This spot really lives up to the nickname as "Top of the World." The views from Alta Laguna Park are insane -- ocean, canyon, and city all in one place. On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island and miles of coastline. The park itself is pretty clean and well-kept, with tennis courts, restrooms, picnic tables, and trails that branch right off the viewpoint. It's great whether you want to chill and enjoy the view or get in a real hike. What to know: Parking can be tight though, especially around sunset. There's street parking nearby if the lot is full. There are other access points to get into the park, too. Not much shade, so bring water and sunscreen if you're hiking. The trails down into Aliso Canyon are beautiful but pretty steep coming back up -- be ready for a workout. I typically do Mathis Canyon and Car Wreck loop, which is a workout. You do see a wrecked car situated at the bottom of Car Wreck trail. This is one of those local gems that's perfect for showing off SoCal scenery to visitors or just getting some fresh air and perspective. I always bring my friends from out of town to this spot as an introduction to what's beautiful in Orange County. Definitely a five-star view and an easy must-do if you're in Laguna. read more

Alta Laguna Park - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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This place holds a special place in my heart as this is where we celebrated our engagement after proposing at a different location. It has changed over the years, but still remains a gem! There used to be an open grassy field, but now there is a basketball court, pickleball courts, and a playground. Love that for the kids and residents! I'm glad they kept the pavilions as that is where we celebrated. All of the new stuff I mentioned above are top notch and in good condition, as is the bathroom. There is still the amazing view from here and some short hikes that leave from here. The parking lot is plenty big and there is always street parking right outside the park if needed. It is well worth the drive up the hill! read more

This park has a nice view but these three "hikers" would not move from sitting in the kids playground for like 25 mins! If you want shade find a tree don't block the kids from playing if you know this area is for the kids not for the adults to lounge ! read more

Alta Laguna Park - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Nice drive up and down thru the Laguna hills. Park has many recreational activity possibilities. Clean and in good repair. Hike to the top is short and with great views (360). Can extend hikes in all directions if desired. Go early on the hot days. read more

Alta Laguna Park - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Nice and clean park, clean bathrooms with soap. There are pickle ball courts, tennis courts, a baseball diamond and several picnic areas. The park is well laid out and parking is close to everything. read more

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If you are an avid hiker, this place is rather short and sandy (dessert look). It's also extremely dry and hot, everything is brown not green, I downed my first bottle of water in the first 20 min, but we did go at the start of summer. The locals on the nearby trails was so hospitable and friendly (the locals at the courts were less inviting and flat out rude) but they told us that there were lots of rattlesnakes however we never saw any and families with dogs and tweens went walking on some of these trails. We did go down on one trail head that was not commonly used that we previously saw other serious avid hikers with polls going down and halfway through we turned back and came back the same way because of fear of the rattlesnakes as neither person in our hiking group had walking poles to tap the path before stepping and the trail was very narrow and overgrown. However the major trail is wide open and family friendly for a long walk. Also the trails were so dry that the earth was like powder and some of the more treacherous spots were extremely slippery. I didn't have my toe cleats today so it was too slippery and steep for me. That said there are other trails that families went down and were way too easy for us, so it's a perfect place for families. my assumption is that it doesn't have many snakes because there's way too many families and dogs that go down on the regular, I could be wrong. So I give this trail 4 because the views are good (not spectacular) and there's something for everyone (hiking ability) and because there's a spot at the trailhead to fill your water bottle. If I was better prepared this would be a great place to return to, but I wouldn't hike alone. read more

I did not park there but hike to this park for "Top of the World". There is small parking lot (free), playground, clean bathroom and area is clean. Parking lot full of cars but only few people on the park. Most cars park there for the hike. Park surrounded by nice houses and 360 view Aliso & Wood Canyons. It would make nice date place. read more

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Playground, parking, trails, and tennis courts. All "on top of the world". What more could you ask for?! read more

Alta Laguna Park - Playground area - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

I drove 50 miles to hike this place this morning. So here are my thoughts/tips while still fresh in my mind. I'm also a noob hiker. Parking: There is a small lot but was full. You can park on the street but may have to walk a bit. Be mindful of parking in front of residents homes and I try not to block their mailbox. We parked half a mile from the trail entrance. Go early: the trail opens at 7 and we got there at 9, which is already too late in my opinion. We should've got there at 8. The reason is because there is not a lot of shade and it gets hot. We left at 11 and my sunscreen was already melting off my face. The hike can also be strenuous during the heat. Trails: there are so many options ranging from easy, medium to hard. The difficulty level depends on the incline. What we did was take the westridge path (main one) to the top of the world and take pictures. Then we made our way down to car wreck trail (difficult), down to oak grove (Easy) and back up via Mathis canyon (medium). West ridge: East, wide, some incline but very minimal. Path is smooth. Good for beginning hikes. Top of the world: get a picture with the ocean. So beautiful. Car wreck: hard hard! We went down and it was steep. With rocks. Very slippy. First time hike there and I went slow. The incline was very drastic. People can take bikes down this trail so be careful. Oak grove: once you get to the bottom it's beautiful with some shade and a flat path Mathis canyon: back up. Was about a mile. Very steep. No rocks but lots of rolling inclines. I was so exhausted at the end. I just wanted to make it back to the car. Lol. In the end I probably should've taken Mathis canyon down and car wreck up. I feel like rock climbing up would've been easier than going down a very slippy slope. Wear sunscreen, bring a hat and water. The path I took was about 4 miles and it took me 2 hours. read more

We had planned out a pretty full day of exploring on our trek down to San Diego. This was the first stop my wife had researched for us to check out. No kidding, what all the other reviews have said, amazing views can be had of the ocean below (way in the distance). Several hiking trails with a variety of difficulties, we just took a quick hike to the main viewing point for a few pics then were back on the road. The actually park area is really nice, and has some of the best tennis courts I've probably ever seen in my life. Really a nice spot to go and take the family to escape all the stresses of life. If you're in the area you need to check this place out! read more

The park itself is beautiful with great views and clean restrooms. I hiked to Car Wreck trail from here. There was a lot of people on the trails, some with dogs and/or strollers. There were lots of hills, but the strangest thing was that if you start hiking at this park most of your journey will be down-hill and on your return hike you'll be walking at an incline. Seemed backwards. Haha. For Car Wreck trail specifically, there was very steep terrain. The wreck itself was pretty cool. Definitely fun to take pictures of. Not sure that I'd want to do it again, but I'm glad I saw it. There was an open parking spot when I arrived, but because there is a playground and tennis courts here also, lots of cars were circling or waiting for spots. You can find street parking too in front of houses. Another convenient thing is this park is right where Top of the World is located, so you can get a good look at the beach without hiking there from another park, if you're into that. read more

Alta Laguna Park - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Nice park with very clean restrooms and a short walk to the top of the World view and to the trails for hiking. Nice little park that also includes some fun areas for kids. read more

Alta Laguna Park - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

This whole mountain was high school hangout in the 1980s, when the Russians shot down that civilian Korean Air Liner and the Chicago Bears won the Super Bowl. Total make-out point like Gillson Beach out in Wilmette, Illinois. read more

Alta Laguna Park - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

I just love this park. The views are great & the weather is nice. My family/friends & I enjoy the hiking trails. It's not so busy during the week. This is a must! read more

Alta Laguna Park - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

This is an absolute neighborhood gem of a park at the top of Laguna Beach. The park is at the top of a ridge, so the views are spectacular. The park is also the trailhead of the West Ridge Trail, which offer more views of nearby canyons and the Pacific Ocean. The park has a cute playground and it is hardly ever crowded, even on weekends. There are bathrooms and water fountains, tennis courts and a baseball diamond. read more

Alta Laguna Park - Alta Laguna Park - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

I love coming here for a short hike. It is right next to a playground and tennis courts. The view is super beautiful on a clear day. Beware of snakes though, there are really big ones and I almost stepped on one by accident.. I was recording on my phone and didn't see the snake until my friend said watch out. haha read more

While it may not be the Top of the World according to, you know, science, Alta Laguna Park is a pretty grand place with some beautiful views, a worthwhile destination for anyone spending time in Laguna Beach. I drove up here with my husband when we were in town for a weekend getaway last month. It was a lovely outing. The drive was gorgeous, with ocean views all the way up and down. There was plentiful parking, which was a nice surprise, as was the abundance of quality Pokemon (I caught a wild Larvitar here, for those of you who still play Pokemon Go). I don't think we saw the whole park, but we took the little hike up to the Top of the World. I didn't have shoes for a hike, but this was an easy trail, short and untaxing (my body is garbage, so take my word for it), and the views were wonderful, wide and clear. There were a number of other people at the park with us, but it was far from crowded. If this place were in LA, it would be mobbed every weekend. We drank in our fill of natural beauty and caught a couple of open houses on our way back down to town. This was an excellent use of our time; I'd recommend an Alta Laguna Park excursion to anyone visiting Laguna Beach. read more

Alta Laguna Park, aka the place by Top of the World is a spot you cannot miss when visiting Laguna Beach! I'm not sure if they are actually just one in the same but who cares! It's a fun drive up here, as it's a pretty steep hill and you pass a lot of luxury real estate on the way up. There's plenty of parking on the street near the park. The main amenities here would be the hiking trails. There are a number of them of varying difficulties. There's a playground, tennis courts and a baseball field too but that isn't what this park is for! This park is for the nature and the views! Speaking of those views, they are spectacular! Whether you are coming up to embrace nature, are a photography buff or are just coming to enjoy a romantic sunset you will not be disappointed!! On one vantage can see good portions of OC, such as Irvine all the way to Saddleback/Santiago Peak. On the other you can that part of Laguna, the Big Blue Ocean and the beauty that is Catalina! Unless you come on an unseasonably foggy day like when we came, then you just see a sea of clouds and a slimmer of Catalina, but let me tell you it was majestic! Might have actually been better with the fog because you really felt like you were on Top of the World!! In a nutshell, the Views + the Nature + the Zen like feeling you get = Go here, Just do it!!! read more

Alta Laguna Park - A picture is worth a thousand words... - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

beautiful trails and amazing views! make sure you bring a hat and water, though, because the easier trails are not as shaded and it does get hot quickly read more

Alta Laguna Park - wood creek trail - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

What is the real name of this park? Is it really Alta Laguna Park? Is it Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park? Is it Top of the World Park? You know what....it doesn't matter because this place is awesome! There is something for everyone. Playground for the kids. Basketball court to sharpen your free throw shooting. Tennis courts to perfect your tennis game. Even spotted a soccer field! None of those things are the reason that we go here. We come here for the hiking!! Many trails to choose from! A trail for every level of hiker. Easy, moderate, and difficult trails Don't want to walk? You can also jog as many folks do. There are plenty of mountain bikers as well. My favorite route is to go down Car Wreck Trail which is considered difficult. To go back up, I like to take the Mathis Trail. Very good workout!! Can get very hot. Bring lots of water! Not much shade so wear your sunblock. Watch out for rattlesnakes and be careful! Have fun and stay safe! read more

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Alta Laguna Park is a fantastic neighborhood park located high in the hills overlooking Laguna Beach. Alta Laguna has a playground for the kiddies, tennis courts, restrooms and an absolutely amazing birds-eye view of the beach. It's also a great jumping off point for some of the best mountain trails in Orange County. If you plan on heading up to Alta Laguna for some mountain biking, you can park your car in the parking lot or on the street. You pick up the West Ridge Trail at the locked gate at the end of Alta Laguna Blvd. The West Ridge Trail is a wide, hard packed, dirt trail that snakes north, paralleling Laguna Canyon Road far down in the canyon below. The trail is in great shape and its wide enough to bomb the steeper sections at full speed. The trail is mostly downhill from Alta Laguna, so be prepared for some rigorous uphill riding on your return trip. There are several side trails that connect to Wood Canyon Trail at the bottom of the canyon. If you plan on riding all the way to the bottom to Wood Canyon, I would highly advise a two car shuttle to drive back to the top, unless you really want the exercise. If you don't want to ride all the way to the bottom, you can follow the West Ridge Trail from Alta Laguna Park for 1.5 miles and turn around at the water tower. The return trip from this point is not nearly as grueling as riding all the way to the bottom. Be sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water because you will be completely exposed to the sun on the trail. Directions to Alta Laguna Park: From Route 1 in Laguna Beach, turn onto Legion Street. In a quarter mile, merge right onto Park Ave. Continue uphill on Park Avenue. You will come to a few confusing intersections and stop signs. Just keep on Park Ave. After 1.3 miles, make a left onto Alta Laguna Blvd and follow it for a quarter mile to the end. The park and the mountain bike trails are impossible to miss. I have a bunch more trails mapped out on my blog at http://www.southcaladventures.blogspot.com/ read more

Alta Laguna Park - Alta Laguna Park http://southcaladventures.blogspot.com/ - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Hard to find a better view. Well maintained, with picnic tables, restrooms and tennis courts. The hiking trails start here, and it is a great way to spend the day with the family. I like to look at the ocean view - then turn around and look at the valley. Peaceful. read more

Alta Laguna Park - Hiking Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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One slick park with beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding hills and numerous hiking trails. **Make sure to hike the trails AWAY from the ocean. The 0.8 mile trail facing the ocean is garbage. Car Wreck trail is a very cool side-route to take. For an easier return, continue on until you reach the fork and take the other trail back up.** That is all. read more

The view is breathtaking! If you have little ones this is the place. You don't need to hike to see beautiful view! Love it!

Stunning views, great place to start the Top of the World Hike.

A great scenic location. Our hotel, The Inn at Laguna Beach, was located directly adjacent to the park, affording us lots of opportunities to enjoy! read more

We bring our dogs here hiking, so do a lot of other people, from easy to challenging there are trails for everyone. The one thing we don't like are the jackasses on their mountain bikes with no regard for the people walking. Most of the bikers are nice, but there are always some showoff with no regard for Himself or others. read more

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I took the Park Ave Trail dwonhills from the top and it was pretty steep, going down was hard on my knees, I wouldn't recommend without proper shoes. other hikes are ok and u will love the scenery and the weather and this very well maintained park read more

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Great hiking trails for beginners and pros alike. There are a lot of trails that branch from the main trail, so you can always explore a different route if you get bored of the same ol' same ol'. It doesn't get boring, and there's plenty of hills and flat routes. There's plenty of street parking, which is a huge plus. The park located right off the trail entrance has benches and lots of shade. Pets, cyclists and hikers are all welcome. Some parts of the trails are closed off to pets or pedestrians, depending on difficulty so respect and share the path! I really enjoy the view of the ocean before hitting the trail. You can see Catalina Island and the fog rolling in. Once you start your hike though, it's all suburbs. Plenty of different flora to look at, especially depending what season you go. It's located on Allta Laguna. So once you drive up the very long and windy road, you're gonna make a left. It is definitely confusing at first, but once you find it, you won't forget how to get there. read more

Came here after visiting the Top of the world park and was surprised to see well maintained tennis courts. Luckily I had carried two rackets, four pairs of shoes and plenty of balls! Good enough to get my brother to play with me! It has some trails which I'm planning to revisit. And the park is clean and beautifully located. Great views all around! read more

An arduous hike for those go getters!!! This 'park' is definitely not a stroll in the park haha. I've been to the top of the world park a while back, and was planning on going there again but discovered this park on the opposite dead end of Alta Laguna street. Once you're on Alta Laguna street, you can either make a left to go to top of the world, or right to Alta Laguna. Highly recommend going to this park instead! So the park itself is somewhat anticlimactic cuz you start off at the very top...LOL The view is pretty spectacular though - you can see the entire city & ocean. We pretty much were walking downhill all the way till we got to this so called 'dripping cave.' Such a misnomer tho since it wasn't dripping at all! Lol. But next to the dripping cave there was another larger cave that was pretty neat. Anyhow, the hike back to our starting point was quite tough. Uphill all da way. And just when you think you've made it to the top, there's a whole 'nother obstacle ahead. Also, beware of bikers! They will ZOOM right past you. Pack lots of water and slather on the sunscreen! The trails are mostly in open field so there is minimal shade! read more

Such a nice, clean park with a lot of parking. I love that there's a trail from here to Top of the World, but if you don't want to hike the park is pretty good too. read more

My favorite park in Laguna Beach! I live down the street from this park and it's the park I walk my dog to everyday. It has the feel of a community park (usually frequented by neighbors). The best part about this park -- the views! Across the street is a full view of the Ocean and Laguna Beach (makes you appreciate living in Laguna). On the backside of the park is a beautiful mountain view of Irvine and Aliso Viejo. The park never seems to ever be overcrowded - which means you can relax once you get there. It also means the park is clean! Great tennis courts, soccer field, backstop, basketball court, playground, and trail head. Check it out! read more

Such a beautiful park. I love coming here with my wife and daughter. It's becoming a wonderful family routine. Even though we don't live around here we always do our part to keep the park as clean as we left it, it seems many people feel the same way because there is no trash anywhere! Free but limited parking. Nice easy hike and very children friendly. Also what a beautiful view ! read more

So, my sister and I thought it would be a good idea to walk up here from Active Culture down in Laguna Village. It is only about 2.5 miles if you walk up Park, but it climbs about 1000 ft and it was 90+ degrees that day. So anyone driving up there probably saw my sister and I hurrying from shady spot to shady spot along the street, and trying not to pass out from heatstroke. It ended up taking us about an hour and a half, but we were rewarded at the top with a nice view, restrooms, and drinking fountains. There are also playgrounds, tennis courts, and soccer fields. We will return to try out some of the actual hiking trails, though we will likely drive up to the park and hike from there, instead of the village. read more

Even though I lived in the OC for 4 years, I haven't been here (to the Top of the World) until yesterday! It was gorgeous even though the weather really sucked. I can't wait to visit again when the weather is clear and sunny. There are a tons of trails with people hiking and riding their bikes. There were bunnies everywhere and tons of yellow flowers (as a photographer, I can't enough of beautiful locations). I can't wait to come back to either shoot or hike! read more

Alta Laguna Park is a great hike in Laguna Beach! The view is amazing! You get wonderful views of the beach since it is so high up! Parking is also easy since there is a free parking lot. The only thing I did not like was that the hike starts off with the great view. I enjoy having the reward at the end. Instead you end up hiking downhill and back up. I guess if you are lazy and just want the awesome view this is great. read more

A hidden gem. One of my favorite and the most beautiful views at a playground park besides Main Beach of course. Lots of fun stuff for the kiddos to play on even swings but not infant/toddler swings. If you're ever in Laguna Beach you have to make a stop here. There's great hiking trails here too. read more

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Came here spontaneously on a casual date during the day this past Thursday. We easily found parking on the street and then wandered around a bit. We werent dressed for hiking so we walked the path a little and played on the swings for awhile as well. My legs are too long for the swings so I didnt stay on there for long LOL. They also had tennis courts, a bball court and soccer field. It would be nice if they had somewhere that rented out equipment. There were bathrooms there but I dint go inside so I dont know about cleanliness. There are great views at the park of course, you can even see Catalina Island. It would have been great to stay and watch the sunset, but we had to get going. read more

One of my favorite places on the face of the Earth. Though I've never hiked TOTW, I've enjoyed the full panoramic view both during both day and night, and it is truly a sight to see. Will make it a point to stop by to enjoy the view anytime I'm in the OC area. read more