The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Costa Mesa

There are fantastic wildflowers and river views along the packed dirt trails that navigate the park. You get nice scenic views of Victoria Pond as you venture near the bikeway.

This is a local gem with hiking, running, and biking trails. There is a large pond and several accessible trails.

Spanning nearly 200 acres, Talbert Regional Park offers scenic trails perfect for hiking, biking and jogging. A joint project between the parks department and Coastal Conservancy, this nature preserve cultivates native plant zones, recreating the landscape that existed much before modern development took over the area. As an exceptional recreational facility and wildlife refuge, Talbert allows visitors to immerse themselves in six botanical areas modeled after the changing climate along the Santa Ana River. With year-round access, it's a treasured spot to experience natural beauty.

Huntington Beach City Beach is a beautiful 3.5-mile shoreline commonly called “Surf City.” It's a popular destination for surfing enthusiasts and attracts more than 8 million visitors annually. The beach is situated between Goldenwest St. and Beach Blvd, and it's a great place to relax, soak up the sun, and watch professional surfers in action. The beach also features amenities like volleyball courts, bonfire pits, and the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, which is 1,850 feet (0.56 km) long. The pier offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a favorite spot among locals and tourists.

Huntington Beach, fondly known as "Surf City USA," is a haven for surfers, beachgoers, and bikers alike. Immerse yourself in the coastal paradise, enjoying beautiful ocean views as you glide along the smooth asphalt bike path. Whether catching waves or cruising on two wheels, Huntington Beach offers a perfect blend of sun, sea, and outdoor adventure.

Huntington City Beach is a great place to spot professional surfers catching waves as you run along the water on the sand or on the paved path that is a bit removed from the water. The beach is open from 5 am to 10 pm.

This part of the trail offers scenic views of the Santa Ana River, the largest river flowing entirely through Southern California. The diverse Santa Ana River basin ranges from inland mountain peaks to the arid Inland Empire and, of course, Orange County's coastal plain. Along this section, take in the sights of the river itself, and the rowers gliding peacefully across the water, while feeling the ocean breeze. The natural beauty and wildlife make this trail a can't miss if you are hiking in Talbert Regional Park.

Spanning nearly 200 acres, Talbert Regional Park offers scenic trails perfect for hiking, biking and jogging. A joint project between the parks department and Coastal Conservancy, this nature preserve cultivates native plant zones, recreating the landscape that existed much before modern development took over the area. As an exceptional recreational facility and wildlife refuge, Talbert allows visitors to immerse themselves in six botanical areas modeled after the changing climate along the Santa Ana River. With year-round access, it's a treasured spot to experience natural beauty.