Fairview Park

The 208 acres of public land in Fairview Park contain open fields, trails, hills, and a forested sanctuary. It’s a wonderful park for horseback riding, hiking, walking, running and biking enthusiasts. Near the entrance of the park are grassy and open areas to fly kites. An official model airplane airstrip is located at the center of the park, and it often has organized flying events. The Orange County Model Engineers operate the Goat Hill Junction Railroad at the eastern end of the park, and provide free model train rides on the third weekend of each month.

A series of short trails on the plateau leads through a maze of tall wildflowers that bloom in the spring. At the center of one trail is a wooden platform with benches. In the late afternoon, people can sit here and watch many small birds dart in and out of the flowers. Another trail leads to a riverbed with a beautifully preserved California landscape featuring huge oak trees, large grass, and fields of native California plants. Bike trails and running trails lead all the way down to the beach.

Trails and best flower viewing can be accessed at the Canary Drive entrance, from the Placentia Avenue wetlands crosswalk, or the pedestrian bridge connecting the west and east sides of Fairview Park.