Best Picnic Spot in OC: Cascade Park in Quail Hill Irvine

We discovered one of the best-kept secrets with Cascade Park in Quail Hill Irvine. Our favorite features of this park is the covered picnic table that sits on the top of a hill with sweeping panoramic views of Orange County. The best part is that it is just steps away from a secluded park with lots of winding trails for bike riding and walking. Families can have dinner at the picnic table while the kids run back and forth in-between the play structure and picnic table – a must for sunset time!

Finding the park is a little tricky because it is not marked. You’ll find it at the corner of Pine Needles and Serpentine Drive in Quail Hill (Irvine). There is plenty of parking along Pine Needs but no parking lot. I recommend bringing lunch/dinner, bikes, and sand toys.

Before I forget..the next best thing about this park is the play structures. There are two structures surrounded with sand that have a rustic “traditional” playground look. Your kids will swing between the monkey bars having the time of their life at this park.

Tip: If you plan to have a sunset dinner then make sure and come early, because there is only one table with a view. There are *no* bathrooms at this location, but you can walk further down Serpentine Drive to Valley View Park where there are restrooms.

Park Features:
Long twisty bike path
Multiple private picnic tables w/ barbecues
One picnic table with a view
Barbecues
Drinking fountain
(no bathrooms..short walk away at Valley View Park)
Large play structure
Grass
Sand

Location: Corner of Serpentine Drive and Pine Needs in Quail Hill, Irvine.