Hit the beach.
The Nature Reserve of Orange County offers a gateway to some of Southern California's most awe-inspiring coastline.
From the mountains to the sea is no hyperbole—the NROC spans all of Orange County’s wildly varying habitats, and you can follow the land right down to the shore.
Though many areas of the Reserve serve up incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, there is only one park that provides access to the beach. If you want to take a dip in the ocean or enjoy a stroll along the sand, head to Crystal Cove State Park. The Blufftop Trail offers the easiest route, with multiple entry points down to the beach. For a more strenuous excursion, hike the El Moro Trail to the Moro Canyon Trail, which you can take right down to the sand.
First-Time Visitor’s Guide (Original)
With more than 15 parks and nearly 38,000 acres to explore, the Nature Reserve of Orange County is a million different adventures just waiting to happen. This is the perfect place to start—find trail suggestions, get the lay of the land, see what wildlife you might encounter, and more.
