Brunch at the End of the Oso Creek Trail

One of the most iconic features of Oso Creek Trail is the Jeronimo Tunnel, a long underpass transformed into a kaleidoscope of color. The mural, called Tunnel Vibrations, wraps the inside walls in bold, saturated bands that shift with the light and your movement—like walking through a rainbow.

Tiles & Birdhouses

Oso Creek Trail is more than a walking path. It’s a string of small discoveries: colorful tile mosaics, a rose garden in full bloom, shady benches that overlook a babbling creek. There’s even a sculptural butterfly garden and an art-lined tunnel that feels like a secret portal to another world.

One of my favorite spots is a tree adorned with dozens of tiny birdhouses, each painted in a different color. It’s whimsical and a little unexpected—like something straight out of a storybook—and it quietly reminds you this trail was designed with care, creativity, and a sense of play.

Wildflowers pop up along the edges. And even though you're in the heart of Mission Viejo, it feels tucked away—quiet, calm, and completely walkable. No dusty climbs or rocky scrambles here.

If you want to stay on pavement, you absolutely can. If you're feeling more adventurous, there are gentle dirt paths that branch off the main route. Choose-your-own-trailhead, if you will.

Watch 1 Minute Video To See What It’s LIke

Short Walk or Long Meander—You Decide

You can easily turn this into a short, scenic loop—roughly two miles round trip—or stretch it into a longer adventure.

If you start from Pavion Park you’ll be on the northern end of the Oso Creek Trail, following a mostly paved path through the Jeronimo Open Space. This section winds gently downhill alongside the creek, with native landscaping, open views, and shaded benches along the way. The full out-and-back comes in around 5 or 6 miles..

Real Bathrooms

One underrated feature of Oso Trail? It’s close to actual, accessible restrooms. If nature calls mid-walk, the Norman P. Murray Center is just off the trail.

The Brunch You Came For

Terrace on the Green is one of the best-kept brunch patios in South OC—spacious, comfortable, and perched right on the golf course. You’ll get sweeping views of the green, cushy seating, and a solid Bloody Mary. The food’s great, the vibe’s relaxed, and it’s the perfect payoff after your walk (or even if you skip it).

Here’s How to Do It:

If you want the ideal weekend loop—the one that ends in brunch—here’s a simple route:

1. Park at Oso Creek Golf Course. There’s usually plenty of parking, and it puts you just steps away from Terrace on the Green, where you’ll end your walk.
   📍27601 Casta Del Sol Mission Viejo, CA 92692

2. Cross the street to the trailhead. You’ll walk for about 5 minutes before you hit the iconic tunnel mural.

3. Walk through the tunnel and veer right onto the paved path. You’ll follow the creek through landscaped gardens and sculptures.

4. Cross the small bridge on your right. It’s an easy landmark to spot and signals a shift into the next portion of the trail.

5. Turn right onto the dirt path. This section runs for about half a mile and offers some of the best creek views and quiet nooks for birdwatching.

6. When you reach pavement again, turn right. This loops you back through the tunnel you started in.

7. Finish at Terrace on the Green. Grab a table on the patio, sip something sparkly, and toast to the fact that you found the best kept secret in South OC.

Option
If you’d rather split up the walk, another option is to park at the Norman P. Murray Center. From there, you can walk to Terrace on the Green as your halfway point, enjoy brunch, and then stroll back. I personally like doing the full walk first and earning the meal—but if you’d rather eat mid-route and walk it off after, this route works perfectly.

Watch 1 Minute Video To See What It’s LIke