One of the things I really appreciate about Laguna Niguel, is that it has so many hiking trails and parks to enjoy. Here are a few that are my favorite Laguna Niguel hikes and parks that I go to often with my family!
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Laguna Niguel Park is a popular spot to go fishing, bike riding, and have a shaded picnic! This park is also a favorite for people that like to play volleyball and tennis since it has several courts. It also has one of my kids’ favorite playgrounds and lots of open space to play soccer. I love that they allow dogs and that there is a Whole Foods nearby to grab a smoothie after a long walk. However, the best part about the park is that it hosts the most beautiful fireworks shows on the fourth of July. My family and I always set up our picnic blankets and bring popsicles earlier in the day so we get a great spot watch!
Aliso Summit Hiking Trail
Another great place to enjoy nature is the Also Summit Hiking Trail. This hike has gorgeous scenic views of Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach. It’s perfect to bring kids on and is dog friendly too! Whenever I go on this hike I pack a few snacks and drinks to enjoy at the end where you can see a panoramic view of the ocean.
Niguel Botanical Preserve
Laguna Niguel also has a hidden gem above the Crown Valley Community Park. The Niguel Botanical Preserve that features 2000 plant species from five areas in the world and is 18.2 acres. I love taking peaceful walks in the preserve since it has four miles of trails lined with beautiful flowers. My favorite thing about the preserve is that attracts so many colorful butterflies and birds.
Crown Valley Community Park
The Crown Valley Community Park is also another great spot to spend time outdoors in Laguna Niguel. The park is almost done being renovated and now has a brand new outdoor amphitheater that is used often for different events during the year. There are also two new playgrounds and a variety of sports fields. A new sprayground has also been added to the park across from the playground. I can’t wait to take my kids there to cool off during summer!
Salt Creek Trail
Salt Creek Trail is the longest trail in Laguna Niguel with multiple locations to start and has both paved and dirt trails. My family and I love to start this trail at Chapparosa park for a family bike ride on the paved path. We do a turnaround ride right after the tunnel that goes under Niguel Road and we end back at the park where we usually hit the basketball court or playground after. It’s a leisurely easy ride or walk for our family and it’s also dog-friendly too so we can bring our pup Teddy.
I hope you can get outdoors and enjoy these Laguna Niguel hikes and parks!
To learn more about my other favorites hikes in OC check out the links below:
Top Corona Del Mar Beaches and Hikes
Laguna Niguel Hikes and Parks
Top Irvine Parks and Hikes
OC Hikes
Laguna Niguel Trails
If you are thinking of buying or selling your home in Orange County, I would love to take you to Plumeria Cafe to see how I can help!
Natalie Boyle 949.929.5727
Since I live in South Orange County, I have tried most of the best restaurants in Laguna Niguel. There are a few spots that I’m obsessed with and wanted to share with you!
Plumeria Café
Loco Moco, a contemporary Hawaiian cuisine dish
Plumeria Café is a place I go to frequently for breakfast and lunch! Normally before going into the office, I stop by Plumeria for a quick iced latte and my favorite dish, Loco Moco with eggs over easy and pork. When my kids aren’t in school they always beg to get some of their favorite pancakes from Plumeria. They go crazy for the Cookies and Cream and Banana and Cream Anglaise Pancakes!
Rosetta Coffee
Rosetta Coffee Brewing Company in Laguna Niguel is home to my favorite latte and delicious breakfast sandwiches too!
The Purple Rain latte has just the right amount of lavender in it and is the perfect way to start my day. There is also always freshly baked pastries that I like to order when I’m on my way to meet my clients in the morning. However when I have more time I like to order The Drop Bear with sourdough toast, cheddar, avocado, and egg!
Stonefire Grill
Stonefire Grill just had its grand opening in April and I immediately stopped by to enjoy some of their delicious food. I’ve been searching for restaurants that have an outside patio so I can take my new puppy, and was so excited that Stonefire Grill has one.
The greeter at the front door was helpful, described dishes being featured, shared the most popular food at their other locations. I absolutely loved the Lemon Garlic Petite Chicken Breast with the Cartwheel salad and breadstick that I ordered! The chicken had a garlic sauce that had a fantastic flavor! In addition, my friend got the light and refreshing Petite Greek Salad with Salmon. I can’t wait to come here more often and try some new items on their menu!
Hendrix Restaurant and Bar
Hendrix Restaurant and Bar is another favorite of mine because of its juicy rotisserie meats. The most popular drink is their signature Hendrick’s gin and fever-tree tonic with juniper berries. Its definitely the best gin and tonic that I’ve ever had!
When I dine at Hendrix I love to order their flavorful Rotisserie chicken with fresh herbs and rosemary. For instance, the first time I tried it, I couldn’t believe how tender it was! For date night my husband and I also like to split the Three Meats Platter that includes Rosemary Lemon Chicken, Porcheta Natural Pork Roll, and the Leg of Colorado Lamb.
We can’t get enough of the melt in your mouth meat! At Hendrix I never skip dessert and have to order the warm berry bread pudding with Chantilly cream and berry compote!
Sanchos Tacos
Whenever I’m craving Mexican food the first restaurant I go to Sanchos Tacos. The chicken tacos have a mouth-watering marinade and their “chubby sauce” which is sweet tomatillo salsa. I also love the vegetarian Flaco Taco that has grilled artichokes, avocado, spinach, mushrooms, and Verde sauce.
My kids love their nacho fries with melted cheese, beans, sour cream, and steak! They always make a mess enjoying their nachos! After that, we order the quesadillas since they are a big hit in my family. Their drive-thru is so convenient especially on days that I have lots to do!
Thanks for reading about the best restaurants in Laguna Niguel! I’d love to hear about which spots are your favorites!
Below are some of my other favorite restaurants:
Corona Del Mar’s Best Restaurants
Top Restaurants in Newport Beach
Top 5 Restaurants in Irvine
Laguna Beach’s Best Restaurants
If Laguna Niguel is a city you are interested in moving to, I’d love to take you to Plumeria Cafe to see how I can help!
Natalie Boyle 949.929.5727