The city of Mission Viejo, with a population of 100,000 people, is located 15 kilometers inland between Newport Beach and the Pacific Ocean.

It's located in Orange County in Southern California, and it's close enough to downtown Los Angeles to make day visits popular among travelers looking to make the most of their limited vacation time in the area.

In addition to its numerous parks, golf courses, cultural activities, and restaurants, Mission Viejo is one of the country's largest master-planned communities.

It's also close enough to some of the state's most famous beaches and parks to keep you occupied while you're here.

Below are 6 things to do in and around Mission Viejo, California.

1. O’Neill Regional Park

Source:	wikipedia.org

O'Neill Regional Park is a natural choice for outdoorsy types interested in spending time in the great outdoors without having to go to faraway state and national parks because of its easy location and plentiful activity possibilities.

The park is within a short drive from the city center. Fishing enthusiasts, hikers, bird watchers, and mountain bikers come from all over Orange County to enjoy it.

There are paved and unpaved walkways and trails in O'Neill Park that are suited for people of all ages and athletic abilities, and there are often staff-led activities such as weekly hikes.

If you want to avoid the crowds, go during the week or early in the morning.

2. Casta Del Sol Golf Course

Source:	wikipedia.org

Mission Viejo boasts a large number of golf courses, ranging from expensive and private to economical and public, for such a tiny city.

Since the 1970s, the Casta Del Sol Golf Course has been a popular destination for golfers. If you're in the area and want to play a short course that doesn't take up four or five hours of your day, this is the course for you.

It's around 40% shorter than most standard 18-hole courses, at just over 3,700 yards, so you'll have more time to go to the beach or see other sights in the neighborhood.

Bermuda fairways, cleverly placed sand and water hazards, and holes ranging from just over 100 to more than 230 yards are all included on the par-61 course.

3. Mission Viejo Mall

Source:	wikipedia.org

For those who've had their fill of outdoor activities and the often harsh California heat, Mission Viejo Mall, with more than 100 shops and eateries in the center of Mission Viejo, is the perfect retail therapy escape location.

Large national businesses such as Macy's, Nordstrom, and H&M are based in the mall. The dining options are numerous, ranging from fast-food to high-end establishments like P.F. The Cheesecake Factory and Chang's.

Bike racks, diaper changing stations, and a children's play area are among the other amenities available at the mall.

The Crown Valley Parkway exit of I-5 is just a few minutes away from the Mission Viejo Mall.

4. Lake Mission Viejo

Source:	wikipedia.org

The most popular outdoor recreation attraction in Mission Viejo is Lake Mission Viejo. It's just a few minutes north of town, between Interstate 5 and California Route 241.

The lake is open all year, but in the spring and summer, when it doubles as a live music venue, it draws the most visitors.

Shaded seating areas, bathrooms, boat ramps, and several beaches are all available at Lake Mission Viejo. Because the number of people is restricted, arriving early is a must during peak times.

In the past, the lake's summer concert series has featured nationally renowned musicians and bands.

5. Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

Source:	wikipedia.org

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is a riparian wilderness park with over 2,000 acres of land about 15 minutes from Mission Viejo's downtown area. It's known for its unique rock formations and scores of multi-use trails.

The enormous Santiago Fire devastated much of the park more than a decade ago. While much of its vegetation has regrown, it still has a lunar appearance due to the lack of vegetation.

Walkers, runners, and bikers can use the park's trails. It's not allowed to go into the canyons for a little wilderness exploring, but it's not recommended.

6. Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Source:	wikipedia.org

Many game fish species, such as largemouth bass, grow larger in California than they do in other states with harsh winters because of the year-round warm weather.

Laguna Niguel Regional Park’s centerpiece is a 40-plus acre lake that’s a big draw for local anglers looking to wet a line.

The lake is supplied with bass and trout throughout the fishing season. For individuals who don't have their own equipment, boats, fishing rods, and float tubes can be rented.

Before fishing, each angler must acquire a day-use permit at the park's welcome center. Tennis, volleyball, picnics, and boating are just a few of the park's other activities.

Laguna Niguel is about 15 kilometers southwest of Mission Viejo.

Author:	Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty Bob Cowan

Mission Viejo	Orange County
Real Estate	Southern California