O’Neill Regional Park

This park is more in the wilderness than others on the list. Upon entering, there is a $5 parking fee ($3 on weekdays) that usually is taken by an attendant. The campground is on the left, but turn right to go to the picnic day use area after passing the attendant. A picnic and playground area will be on the left after turning right. If you keep going, the road will start to veer back the other way and there will be more picnic areas. If you keep going past that, the road will cross Trabuco Creek (see photo), veer right, then take you up the hill to the Mesa Trail. There will be first come first serve picnic tables there with clear views of the Santa Ana Mountain ranges next to the trail. The road runs parallel alongside the trail and there are several picnic tables and spots to park to enjoy the view. Latest park map