The Stunning Southern California Drive That Is One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America

Orange County is the best place to take your family for a beautiful Southern California day spent outdoors. This one-day road trip full of parks and unique sites is sure to bring joy to your weekend. Bring your favorite foods along for a perfect picnic in the fresh SoCal air.

Take a look at this map for a detailed route.

Google Maps

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16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, USA

CrankingChick/TripAdvisor

Mile Square Regional Park is a great place to spend time with your family. There are tons of activities to do and beautiful sights to see. For the water enthusiasts, there are two gorgeous lakes to enjoy, and you can start your day with breakfast by the water on a picnic blanket. You can also tap into your athletic side with tennis courts, golf courses, and racquetball courts. It’s also known for its archery range, so give it a try if you’re feeling brave! Your kids will love the playground equipment too. Read more about Mile Square Regional Park.

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Great Park Boulevard, Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618, USA

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Great Park Balloon is a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t soon forget! You might think you’ve seen some stunning hot air balloons, but you won’t believe this one. It has room for 30 people and goes 400-feet in the air. You’ll have even more fun than a typical balloon ride because you’ll be making new friends on the way! Kids are welcomed for this adventurous attraction as well. There is also a beautiful carousel that is a blast for the little ones. Learn more about Great Park Balloon and Carousel and book your ride.

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Crescent Bay Drive, Crescent Bay Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA

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Crescent Bay Point Park is the perfect place to take your family for a relaxing afternoon picnic. Bring your basket and blanket and have a seat on the pretty lawn overlooking the ocean. The friendly feel combined with the beautiful view makes for an ideal lunch together. Take a walk along the shore afterward for a real treat. This shoreline is known as one of the prettiest in the area. Read more about Crescent Bay Point Park.

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2713 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA

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End your day with a relaxed hour on the beach checking out the well-known Pirate Tower. Pirate Tower is a unique 60-foot-tall structure that leads up to a private home. It’s right on Victoria Beach and attracts tourists and locals alike. It has quite the history of famous owners, including actress Bette Midler. The Tower will inspire your imagination as well as the kids’! It looks like it’s right out of a storybook and is a fantastic photo opportunity, especially at sunset. Learn more about Pirate Tower.

This road trip to parks and beaches will remind you why you came to Orange County. The outdoor opportunities are simply unmatched! Have a great time with your family enjoying the natural beauty of the area and the fun activities in between. Let us know what you think of your trip!