If your wandering spirit is in need of a big dose of nature, then you’ll want to take a look at some of our favorite spots in Southern California where you can enjoy wildlife, hike along the most scenic and lush trails, and soak up the sights and sounds of nature all around you. Ready for a breath of fresh air? We think you’re going to love these places as much as we do!
- Carbon Canyon Regional Park
googlemaps/alicia de la luz The California redwoods are a sight to behold and one of SoCal’s most delightful parks has the most beautiful redwood forest for all of us to enjoy. Located inside Carbon Canyon Regional Park, the redwood trail is approximately 2.5 miles long. Perhaps not as towering as the redwood trees that can be found in Northern California, but the ones here in SoCal are mighty and majestic and worth seeing in person. Address: 4442 Carbon Canyon Rd, Brea, CA 92823.
- Portuguese Bend Reserve
all trails/wendy c. Head to this 399-acre outdoor oasis in Rancho Palos Verdes for an afternoon in paradise. You’ll experience a variety of natural scenery and wildlife as you hike through this majestic natural setting. From steep canyons to green rolling hills, this serene nature preserve has a little bit of everything. Address: Burma Rd, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.
- Oak Glen Preserve
tripadvisor/reginald s. Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, hidden inside a canopy of trees, you’ll find Heap’s Peak Arboretum. Splendid hiking trails and natural scenery galore await you when you visit this storybook setting in SoCal. Address: 29358 Rim of the World Hwy #18, Skyforest, CA 92385.
- Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve
tripadvisor/coastalcruiser27 Canopies of oak trees, wide-open meadows, and an endless blue sky are just a few of the things you’ll appreciate when you make a visit to the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. This mixed conifer forest that spans close to 3,000 acres is just what you need when you’re seeking a refreshing hike outside in nature right here in SoCal. Address: 1107 Farmer Rd, Julian, CA 92036.
- Fairview Park
googlemaps/medi bandana personal Located inside Costa Mesa and known for being the city’s largest park, Fairview Park features plenty of natural scenery to see and explore. With an abundance of trails totaling seven miles inside this 195-acre outdoor oasis, there’s no shortage of nature and wildlife to be discovered here. Address: 2501 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
- Heap’s Peak Arboretum
flickr/tracie hall Located in the San Bernardino National Forest hidden inside a canopy of trees you’ll find Heap’s Peak Arboretum. Splendid hiking trails and natural scenery galore await you when you visit this storybook setting ins SoCal. Address: 29358 Rim of the World Hwy #18, Skyforest, CA 92385.
- El Dorado Nature Center
googlemaps/alex meza If flora, fauna, lakes, and streams are your idea of a picturesque setting then you’ll want to add this nature center to your bucket list. With over 105 acres to explore inside this park located in the city of Long Beach, you’ll be surrounded by wonderful scenery in every direction when you visit this lush nature preserve. Address: 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815.
- Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve
googlemaps/mathew cruz Head to the town of Big Bear and you’ll find a magnificent stretch of nature hiding in the heart of this wonderful small town known for its natural scenery. The Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve offers a breathtaking hike above the marsh and will treat you to stunning views of wildlife as you trek across the boardwalk. It’s one breathtaking destination in SoCal you won’t want to overlook. Address: 42300 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear, CA 92314.
What an inspiring way to spend some time in SoCal Do you have a favorite spot on this list? If you’re seeking more ways to experience the great outdoors in SoCal, you may want to continue reading where to find these 9 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit This Summer.
googlemaps/alicia de la luz
The California redwoods are a sight to behold and one of SoCal’s most delightful parks has the most beautiful redwood forest for all of us to enjoy. Located inside Carbon Canyon Regional Park, the redwood trail is approximately 2.5 miles long. Perhaps not as towering as the redwood trees that can be found in Northern California, but the ones here in SoCal are mighty and majestic and worth seeing in person. Address: 4442 Carbon Canyon Rd, Brea, CA 92823.
all trails/wendy c.
Head to this 399-acre outdoor oasis in Rancho Palos Verdes for an afternoon in paradise. You’ll experience a variety of natural scenery and wildlife as you hike through this majestic natural setting. From steep canyons to green rolling hills, this serene nature preserve has a little bit of everything. Address: Burma Rd, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.
tripadvisor/reginald s.
Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, hidden inside a canopy of trees, you’ll find Heap’s Peak Arboretum. Splendid hiking trails and natural scenery galore await you when you visit this storybook setting in SoCal. Address: 29358 Rim of the World Hwy #18, Skyforest, CA 92385.
tripadvisor/coastalcruiser27
Canopies of oak trees, wide-open meadows, and an endless blue sky are just a few of the things you’ll appreciate when you make a visit to the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. This mixed conifer forest that spans close to 3,000 acres is just what you need when you’re seeking a refreshing hike outside in nature right here in SoCal. Address: 1107 Farmer Rd, Julian, CA 92036.
googlemaps/medi bandana personal
Located inside Costa Mesa and known for being the city’s largest park, Fairview Park features plenty of natural scenery to see and explore. With an abundance of trails totaling seven miles inside this 195-acre outdoor oasis, there’s no shortage of nature and wildlife to be discovered here. Address: 2501 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
flickr/tracie hall
Located in the San Bernardino National Forest hidden inside a canopy of trees you’ll find Heap’s Peak Arboretum. Splendid hiking trails and natural scenery galore await you when you visit this storybook setting ins SoCal. Address: 29358 Rim of the World Hwy #18, Skyforest, CA 92385.
googlemaps/alex meza
If flora, fauna, lakes, and streams are your idea of a picturesque setting then you’ll want to add this nature center to your bucket list. With over 105 acres to explore inside this park located in the city of Long Beach, you’ll be surrounded by wonderful scenery in every direction when you visit this lush nature preserve. Address: 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815.
googlemaps/mathew cruz
Head to the town of Big Bear and you’ll find a magnificent stretch of nature hiding in the heart of this wonderful small town known for its natural scenery. The Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve offers a breathtaking hike above the marsh and will treat you to stunning views of wildlife as you trek across the boardwalk. It’s one breathtaking destination in SoCal you won’t want to overlook. Address: 42300 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear, CA 92314.
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Address: El Dorado Nature Center, 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815, USAAddress: Oak Glen Preserve, 39611 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399, USAAddress: 29358 Rim of the World Hwy #18, Skyforest, CA 92385, USAAddress: Burma Rd, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, USAAddress: 1107 Farmer Rd, Julian, CA 92036, USAAddress: 42300 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear, CA 92314, USAAddress: 4442 Carbon Canyon Rd, Brea, CA 92823, USA
