1. The Sinks (Irvine)
Tucked inside an Irvine canyon, The Sinks looks like a mini Grand Canyon, with jagged sandstone walls and dramatic terrain. It’s a standout six-mile hike that feels far more remote than it is.
It might look like a scene from Utah or Arizona, but it’s right here in our backyard. These massive sandstone cliffs were carved by erosion over millions of years. The canyon sits in Limestone Canyon, once home to Native tribes and later used for cattle grazing.
But here’s the thing—you can’t just wander in. This land is protected, and the only way to access it is through a guided hike.
🔗 How to go: Access is limited. Spots open periodically through Irvine Ranch Conservancy. Check here for schedule.
2. Dana Point Stone Arches
These arches are all that remain of the Dana Point Inn, a hotel that was abandoned almost 100 years ago after the stock market crash.
You can walk along the bluff for sweeping ocean views and extend the walk to Heritage Park!
Points of interest
1. The Hide Drogher, a bronze statue of a sailor heaving cowhides over the cliffs, a nod to the 1800s trade that gave Dana Point its start. It honors the real “hide droghers” who tossed hides down to waiting ships below, long before the harbor.
2. Arches of the old Dana Point Inn, poured in 1930 for a luxury seaside resort that was never completed after the stock market crash. All that remains are these concrete frames and a few stone steps.
3. Near Heritage Park, an outlook and sculpture honor Doris Walker, the historian who chronicled Dana Point’s past. The overlook bearing her name offers the same harbor views she once wrote about.
4. Dana Point Harbor Overlook – the southern end of the trail, with benches and ocean views.
🔗 How to go: Free, open access via the coastal trail. Here is staring points
📍34342 Street of the Amber Lantern
3. Bluebird Canyon Farms (Laguna Beach)
A real, working farm hidden in the middle of Laguna Beach. Chickens, sourdough bread, and a setting that feels wildly out of place.
🔗 How to go: Tours require advance booking. Reserve through bluebirdcanyonfarms.com.
4. Oso Creek Tunnel (Mission Viejo)
A neon-bright pedestrian tunnel along Oso Creek Trail that adds an unexpected pop of color. Occasionally doubles as a pop-up concert space.
🔗 How to go: Free and open daily via Oso Creek Trail. Events are announced by the City of Mission Viejo.
5. Mosaic Bears (Mission Viejo)
Nine mosaic bears scattered along a walking path turn a regular stroll into a low-key outdoor art hunt.
📍 Start at Potocki Center for the Arts and pick up the Upper Oso Creek Trail from the parking lot.
🐻 Find most of the mosaic bears along the Upper Trail
Stroll the upper pathway and you’ll spot several of the mosaic bears along the landscaped walkway. One is right in front of the Norman P. Murray Community Center.
➡️ Continue toward Oso Creek Golf Course
Keep following the upper trail as it winds toward the golf course.
🍷 End at Terrace on the Green
Finish your walk at Terrace on the Green, order a glass of wine, and you’ll see the final mosaic bear (Rainforest Bear) right off the patio.
🎨 About the project
These mosaic bears were created by Mission Viejo community volunteers, guided by artists Aileen May and Joy Aldrich, as part of the city’s “Bears About Town” public art series celebrating local creativity.
🔗 How to go: Free, self-guided. Start at Potocki Center.
6. Soka University (Aliso Viejo)
Did you know there’s a university here based on Buddhist principles?
Just drive in, tell the guard you’re headed for the Millennium Trail, and you’re in
That peaceful 1‑mile loop winds through canyon views, with fountains that double as a surprise sound bath.
Bonus: wander into the Founders Hall Art Gallery (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM), all free.
🔗 How to go: Open to the public during daylight hours. No registration required. Park in designated visitor areas. Soka University of America 1 University Dr, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
7. Helena Modjeska Historic House / Arden (Modjeska Canyon)
The former home of Shakespearean actress Helena Modjeska, and one of only two National Historic Landmarks in Orange County. Watch video to see what it’s like.
🔗 How to go: Free docent-led tours, but advance registration is required. Sign up through ocparks.com.
8. Heritage Hill Historical Park (Lake Forest)
Four preserved buildings tell the story of Orange County before freeways and master plans. Quiet, fascinating, and completely free.
🔗 How to go: Open to the public. free "walk-in" tours are offered weekly on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Learn More
9. Moulton Museum (Laguna Hills)
The newly opened museum explores Nellie Gail and Lewis Moulton, the ranching power couple who shaped much of South Orange County. Watch video to see what it’s like
🔗 How to go: Tours require tickets. Reserve in advance at themoultonmuseum.org.