Start your adventure by exploring Peters Canyon Regional Park. This beautiful park offers scenic hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding hills and an opportunity to see local wildlife such as rabbits, coyotes, and deer.
Discover the natural beauty of Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. This estuary is a protected area home to a variety of animals and plants. Take a walk on the trails by the bay or rent a kayak to paddle through the calm waters and enjoy the scenery.
Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean at Crystal Cove State Park. Swim in the ocean, hike the trails, or admire the historic cottages that dot the beach. Be sure to bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's many shaded picnic areas.
Explore the natural wonders of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. This park has over 40 miles of trails offering a variety of terrain to hike, bike, or horseback ride. Along the trails, you will encounter breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and rich biodiversity of the coastal sage scrub ecosystem.
Get up close and personal with local wildlife at the Orange County Zoo. This zoo is dedicated to animals and plants native to California and is committed to the conservation and protection of these species. See animals such as mountain lions, black bears, and eagles in their naturalistic habitats.
Experience the tranquility of San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. This peaceful wetland area is home to a wide variety of birds, turtles, and other wildlife. Take a leisurely walk on the trails and enjoy the peace and quiet away from the city noise.
End your trip with a visit to Huntington Beach - also called Surf City USA. This beach offers a classic California beach experience with excellent surfing, volleyball courts, and bike paths. Relax on the beach, watch the sunset or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants nearby.
It is best to rent a car or use a ride-share service to get around Tustin, California, as public transportation is limited. Expect to spend about $10-$30 per day on transportation depending on your chosen mode of transportation and distance traveled.
If you have more time, consider visiting additional natural areas such as Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve or Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Alternatively, Orange County has plenty of nearby attractions such as Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. If you have less time, consider skipping the zoo and ending your trip at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tustin, California is conveniently located to three major airports: John Wayne Airport (SNA) located only 4 miles from Tustin, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) located 43 miles from Tustin, and Long Beach Airport (LGB) located 27 miles from Tustin. Typically, airfare and ground transportation costs are cheaper when flying into John Wayne Airport.