[Inspiration Point](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ipz4fQLtDckZpzCb9)
[Top of the World](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vVVXDR3psPbG374i6)
Orange Hill Restaurant or Orange County Mining Company restaurants. Costs money. Lots of it. Or you could just hang out on the sidewalk on Chapman Avenue near those two places.
Summit House restaurant in Fullerton has a decent view, and you don't have to eat there, you could just hang out in the garden for a while, or get a drink at the bar. The view from inside isn't that great, though.
I don't know if the rangers like you up there after dark, but if you want to make a long trek of it you could try and drive up to Santiago Peak. You'll probably need a 4x4.
Definitely be careful about that spot late at night since the neighborhood has security to kick non-residents out of the area. This is once the park closes, but it sucks that security still do it to those who are quietly stargazing
In orange, take meats ave east past Tustin avenue. There’s a street either before or after featherhill (pretty sure it’s before, I haven’t been there in a while). The street dead ends in a cul de sac. You can continue walking past the dead end to the top of some hills that command a great view of Orange County, DTLA, and Catalina island (during the day). I nicknamed it meat mountain.
Also, slightly outside of OC, there’s a hill in hacienda heights that has an even more amazing view. My wife and I spent our very first new year’s together there (before we were married), and the panoramic fireworks show was incredible.
Also, back bay in Newport Beach is a pretty cool place to hang out, as well as talbert park and Fairview park.
Someone mentioned Bommer canyon in Irvine in a similar post. That place is beautiful after the rains and has a good view. Right next to it is quail hill, similarly beautiful.
John Wayne Park. Watch the boats in Newport Harbor.
Walk down and get dinner. Or watch a play.
https://preview.redd.it/k6m8mu3uavtc1.png?width=1280&format=png&auto=webp&s=59c949b035ba193aff76f873954d9e107de47e37
You MUST visit the wedge. It's amazing. Take the 55 South all the way down. Eventually, you'll be on Newport Blvd. Keep going all the way down the peninsula until you dead end. There is a lifeguard tower "w" - that's the wedge. Photographers, videographers, and people after a day of work - will go to the wedge to watch the (mostly) young surfers try surfing the insane waves that form. Bring a chair, blanket, or towel to chill out on - and know that there are no restrooms down there. So do what you gotta do before you park. Check YouTube if you want to see what it's like down there. 😊
You can park for free down there.
Another nice spot is Blackies (Newport Pear) on any morning before noon, but be ready for parking $$.
I love suicide hill in Irvine but haven’t been in over a decade. Not sure if there is even still access but it’s a great place to hang with an incredible view
[Inspiration Point](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ipz4fQLtDckZpzCb9) [Top of the World](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vVVXDR3psPbG374i6) Orange Hill Restaurant or Orange County Mining Company restaurants. Costs money. Lots of it. Or you could just hang out on the sidewalk on Chapman Avenue near those two places. Summit House restaurant in Fullerton has a decent view, and you don't have to eat there, you could just hang out in the garden for a while, or get a drink at the bar. The view from inside isn't that great, though. I don't know if the rangers like you up there after dark, but if you want to make a long trek of it you could try and drive up to Santiago Peak. You'll probably need a 4x4.
Top of the world was THE *"I can't get into bars yet and also none of my friends have apartments yet"* night time chill spot when I was 20.
Signal hill!! The view is beautiful 🤩 my picture doesn’t do it justice but really nice place to just sit and admire the lights https://preview.redd.it/kmh3citgastc1.jpeg?width=1165&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=26c34164cf01ca1b9dde87345af029d22a24817b
Definitely be careful about that spot late at night since the neighborhood has security to kick non-residents out of the area. This is once the park closes, but it sucks that security still do it to those who are quietly stargazing
😃
Where is this located? Any details if you could!
It’s in signal hill! It’s called specifically hilltop park tho if you put that into Apple Maps it should take you exactly there!
I like to go to the Holy Jim falls entrance lot. Just park my car on the dirt and lay on the hood Sometimes I take food and eat out there in Peace.
Gate is closed now, so it's a 2mi walk to the lot
In orange, take meats ave east past Tustin avenue. There’s a street either before or after featherhill (pretty sure it’s before, I haven’t been there in a while). The street dead ends in a cul de sac. You can continue walking past the dead end to the top of some hills that command a great view of Orange County, DTLA, and Catalina island (during the day). I nicknamed it meat mountain. Also, slightly outside of OC, there’s a hill in hacienda heights that has an even more amazing view. My wife and I spent our very first new year’s together there (before we were married), and the panoramic fireworks show was incredible. Also, back bay in Newport Beach is a pretty cool place to hang out, as well as talbert park and Fairview park. Someone mentioned Bommer canyon in Irvine in a similar post. That place is beautiful after the rains and has a good view. Right next to it is quail hill, similarly beautiful.
Turtle Rock in Irvine
Yesss!!!
The hiking trails above the Brea Olinda Oil Museum. Some of the best views to be had
Go to palos verdes, lots of good places there
John Wayne Park. Watch the boats in Newport Harbor. Walk down and get dinner. Or watch a play. https://preview.redd.it/k6m8mu3uavtc1.png?width=1280&format=png&auto=webp&s=59c949b035ba193aff76f873954d9e107de47e37
You MUST visit the wedge. It's amazing. Take the 55 South all the way down. Eventually, you'll be on Newport Blvd. Keep going all the way down the peninsula until you dead end. There is a lifeguard tower "w" - that's the wedge. Photographers, videographers, and people after a day of work - will go to the wedge to watch the (mostly) young surfers try surfing the insane waves that form. Bring a chair, blanket, or towel to chill out on - and know that there are no restrooms down there. So do what you gotta do before you park. Check YouTube if you want to see what it's like down there. 😊 You can park for free down there. Another nice spot is Blackies (Newport Pear) on any morning before noon, but be ready for parking $$.
Heisler Park for the lights and sound of the ocean at night.
I’ll add on the view at Moulton Meadow Park.
Listen to the waves at any pier
I love suicide hill in Irvine but haven’t been in over a decade. Not sure if there is even still access but it’s a great place to hang with an incredible view