu leans into USDA Prime steaks and fresh seafood, with a weekend brunch that draws its own devoted following. Sunsets from the patio here are something to linger over.
Orange Hill Restaurant
6410 E Chapman Ave
Orange, CA 92869
714.997.1109
M–T, 4–10 p.m.; W–F, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Su, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
14. Where the Fairway Meets the Pacific
Even non-golfers are awed by the setting at Pelican Hill Golf Club. Designed by legendary architect Tom Fazio, the dual championship courses (Ocean North and Ocean South) cascade down the rugged coastal cliffs of Newport Coast with sweeping 270-degree views of the Pacific Ocean on nearly every hole. The stunning Italian Renaissance–style clubhouse, with its 44,000-square-foot footprint and Pelican Grill dining, is a destination in its own right. If a full round is beyond the budget, a drive through the property offers one of the most scenic overlooks of SoCal’s coastline from pavement.
Pelican Hill Golf Club
22800 S Pelican Hill Rd
Newport Coast, CA 92657
844.878.0942
Daily, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
15. Imagination at the Water’s Edge
Pixar Pier is the sun-drenched, story-filled heart of Disney California Adventure. It’s a waterside boardwalk inspired by Victorian-era amusement parks but brought fully into the world of Pixar animation. The 150-foot Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris wheel dominates the skyline, while the Incredicoaster wraps the perimeter at 55 miles per hour. By day, it sparkles with color and character. By night, as World of Color erupts across Paradise Bay, it becomes one of the most visually spectacular scenes in any theme park in the country. Park admission required.
Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure
1313 Disneyland Dr
Anaheim, CA 92802
714.781.4636
Hours vary; visit disneyland.disney.go.com for current times
16. California’s Unexpected Redwood Grove
What appears to be a Northern California fantasy is hiding at Carbon Canyon Regional Park. You’ll find a 3-acre grove of coastal redwoods planted in 1975 from seeds left over from a bank promotion, now thriving against all expectations inside a 124-acre regional park. The 1.1-mile nature trail to the grove passes the historic Carbon Canyon Dam, a fishing lake, native gardens and a world of wildlife. When you step beneath the canopy of towering redwoods in the middle of suburban Orange County, the effect is astonishing. Admission is $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends.
Redwood Grove at Carbon Canyon Regional Park
4442 Carbon Canyon Rd
Brea, CA 92823
714.973.3160
Spring/Summer: Daily, 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fall/Winter: Daily, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
17. Fireworks, Fire Pits and the Magic Kingdom View
The RISE Rooftop Lounge at the Westin Anaheim Resort offers something rare: a direct sightline into Disney California Adventure Park. From here, RISE Rooftop Lounge serves California-inspired tapas, handcrafted cocktails and an unimpeded view of Disneyland fireworks on select nights. Social hour runs Monday through Thursday, 5:30 to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. with cozy lounge seating, fire pits and live entertainment that carry the energy well into the evening. Reservations are required.
RISE Rooftop Lounge
1030 W Katella Ave
Anaheim, CA 92802
657.279.9786
M–F, 5:30–11 p.m.; Sa–Su, 2–11 p.m.
18. Oaks, Oranges and Open Sky
Stretched peacefully along Santiago Creek in east Orange, this 1,269-acre regional park is a hiker’s sanctuary of ancient oak groves. Santiago Oaks Regional Park also features a historic 1892 dam, an orange grove planted in 1937 and interconnecting trails for all ability levels. The Barham Ridge Trail lookout delivers a panoramic view of the surrounding foothills and valley that justifies every uphill step. The Nature Center (open since 1981) introduces the park’s deep ecology and local wildlife with hands-on exhibits. Dogs are welcome on leash, and wildflowers arrive in force during the spring. Parking is $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends.
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
2145 N Windes Dr
Orange, CA 92869
714.973.6620
Daily, 7 a.m.–sunset
19. Anaheim From Above (The Original)
Before the other rooftops showed up, there was The FIFTH. It’s Anaheim’s original rooftop restaurant and bar, perched atop Grand Legacy at the Park across the street from the Disneyland Resort. Its 5,000 square feet of open-air terrace mixes high-top tables with lounge furniture, fire pits and unobstructed views of the Anaheim skyline and the nightly Disneyland fireworks display. The California-inspired menu, craft cocktails and weekend DJ sets make it a full evening out. Happy hour runs Tuesday through Saturday, 5–7 p.m.
The FIFTH Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
1650 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92802
714.772.0899
T–Su, 5 p.m.–close; M, closed
20. The Summit of Laguna
The trails of Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park converge at a viewpoint that earns its nickname: Top of the World. On a clear day, the panorama takes in the Laguna Beach coastline from San Clemente to Long Beach, the Catalina Channel, rolling canyon ridges and an ocean that seems impossibly close. The area sits at the terminus of multiple trails. Canyon hikers can ascend via Canyon Acres Drive, while the more casual visitor can drive directly to Alta Laguna Park’s small lot and stroll to the lookout. Open every day, all year.
Top of the World
3300 Alta Laguna Blvd
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.497.3311
Daily, dawn to dusk
21. Harbor Views with Champagne in Hand
Newport Beach’s only rooftop bar, Topside, perches atop the Lido House, an Autograph Collection hotel. It delivers uninterrupted sightlines across Newport Harbor, the coastline and the Pacific beyond. A real lighthouse on the property adds a nautical flourish to an already cinematic setting. The cocktail program is polished, the small plates are fresh and the Sunday brunch club brings live DJ beats alongside sweeping harbor views. No flip-flops or tank tops, please. Reservations are highly encouraged.
Topside Roof Deck at Lido House
3300 Newport Blvd
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.524.8500
M–Th, 4–10 p.m.; F, 4–11 p.m.; Sa, 2–11 p.m.; Su, noon–8 p.m.
22. The Back Bay’s Secret Life
Few places in Orange County feel as wild as this 135-acre blufftop preserve overlooking the calm, serpentine waters of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. It’s one of the largest coastal wetlands remaining in Southern California. Bikers, joggers and birdwatchers share the ridge trails, and the bay below draws almost 200 bird species across the seasons, including endangered and threatened migrants following the Pacific Flyway. The Back Bay Science Center offers free scheduled public programs and tours, and the neighboring Ecological Reserve adds another 752 acres of marsh and mudflat habitat accessible by kayak, canoe or foot.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
2301 University Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.923.2290
Daily, 7 a.m.–sunset
23. Chaparral, Canyon and Wildflower Skies
Part of Santiago Oaks Regional Park but accessed from its own residential trailhead, the Weir Canyon Trail offers a 3.8-mile loop through pristine coastal sage scrub and sandstone canyon formations. Plus, sweeping views toward the Santa Ana Mountains and Anaheim below. In late winter and early spring, the hillsides erupt in poppies and wildflowers that draw hikers from across Southern California. No entrance fee or permit is required. Parking is free on the street at the trailhead.
Weir Canyon Trail Trailhead
S Hidden Canyon Rd & E Overlook Ter
Anaheim Hills, CA 92807
714.973.6620
Daily, 7 a.m.–sunset
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do any of the scenic spots in Orange County require advance tickets or reservations?
A: Yes, a few do. Disney California Adventure (Lamplight Lounge and Pixar Pier) requires park admission, and dining reservations are strongly recommended. Rooftop venues like Topside Roof Deck at Lido House, RISE Rooftop Lounge and Hive & Honey also recommend reservations, especially on weekends. Most parks, preserves and trails are walk-in, though some (like Crystal Cove State Park) charge a parking fee.
Q: Which of these spots are best for families with young children?
A: Anaheim Coves, Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach Main Beach, Carbon Canyon Regional Park’s Redwood Grove and the Fullerton Arboretum are all excellent family-friendly options with accessible trails, open space, playgrounds and restrooms. The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is also a hit with curious kids who love birds and wildlife.
Q: When is the best time of year to visit Orange County’s scenic outdoor spots?
A: Spring (March through May) is ideal. Wildflowers are in bloom along trails like Weir Canyon, crowds are smaller than in summer and temperatures are mild along the coast and inland. Fall is a close second. Summer brings the best beach weather but also peak crowds, particularly at Crystal Cove, Main Beach and Bolsa Chica. The Sawdust Art Festival runs summer and winter, making it a year-round option.
Q: Are any of these locations free to visit?
A: Most of the parks, trails and natural areas on this list are free to enter, including Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Heisler Park, Inspiration Point, Top of the World, Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, Weir Canyon Trail and Dana Point Headlands. Some, like Carbon Canyon Regional Park and Santiago Oaks, charge a small parking fee ($3–$5). The Arboretum at Cal State Fullerton asks for a $5 suggested donation.
Q: Which spots offer the best sunset views in Orange County?
A: Inspiration Point in Corona del Mar is arguably the top sunset destination in the county, with an unobstructed west-facing view over the Pacific. Heisler Park, Top of the World and the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area are close runners-up. For a sunset with a cocktail in hand, Topside Roof Deck at Lido House, Orange Hill Restaurant and RISE Rooftop Lounge all deliver memorable golden-hour views.
