Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in San Clemente

"Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is a 7,000-acre wilderness area located on Laguna Canyon Road. One of the last coastal canyons in Southern California, the wilderness area lies in the San Joaquin Hills that surround Laguna Beach. There are 40 miles of biking and hiking trails that take visitors through a variety of landscapes such as oak, sycamore, and willow woodlands as well as areas of cacti, sage scrub, grassland, and maritime chaparral."

"Home to more than 40 trails across 7,000 acres of coastal wilderness preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is a “must” for outdoors enthusiasts. Park highlights include Laurel Canyon Trail and The Willow Staging Area. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings of several rare and endangered species."

"Located in some of the last remaining coastal canyons in Southern California, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park offers some 40 miles of hiking trails that wind through oak and sycamore woodlands and up onto ridges with sweeping ocean views."

"The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a 1,300-acre coastal estuary featuring coastal dunes, salt, and freshwater marshes, mudflats, and seabird nesting islands."

"Located in the Corona del Mar part of town you can find the pretty flowers, plants, and trees of the Sherman Library & Gardens. A treat for the senses, its colorful and fragrant grounds are home to an impressive array of flora from all around the world. Founded in 1955 by businessman Arnold D. Haskell, the gorgeous gardens have since grown and grown with succulents and orchids now on show next to a fern grotto, desert area, and rose garden."

"With an library of historical books and museum of living plants, visitors will enjoy a day at the Sherman Library and Gardens. Walk along the paths past bubbling tile fountains and enjoy colorful annuals, cacti, and succulents in the botanical gardens. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Cafe Jardin’s garden next to the research library."

"2647 East Pacific Coast Highway, Corona del MarNewport Beach, CA 92625(949) 673-2261. Encompassing 2.2 acres, this horticultural wonderland in the downtown area is filled with Instagrammable backdrops."

"On 18 acres, away from the beach, this nature center offers kid-friendly exhibits on conservation efforts and a self-guided wetlands nature trail."

"Opened in 1974, the Shipley Nature Center is an 18-acre fenced nature preserve featuring an array of native plants, animals, and hiking trails."

"The vast expanse of 100 acres of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, is by far one of the most loved nature-spots around Newport beach. Forming the estuary where fresh water meets saltwater and where you can find the native flora and fauna of California, a hike here welcomes you with the rare, untamed side of the city. The preserve is home to...Read more"

"If you want to enjoy nearby hiking trails, head to the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. A network of trails winds through acres of marshland and waterways, where sweeping views of the surrounding Southern California mountains provide great photo ops."

"As soon as my kids saw the rope nets of this new play structure, they were off and running to play “spiderman.” They created obstacle courses out of the steps, ropes, and nets that led around the play area. While they explored, I tried out the new exercise stations along the path that led up and around to a large soccer field at the top of the hill. I enjoyed the walking path that was bordered by California native plants and had views of the Pacific Ocean below and south Orange County on the other side."

"The 7-acre expanse in a quiet neighborhood high above the city is accessible only by steep, curving roads. Undeveloped, it has the feel of a wilderness park. Built on several levels of bluffs, it offers numerous aloes, broad lawns, overgrown bushes, shade trees, as well as ocean and mountain views."

"Temecula Duck Pond & Veterans Memorial is on the most popular parks in Temecula. Known for its wildlife, this park is a favorite among kids of all ages. Visitors can feed and observe a variety of water fowl in this family friendly setting."

"Temecula Duck Pond and Park is an easily accessible urban park providing a laid-back environment to sit back and rest."

"I live at the beginning of the peninsula by Hoag, I was testing out a fixed flat tire so I road my bike down to the Wedge. While resting at West Jetty Pa..."

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