Best Bird Watching Area Orange Near Me

4worldlovers: Upon constantly scouring for new places to bird, I had come across the Villa Park Flood Dam Control as a hot spot in eBird as well as comments in various posters reports referring to the “Magic Basin”. With little reference online on how to get to this eBird Hot Spot in Orange County, I opted to try and find this place along with a friend Phil Thomas who grew up in the area. We initially chose to park in the Santiago Oaks Regional Parks main parking area and walk down to the Historic Dam trail. (There’s typically maps available or you can click here for the Santiago Oaks Regional Park map). This trail is easy to locate as you simply walk down below the parking lot to the lowest trail and bear right. Navigate over the creek via the large circular stepping stones. This will get you on the Historic Dam Trail. Follow this trail to the Santiago Creek Trail and then to the Pony Trail. Stay on the Pony Trail until you reach the dirt parking area. You’ll see this location on my map where it shows Sandberg Lane. (see image 1 and 2 below)

Walk through the dirt parking lot and bear right up the steep dirt trail. At the crest, you’ll see a locked gated fence, continue downward to the Egret Trail (see image 2 below)

4worldlovers: Trails may be closed for up to three days after rain.


Parking fees: $3 per vehicle entry Monday - Friday; $5 Saturday - Sunday; Higher for some holidays and events (Fee Information)

Lying peacefully in east Orange alongside the Santiago Creek, the 1,269-acre Santiago Oaks Regional park is a nature lover's paradise. This secluded refuge offers hikers, bikers and equestrians the natural charm of mountain vistas, an orange grove, a meandering creek and a mature forest of many different species of trees. Wildlife abounds and a series of interconnecting trails leads through shady groves and to a lookout that features an awe-inspiring view of Orange and the surrounding foothills.

On March 11, 2007, a vegetation fire started near the Windy Ridge Toll Plaza of the 241 Toll Road. Fueled by heavy winds and dry vegetation, the fire spread in a southwesterly direction, burning 2,036 acres.

Starting in March of 2011, nearly 200 new coastal live oaks were planted at the park in a park restoration project that is also a mitigation measure being fulfilled by OC Waste & Recycling.

4worldlovers:
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m.


Parking fees: $3 per vehicle entry Monday - Friday; $5 Saturday - Sunday; Higher for some holidays and events (Fee Information)

Due to higher numbers of visitors and picnicking parties on weekends, Irvine Regional Park has been closing to vehicle traffic due to reaching capacity. Closures typically take place between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Please plan your visit accordingly.

Irvine Regional Park is nestled among a grove of heritage Oak and Sycamore trees. The rolling foothills surrounding the park are filled with a variety of wildlife. Trees and shaded turf areas provide a serene setting for leisure activities. Santiago Creek bisects the park and a pond with stone-work waterfall and footbridge is located in the center of the park. The variety of landscapes greatly enhances the park's beauty. Remember to visit the OC Zoo inside the park. Irvine Regional Park celebrated its 125th anniversary in October of 2022.

Tables and barbecues are located throughout the 495-acre park with convenient parking and restroom facilities nearby. A paved bicycle/walking trail meanders through the central park providing easy access to six playgrounds, four softball fields, two horseshoe pits and lake.

A three-mile equestrian trail skirts the perimeter of the central park providing scenic views of the park and its natural scenery. Horse trailers can be parked on the north perimeter of the train station parking lot. A lookout trail is on the north slope of the natural area where a covered shelter, watering trough and water fountain are available.

Group Picnic Areas... Four group picnic areas are available for large group picnics of 155 or more. Most have built-in barbecues, sinks and permanent tables. All groups of 100 or more are required to obtain a group activity permit a minimum of 15 working days prior to the day of use. Rates for reserving group picnic areas are variable according to size and type of group. Parking fees not included with reservations.

Squirrel Square is located near the lake and boathouse. Maximum capacity is 200, minimum group size is 155. A nearby ball field and volleyball area may be used on a "first-come" basis.

Deer Den is located near the bandstand/stage. Maximum capacity is 200, minimum group size is 155. A nearby ball field and volleyball area may be used on a first-come, first-served basis.

Coyote Corner is located in the back of the park with a more secluded atmosphere. Maximum capacity is 250, minimum group size is 155. A playground is nearby, and the playing field is first-come, first-served.

Falcon Flats is located in the Villa Park Loop area. This area has a maximum capacity of 350 people and a minimum of 155. The nearby playground can be used on a first-come, first-served basis.

Concessions: Bicycle and aquacycle rentals are located adjacent to the historic boathouse. Rentals are available throughout the summer, weekends and holidays. For more information visit irvineparkrailroad.com.

The Lakeside Snack Bar is located adjacent to the historic boathouse. A variety of hot and cold food is available, as well as picnic supplies. Operating hours are seasonally variable.

Children's pony rides are offered year-round, daily except Mondays. Hours of operation are weekdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends and holidays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The operating schedule is subject to change, primarily due to weather conditions. For information about the pony rides only, please call (714) 559-9147.