Main Beach and the Laguna Beach coast

Outdoors

Picnic spots near Laguna Beach

Day-use and picnic areas near Laguna Beach on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.

10picnic areas
26 mito the closest
4within 30 miles
Year-roundbest months

Good to know: Group picnic sites can often be reserved; fire rules change with the season, so check before bringing a grill.

Closest picks

1

Brea Dam

26 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.

2

Fullerton Dam

26 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

Managed by Orange County, CA, there are facilities fishing, picnics, nature exhibits, handball and field sports. No permanent pool.

3

Prado Dam

26 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

This San Bernardino County Parks managed area is an oasis within one of the fastest growing areas of Southern California. Riverside County and the City of Corona also provide recreation facilities.

Map of all 10 places

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Within 30 miles (4)

26 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

Brea Dam

The recreation facilities at this project are managed by the City of Fullerton (CA) Community Services. Golf and tennis are main attractions at this project, located among the picturesque rolling hills in the City of Fullerton.

  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
  • Picnicking

26 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

Fullerton Dam

Managed by Orange County, CA, there are facilities fishing, picnics, nature exhibits, handball and field sports. No permanent pool.

  • Picnicking
  • Wildlife viewing

26 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

Prado Dam

This San Bernardino County Parks managed area is an oasis within one of the fastest growing areas of Southern California. Riverside County and the City of Corona also provide recreation facilities.

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Horseback riding
  • Picnicking
  • Water sports
  • Wildlife viewing

27 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

Carbon Canyon Dam

Managed by Orange County, there is no permanent pool, but varied facilities such as fishing, picnic areas, a nature trail, and tennis. The site of the historic oil boom town of Olinda. Adjoins Chino Hills State Park.

  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Picnicking
  • Wildlife viewing

30 to 75 miles (6)

38 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers

Whittier Narrows Dam

This project is managed by Los Angeles County Parks and the City of Pico Rivera. Whittier Narrows has no permanent pool.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Horseback riding
  • Picnicking
  • Water sports
  • Wildlife viewing

42 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers

Santa Fe Dam

Facilities at Santa Fe are operated by Los Angeles County Parks. Swimming, fishing, non-power boating, hiking and picnicking are available. Of interest are the five distinct biological communities within the area.

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • Water sports
  • Wildlife viewing

45 mi north · USDA Forest Service

Angeles National Forest

  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
  • Hiking
  • Horse Camping
  • Horseback riding
  • Off-highway vehicles
  • Picnicking

53 mi north · USDA Forest Service · Campground

Coldbrook Campground

Coldbrook Campground offers 22 shaded campsites* at the intersection of Coldbrook and Soldier Creeks that are open year round.

  • Camping
  • Picnicking
  • Recreational Vehicles

60 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers

Sepulveda Dam

The Sepulveda Dam's recreation facilities are managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Picnicking
  • Water sports
  • Wildlife viewing

62 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers

Hansen Dam

The City of Los Angeles manages the extensive day-use facilities, including golf and riding stables, are available at this site in the San Fernando Valley.

  • Boating
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Picnicking
  • Water sports
  • Wildlife viewing

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Laguna Beach. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.

Get outside around Laguna Beach

Around Laguna Beach

Orange County, Laguna Beach
Orange County (26188281702)Sergei Gussev · CC BY 2.0
Orange County, Laguna Beach
Orange County (26151838702)Sergei Gussev · CC BY 2.0
Laguna Beach photograph by Don Graham from Redlands, CA, USA - God bless it!
Laguna Beach, CA 9-168 (29755054681)Don Graham from Redlands, CA, USA - God bless it! · CC BY-SA 2.0

More outdoors near Laguna Beach

Questions

Where is the closest place for picnic spots near Laguna Beach?

Brea Dam (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 26 miles north of Laguna Beach as the crow flies. Next are Fullerton Dam (26 mi) and Prado Dam (26 mi).

When is the best time for picnic spots near Laguna Beach?

Based on Laguna Beach’s average highs, all year. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.

Who manages these places?

Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

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