What to do and see in Orange County, Orange County: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

December 31, 2021 Concepcion Newsome

Beyond its epic theme parks and perfect weather, Orange County is celebrated for outdoor dining, entertainment and beach-bound adventure. Treat yourself at South Coast Plaza for the finest in luxury shopping and superlative restaurants. Spend an afternoon aboard a whale watching cruise in Newport Harbor, or cast a reel from the Huntington Beach Pier. Stop to smell the flowers at the Sherman Library and Gardens, or explore Laguna’s vast variety of boutique shops along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Restaurants in Orange County

1. Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary

29322 Modjeska Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676-9784 +1 714-649-2760 http://Www.tuckerwildlife.com
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 25 reviews

Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary

2. Cedar Grove Park,tustin

11385 Pioneer Road, Tustin, CA 92782 +1 714-573-3326 http://www.tustinca.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Cedar-Grove-Park-11
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Cedar Grove Park,tustin

Reviewed By robbygc - Toronto, Canada

Cedar Grove Park Tustin They have red woods in this park. Wow! The best! I liked it to see it from here. I looked the Red Trees for a while. There is basketball and a playground. A muas see!

3. Sherman Library & Gardens

2647 East Pacific Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, CA 92625 +1 949-673-2261 [email protected] http://www.thesherman.org/
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 296 reviews

Sherman Library & Gardens

Horticultural retreat that features a museum of living plants, walking paths, bubbling tile fountains and a library devoted to the study of the Pacific Southwest.

Reviewed By Buzzard100 - Santa Cruz, United States

This is a find in the midst of urban sprawl, strip malls and LA regional traffic. It is a horticultural oasis and a hidden gem! The gardens are lovely and while we did not eat at the restaurant, it has excellent reviews and outside-seating. The library focuses on the history of the Pacific Southwest and has an amazing collection of historical City Directories. The collection of art is small but interesting. This garden and library is named after the founder, Arnold Haskell’s benefactor, M. H. Sherman the founder of the Los Angeles Railway System and namesake of Sherman Oaks. A charming piece of history and garden beauty. I highly recommend.

4. Pacific Marine Mammal Center

20612 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651-1137 +1 949-494-3050 [email protected] http://www.pacificmmc.org
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 279 reviews

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals and inspires ocean stewardship through research, education and collaboration. We are open to the public for visitors every day from 10am - 4pm. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. There is no charge for visiting us, but donations are appreciated! ***PMMC visitor yard will be closed at 1 pm Sunday October 21 to Saturday, October 27 due to pool resurfacing. During this time we will still be responding to rescues. Sorry for any inconvenience.***

Reviewed By pinkspottedzebras

Super interesting visit, we enjoyed learning the stories behind the current rescues. I've followed on social media for quite some time and it was nice to see it all in person. Their gift shop is great and all proceeds help the cause. Highly recommend!

5. Huntington Beach Wetlands

Brookhurst and Magnolia Streets, Huntington Beach, CA http://www.huntingtonbeachevents.com/
Excellent
60%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Huntington Beach Wetlands

6. James Dilley Preserve

Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA http://www.hike-oc.com/james_dilley_preserve.html
Excellent
50%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

James Dilley Preserve

7. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Entrance at Warner Ave. and PCH (opposite Bolsa Chica State Beach), Huntington Beach, CA 92648 +1 714-846-1114 [email protected] http://bolsachica.org
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 287 reviews

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Reviewed By Pt123123 - Huntington Beach, United States

With the recent Pandemic of COVID-19, the world has become a scary place. You can escape by visiting the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve where you can hike, run, view the wildlife, and get your exercise in at the wetlands with the refreshing ocean breeze. Bolsa Chica State Beach is across Pacific Coast Highway, so the ocean view is a plus. The wildlife, migratory birds, and natural environment are refreshing along your peaceful 4 mile walk/run by the ocean. The hours are 6am to 8pm and it's free.

8. Glenn E. Vedder Ecological Reserve - Underwater Park and Tidepools

Coastline of Heisler Park Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA +1 949-497-6571 http://www.visitlagunabeach.com/listings/Glenn-E-Vedder-Ecological-Reserve/15
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Glenn E. Vedder Ecological Reserve - Underwater Park and Tidepools

9. Shipley Nature Center

17829 Goldenwest St Huntington Central Park, Huntington Beach, CA 92647-6259 +1 714-842-4772 http://shipleynature.org
Excellent
38%
Good
54%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 39 reviews

Shipley Nature Center

10. Eco-Adventure Center at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

1 Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629-4205 +1 949-240-2000 [email protected] http://www.ritzcarlton.com/lagunaecoadventure
Excellent
78%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel presents eco-adventures, fun things to do that inspire you with Orange County's unique ecosystems and connect your spirit to their larger global systems. Led by expert naturalists, the Eco-Adventure Center is dedicated to showcasing Dana Point's natural wonders from whale watching to youth adventures and beyond. Throughout these unique excursions, the local surroundings become a natural classroom and living laboratory. Adults, families and kids learn through experience, which instills them with deep appreciation and a respect for nature and the environment.

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