Put down the remote, get off your computer and turn that cell phone off. Unplug, relax and enjoy this beautiful weather in the forecast. The weather has been so spectacular lately it would be a shame not to get outdoors and enjoy it! Orange has so many places where you can spend some quality time outside. Some you may know about, and some may be totally new.
1. Hart Park
Hart Park is located at 701 S. Glassell Street in Orange, although there are many places to enter. Hart Park offers baseball fields, football fields, a jungle gym, a sand volleyball court, a small amphitheater for summer concerts and lots of tables and barbeques for parties! There is also a seasonal community pool that you’ll want to check out once summer hits. Hart Park has a large free parking lot that is available for anyone. This park also gives you access to the Santiago Creek bike trail. What a fun way to spend a day off with family or friends (Kelly’s kids LOVE it at this park)! If you’re bringing your kids to play, be sure to keep an eye out so they don’t get lost, as this is a busy park on a nice day.
2. Pitcher Park
Pitcher Park is located at 204 S. Cambridge Street in Orange. Although this park may look small, it is a beautifully landscaped half acre. Pitcher Park was acquired by the city in 1992 and is home to the Honey House and Orange Fire Museum historical sites. The Honey House is opened by appointment only, and Pitcher Park also offers a reservable gazebo that will fit 50 guests. Pitcher Park has a relaxed vibe with open picnic tables where bike riding, skateboards, roller-blading and picking fruit are prohibited, so it is a great place for a stroll or quiet picnic with a friend.
3. Eisenhower
Eisenhower Park is located at 2864 N. Tustin Ave in Orange. This is a massive park that takes up more than 16 acres of grass. Eisenhower Park is a gorgeous park that offers large, shady trees, reservable lawn space for parties and a lake that you can fish in. This park has open areas for exercising and walking, 2 play structures for kids and and barbeques.Eisenhower Park has plenty of picnic tables available for a lovely afternoon picnic.
4. Santiago Oaks
Santiago Oaks Regional Park is located at 2145 N. Windes Drive in Orange. The 1,269-acre Santiago Oaks Regional park is a nature lover’s paradise. This park includes hiking and walking/running trails, trails for equestrians, bike trails, and not to mention some incredible views. You’ll find an orange grove, a stream, mountain vistas, and many different species of trees. There is a small parking fee of $3 Monday-Friday and $5 on weekends. Keep in mind that a trip to Santiago Oaks might mean more preparation than just your average day at the park. Make sure to bring sunscreen and snacks for your adventure day.
5. Peter’s Canyon
Peter’s Canyon Regional Park is located at 8548 E. Canyon View Ave. in Orange. Although it’s not located directly in Old Towne Orange, this place is definitely worth the drive. Peter’s Canyon has an abundance of walking and hiking trails with incredible views. There are some pretty steep hills, which makes it a better escape for adults rather than kids. If you’re looking for an excellent place to exercise outdoors, Peter’s Canyon is the place to go. There is a $3 fee to park in the lot, but if you park in the surrounding neighborhoods you can park for free! Peter’s Canyon has so many great trails, views and hills which makes it a great all around park to visit.
6. Plaza Square
As residents of Old Towne, we can’t forget to mention Orange Plaza Square. As the center hub of our great little town, the “Circle” is a great place to hang out and sip on a coffee from one of the craft coffee locations or spoon away at a gelato treat from Cafe Lucca. Kids will enjoy the fountain, they can splash and dip their hands in to keep cool. The Plaza Square has benches and grassy areas where you can set up a nice picnic area. This is a very busy area, so make sure that your kids stay in the park zone. Enjoy some time in Old Towne Orange, and spend your afternoon in the Circle.
