Get Out In Laguna Beach: OC Parks Events Near You

LAGUNA BEACH, CA —Now that the sizzling heat has cooled down, it's time to think about getting out in Laguna Beach.

OC Parks announced a whole slew of scheduled events for the month of September designed to get Orange County residents out and engaged with all of the natural beauty the county's parks, beaches and trails have to offer.

Here's a rundown on the schedule of OC Parks events for September near Laguna Beach and across Orange County:

• Sept. 1 – Sunset Cinema Series: Uncharted
  • 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series brings the big screen outdoors to your favorite County parks. Join us Friday, September 1 for a showing of Uncharted (PG-13, 2022) at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point. Event and parking are free, and food and beverage will be available for purchase. Enjoy pre-show entertainment starting at 6 p.m. with the film beginning approximately after sundown. More information: ocparks.com/events.

• Sept. 2 – Backyard Bugs- Aliso and Wood Visitor Center
  • 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth and make up 80% of all known species. There are more varieties of bugs than all other types of animals combined! Join us on a family-friendly trek around Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park to learn all about these amazing animals who have perfected the art of ecological specialization. Insects may have a reputation for being icky, but they're essential pollinators needed to sustain life on our planet. Parking fee is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration is required. Registration: ocparks.com/events.

• Sept. 8 – Sunset Cinema Series: Mamma Mia!
  • 6 p.m.– 10 p.m. | Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series brings the big screen outdoors to your favorite County parks. Join us Friday, September 8 for a showing of Mamma Mia! (PG-13, 2008) at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point. Event and parking are free, and food and beverage will be available for purchase. Enjoy pre-show entertainment starting at 6 p.m. with the film beginning approximately after sundown. More information: ocparks.com/events.

• September 8 – Morning Mountain Bike Ride at Saddleback Wilderness
  • 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. | Saddleback Wilderness

Join us for an intermediate level ride on OC Parks’ newest trails in the recently opened Saddleback Wilderness. This cross country-style ride will be moderately paced and include a mix of mild terrain with some brief punchy climbs. The ride will reach a summit with panoramic views stretching from the mountain to the sea. Periodic breaks and trailside interpretation will be sprinkled in along the way. Depending on group pace, this ride will cover up to 8 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain.Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities.

• September 9 – Fire Ecology
  • 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Santiago Oaks Regional Park

Come explore the basics of fire science, the influences of fire on our wildlands and how fires are helpful to some plants through a classroom presentation and short field hike at Santiago Oaks Regional Park. This program is free. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Rain may cancel the program. The program will meet in the conference room, located downstairs in the Nature Center.
Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities.

• September 13 – Feathery Friends Preschool Program
  • 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. | OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park

This program is for ages 3 to 4 only. Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts and meeting zoo creatures up close! Cost is $5 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire program. Phone registration is required. Parking is $3 per vehicle.
Registration: Call (714) 973-6846.

• September 15 – Tot Walk- Aliso and Wood Visitor Center
  • 9 – 11 a.m. | Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Join OC Parks naturalists and bring your young ones (infant to age 3) to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and the creek. We will see bugs, plants and birds while exploring! OC Parks staff may even lead a game or introduce a local resident to the children. Come join the fun! This program begins at the Visitor Center at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and water. Please note most of the trail is not stroller friendly. Advance registration required.
Registration: ocparks.com/events.

• September 16 – Birding by the Creek- Aliso and Wood Visitor Center
  • 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

This program is for ages 12 and older (minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Aliso Creek is one of the best riparian birding sites in Orange County and gives access for a lovely morning hike. OC Parks staff and volunteers will lead an easy, 3-mile walk with 50 feet of elevation gain on uneven terrain. Travel along the creek on a dirt trail and return on a paved road while birding within the wilderness park. No experience necessary! Wear hiking or walking shoes and bring binoculars. The program is free. Parking is $3 per vehicle. Advance registration required.Registration: ocparks.com/events.

• September 19 – Toddler Treks: Homes
  • 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. | Irvine Regional Park

This fun program is geared for ages 2 to 6. Animals come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their homes! Some will create a home with sticks, rocks or feathers and others will borrow a home from another animal. Let’s safely search for animal homes found throughout the park. Space is limited; parents/guardians must register themselves and each child. The program is free though there is a park entrance fee per vehicle.

Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities.

• September 22 – Coastal Cleanup Day at the Bay
  • 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

OC Parks invites you to lend a helping hand and join volunteers around the world for Coastal Cleanup Day. Make an impact on our coastlines as we work together to remove trash and recyclables from the marsh, waterway and beaches. Get ready to get dirty! Please wear old clothes and closed-toe shoes or rain boots as most locations are muddy. Advance registration is recommended.

More information: ocparks.com/events.

• September 28 – Caspers Park After Dark
  • 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Caspers Wilderness Park

We love the nightlife! Explore the mysteries of Caspers Wilderness Park after dark as we hit the trails on this leisurely night hike along the Nature Loop. From creepy crawly tarantulas to graceful owls, we’ll learn all about the nighttime creatures that call Caspers home! Dressing in layers, wearing sturdy footwear and bringing water are recommended. This hike is not recommended for very small children or strollers. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program. Dogs are not permitted at Caspers Wilderness Park. Red-tinted flashlights are highly encouraged. Advance registration is recommended.Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities.

• September 29 – Restorative Bird Watching
  • 8 – 10 a.m. | Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens

Many studies show bird watching can have a positive impact on our mental health and state of mind. This slow-paced and accessible bird walk will encourage bird watching practices designed to emphasize these benefits by connecting to nature, guided observation, building community, sharing stories, encouraging creativity and practicing mindfulness. No prior birdwatching experience is required and loaner binoculars will be available on a first come, first served basis. Registration: letsgooutside.org/ocparks/activities.