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Seaview Park and Aliso Summit Trail in Laguna Niguel

Seaview Park and Aliso Summit Trail in Laguna Niguel

Seaview Park in Laguna Niguel and the nearby Aliso Summit Trail saved us from one of those days when we were feeling the need to get into the great wide open outdoors.

This trail was quiet and beautiful. We found it full of rocks to climb and views to take in. I love to see sunsets from up here.

Aliso Summit Trail was the original home of a Fairy Trail which moved to Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo during the Summer of 2018 as an art installment. There are no longer any “fairy homes” along this trail, but I am always looking for spots where the fairies might make their new home.

seaview park laguna niguel - snowy mountains

Directions to Seaview Park in Laguna Niguel: It’s not close to any freeways or interstates.  The most direct way to get here is to take Crown Valley Parkway from either Interstate 5 or Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Pacific Island hits Crown Valley in two spots. Option #1: If you approach from PCH, take Crown Valley Parkway towards the mountains. Turn left onto Pacific Island (where it turns into Camino Del Avion) and head up the hill. Make another left onto Talavera and park on the right side of the street before the guard gate to the community of Laguna Sur. The trail leads around the houses and out to a scenic viewpoint. Option #2: If you are coming from Interstate 5 and Crown Valley Parkway, you’ll need to turn right onto Alicia Parkway before making a left on Pacific Island. Then drive up the hill and make a right onto Talavera. (Address: 22801 Talavera Drive, Laguna Niguel)  MAP TO SEAVIEW PARK AND ALISO SUMMIT TRAIL IN LAGUNA NIGUEL

seaview park laguna niguel - aliso canyon

Highlights of Seaview Park in Laguna Niguel:

  • Easy walk with interpretive signs to identify local plants
  • Views in all directions
  • You WILL feel small. It’s one of those natural areas that takes my breath away.
  • See that island out there? That’s Catalina.
seaview park laguna niguel - catalina island view
  • The walk took about 10 minutes in to the viewpoint and you can go further. We just stopped at the viewpoint (a picnic table with some blue metal fencing around).
  • Picnic nooks all along the path, so it’s great for a weekend picnic.
  • This would be a great place to bring out of town guests. On the day we visited, we could see snow on the mountains and the waves crashing below us.
  • Definitely wide enough for a jogger stroller. Maybe a little bumpy for a traditional stroller?
  • Want an amazing workout??? Park at the bottom of Pacific Island in the Albertsons shopping center and WALK up the incredibly steep and long hill. Unfortunately, there are no restrooms at the top.
  • Grassy area leading up the park with benches for the enjoying the views. I saw lots of people with dogs here in the evening hours. And lots of folks taking family photos.
seaview park laguna niguel - view of the mountains
  • Nature Connection: Be on the lookout for birds. Close your eyes and feel the ocean breeze. Have the kids tell you about the weather. Can you find tracks on the trail?
seaview park laguna niguel - flower patch

Be Aware:

  • There are steep drop-offs, but as long as toddlers stay on the wide trail you’re okay
  • It’s a wild area so watch for wildlife (“mountain lions, rattlesnakes, poison oak, rugged terrain”). We just don’t let the kids run ahead of us on the trail.
  • NO playground – this is more of a nature walk park
  • NO restrooms
  • Dogs must be leashed
  • Aliso Peak Trail leads off beyond the overlook. It’s steep and I don’t recommend for little kids. It’s a long climb back up.
seaview park laguna niguel - trail to sea

Aliso Summit Trail 

  • The Aliso Summit Trail is down the hill on Pacific Island from Seaview Park. There is an unassuming sign in brown and white “Aliso Summit Trail” and you’ll notice cars parked along the hill.
  • We’ve only hiked half the trail from Mile Marker 2 to Mile Marker 1.
  • Due to a wildfire in 2022, this area is of the Summit Trail has much less vegetation and homes that have been damaged line the trail. I am not sure if all of it is open again due to the fires.
  • Here is the Trail Map from the City of Laguna Niguel.
Aliso Summit Trail Laguna Niguel - ocean view and mile marker
  • It’s mostly flat and wide with a few small elevation gains. You are walking along a service road behind houses, so be respectful of the residents.
  • Amazing views of Aliso Canyon and the ocean across to Catalina Island.
  • VERY steep drop-offs which would be scary with a toddler. I’d keep little ones in the jogger stroller or wait until they know to stay on the trail and not venture towards the edge.

Checklist:

  • Parking on the street
  • A very slight elevation gain
  • Drinking fountain at the head of the trail
  • Serves as an entry point to Aliso Wood Canyon
  • Grassy area is good for views, even if you don’t take the trail toward the ocean.
  • Keep dogs on leash
  • Open 7am-Sunset (Oct 1-Mar 31) and 7am-10pm (Apr 1-Sept 30)
  • No alcoholic beverages
  • The park is owned and operated by the County of Orange, but it’s located in the City of Laguna Niguel. Official City of Laguna Niguel info about the Aliso Summit Trail.
  • Nearest library branch: OC Public Libraries Laguna Niguel branch
seaview park laguna niguel - flower

Parks nearby Seaview Park in Laguna Niguel:

Originally published April 2011.

seaview park laguna niguel pin
aliso summit trail laguna niguel pin

A Day of Discovery Includes Sea View Park - Horse Buzz A-Z

Monday 26th of May 2014

[…] I love the ocean so when I read the description of Sea View Park, I thought it sounded like a place we should try. I did do a little research but could find very little about it. It is located in the City of Laguna Niguel and is owned and operated by OC Parks. There were just a few sentences about it on the Laguna Niguel website and I couldn’t even find it on the OC Parks website. The best info I found was from a blog, Nature Play Trips. […]

Bubba

Monday 13th of February 2012

I've done this trail perhaps 200 times. Each day I am amazed at the view and raw wilderness so close to my home. Make sure if you venture past the last picnic table down the steep trails that you pack water for the hike back up!

I've seen deer, bobcat, one mountain lion, and plenty of large rattlers in the summer. Please pick up after your dogs too!! Keep this place pristine.

Please leash your dog and pick up after them.

Michele

Tuesday 14th of February 2012

Thank you so much for adding your extensive knowledge to this post!!

Casey

Monday 30th of May 2011

We walked this trail today (Memorial Day) with our little guy. Great views, nice breeze. My son got a little tired on some of the steep hills but overall a nice walk/hike! Thanks Michele!

Michele

Tuesday 31st of May 2011

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! We never made it past the end of the trail at Seaview Park (where the blue fence and picnic area sits). You must have gone down that steep hill. You picked a beautiful day.

Jen {Tiny Oranges}

Tuesday 5th of April 2011

Looks beautiful! Might have to put this outing on our Spring Break list!

Michele

Wednesday 6th of April 2011

You should at least add it as a picnic outing! It was beautiful.

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