Parks & Nature
12 places · Natural escapes in the DMV
Huntington Beach, CA
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
A 1,449-acre saltwater marsh and coastal wetland that is one of the largest remaining estuaries in Southern California. The reserve supports over 200 species of birds including the endangered California least tern and Belding's savannah sparrow. A 1.5-mile loop trail and boardwalk provide access to the inner bay and tidal channels.
Newport Beach, CA
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
A 752-acre nature preserve surrounding the Upper Newport Bay estuary, which is the largest remaining coastal wetland in Orange County. The preserve hosts over 200 species of birds and features bluff trails with elevated views of the meandering bay channels. The calm water surfaces create mirror reflections during still morning conditions.
Laguna Beach, CA
Treasure Island Park and Montage Beach
A small coastal park perched atop bluffs adjacent to the Montage Laguna Beach resort, offering views of rocky coves and sea stacks below. A staircase descends to a pocket beach with large boulders and natural rock formations. The area is known for vivid tidepool ecosystems including sea anemones and purple sea urchins.
Laguna Beach, CA
Heisler Park and Laguna Beach Tidepools
A landscaped clifftop park stretching along the Laguna Beach bluffs above a series of rocky coves and tidepool areas. The park features public art installations, manicured gardens, and multiple stairway access points to beaches below. The tidepools at the north end near Diver's Cove are part of the Heisler Park Marine Refuge.
San Diego, CA
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
A 2,000-acre coastal state park featuring rare Torrey pine trees and dramatic sandstone sea cliffs overlooking the Pacific. The reserve includes multiple trails leading to clifftop overlooks with panoramic ocean views. Eroded sedimentary layers in the cliffs display vivid bands of color, especially in low-angle light.
Riverside, CA
California Citrus State Historic Park
This 377-acre state park preserves the region's citrus heritage with groves of orange, lemon, and grapefruit trees set against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains. The park includes a visitor center in a restored packing house and several varieties of mature citrus trees in neat orchard rows. The geometric patterns of the grove rows create strong leading lines for photography.
Big Bear Lake, CA
Mojave River Forks Regional Park
Located at the convergence of the West Fork and Deep Creek of the Mojave River, this 1,100-acre regional park sits at the transition zone between mountain and desert ecosystems. The park features cottonwood-lined seasonal river channels, open meadows, and views of the San Bernardino Mountains' northern face. The convergence area provides interesting water patterns when the creeks are flowing.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
North Etiwanda Preserve
The 766-acre North Etiwanda Preserve protects alluvial fan sage scrub habitat at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains with trails along Day Creek and Etiwanda Creek drainages. The preserve offers southward views across the entire Inland Empire basin with dramatic mountain ridgelines rising directly behind. Wildflower blooms in spring bring California poppies, lupine, and buckwheat across the rocky terrain.
Big Bear Lake, CA
Big Bear Alpine Pedal Path (Meadow Section)
The eastern section of the Big Bear Alpine Pedal Path passes through open meadows near Stanfield Marsh, a bird-watching area at the east end of Big Bear Lake. The marshland attracts bald eagles, osprey, and migratory waterfowl, and the open meadows frame mountain peaks in every direction. Morning mist frequently settles in the meadow creating atmospheric conditions.
Oceanside, CA
Buena Vista Lagoon
A 223-acre freshwater lagoon straddling the Carlsbad-Oceanside border that serves as a significant stopover for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. The lagoon supports over 200 bird species throughout the year including herons, egrets, and wintering ducks. The eastern nature center provides elevated viewing platforms.
San Diego, CA
Alcazar Garden at Balboa Park
A formal garden modeled after the gardens of the Alcázar de Sevilla in Spain, featuring geometric boxwood hedges, colorful seasonal flower beds, and ornamental tile fountains. The garden was designed for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition. Turquoise and yellow Moorish-style tile work provides vibrant detail photography subjects.
Lake Arrowhead, CA
Heaps Peak Arboretum
Heaps Peak Arboretum is a 0.7-mile interpretive nature trail through a diverse mountain forest ecosystem including Jeffrey pine, white fir, and black oak. The trail passes through areas that illustrate forest succession after wildfire and features several large old-growth trees. Fall foliage from the black oaks creates seasonal color against the evergreen backdrop.