Where to Walk Your Thanksgiving Meal Off in OC

Orange County has over 200 miles of hiking trails, with many landscapes to enjoy after a hearty meal.

Especially after Thanksgiving.

This year, there are events right after Thanksgiving, like the 1.5-mile walk and thankfulness meditation event at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, with no registration required.

You can also visit trails and parks that are open year-long, like Laguna Beach’s Heisler Park, or Orange’s Peters Canyon.

Peters Canyon Regional Park

Pedestrians walk through Peters Canyon in Santa Ana. Credit: JULIE LEOPO, Voice of OC

Peters Canyon, a 340-acre open space, is situated around two reservoirs created in the 1930s, and a second reservoir was expanded in the 1940’s. The Canyon is home to over 10 different trails that range from easy to difficult. Dogs are allowed on the trail.

Address: 8548 E. Canyon View Ave, Orange, CA 92705

Hours: Open Daily, Sunday- Saturday, 7 a.m. to sunset.

Parking: $3. Accepts dollar bills, quarters and Visa/ Master credit cards.

Peters Canyon Reservoir. Credit: JULIE LEOPO, Voice of OC

Carbon Regional Park

Cub Scouts follow their scout group on a trail through the redwood grove at Carbon Canyon Regional Park on Jan. 14, 2023. Credit: ERIKA TAYLOR, Voice of OC

Visit Orange County’s only grove of Coastal Redwoods on a 1.1-mile walk suitable for all. Playgrounds and picnic areas are also available.

Address: 4442 Carbon Canyon Road Brea, CA 92823

Hours: Open Daily, Sunday- Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.Parking: $3 per vehicle entry Monday – Friday; $5 Saturday – Sunday; Higher for some holidays and events.

A view of the coastal redwood grove at Carbon Canyon Regional Park on Jan. 14, 2024. Credit: ERIKA TAYLOR, Voice of OC

Dana Point Headlands

Dana Point Headlands has a public trail system that is over 3 miles long, interconnected with different views, an interpretive center, and beach access. The non-profit Center for Land Management manages the land, who protects sensitive habitats. No dogs allowed.

Address: Nature Preserve and Conservation Parks, 34558 Scenic Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629

Hours: Open Daily, 7 a.m. to Sunset

Parking: Limited street parking or at the Nature Interpretive Center parking lot.

A hiker oberserves the Dana Point Headlands on Nov. 22, 2024. Credit: DYLAN NICHOLS, Voice of OC

Heisler Park

Heisler Park, a Laguna Beach beachfront park is home to concrete paved trails that loop to viewpoints of the coast. Picnic tables and benches are scattered throughout the park for pedestrians wanting to take in the views.

Address: 375 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Hours: Open Daily

Parking: Street Parking

The Heisler Park Gazebo on Dec. 19, 2023. Credit: ERIKA TAYLOR, Voice of OC.

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

Hikers stop to take in the view at the Upper Newport Back Bay Nature Preserve on Sept 8, 2024.

Visit one of the largest coastal wetlands in southern California, where native plants and wildlife coexist to create a natural ecosystem. Four bluffs line the bay: The California Gnatcatcher, San Diego Cactus Wren, and Burrowing Owl. Dogs are permitted on the trail.

Address: 2301 University Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660