Fairview Park
A 208-acre natural oasis in Costa Mesa, featuring diverse habitats, scenic trails, and unique attractions like miniature train rides and challenging w...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free miniature train rides!
Fairview Park
Best Time
Free miniature train rides!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 208-acre natural oasis in Costa Mesa, featuring diverse habitats, scenic trails, and unique attractions like miniature train rides and challenging workout steps.
"An enjoyable peaceful walk in a well-managed nature environment with great views for photos."
🚂 Ride the Miniature Trains
Catch free model train rides on the 3rd weekend of the month! A unique family-friendly activity.
👟 Conquer the Wooden Steps
Great for a workout! These steps offer a good challenge and scenic views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Orange County Model Engineers
South end of Fairview Park
Enjoy free, charming miniature train rides on a to-scale railroad, a delightful experience for all ages.
Wooden Steps Workout
Various locations within the park
Challenge yourself on the park's iconic wooden steps, offering a great outdoor workout with scenic views.
Sunset Views
Park bluffs and open fields
Witness stunning sunsets that paint the sky, providing a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and photography.
Diverse Habitats & Trails
Throughout the park
Explore 208 acres featuring five distinct habitat zones, native plants, wildlife, and well-maintained walking and biking trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Model Train Rides & Park Exploration
Workout & Sunset Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚂 Ride the Miniature Trains
Catch free model train rides on the 3rd weekend of the month! A unique family-friendly activity. +1
👟 Conquer the Wooden Steps
Great for a workout! These steps offer a good challenge and scenic views. +1
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
The park is a prime spot for breathtaking sunsets. Perfect for photos! +1
🐕 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends! The park is welcoming to dogs, with areas to explore. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚂 Ride the Miniature Trains
Catch free model train rides on the 3rd weekend of the month! A unique family-friendly activity. +1
👟 Conquer the Wooden Steps
Great for a workout! These steps offer a good challenge and scenic views. +1
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
The park is a prime spot for breathtaking sunsets. Perfect for photos! +1
🐕 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends! The park is welcoming to dogs, with areas to explore. +1
🚴♀️ Bike Trail Access
Connect to the beach and Talbert Park via the bike trail for extended adventures.
🌳 Nature Lover's Paradise
Explore diverse habitats and enjoy peaceful walks on well-maintained trails. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fairview Park is widely praised as a well-managed nature environment offering peaceful walks and diverse activities. Visitors appreciate the ample parking, clean facilities, and scenic beauty, making it ideal for families, fitness enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Some note the lack of a traditional playground and occasional difficulty accessing lower bluff areas.
"This is a great hike! It is the popular hiking spot but not overly crowded at all. It's an enjoyable peaceful walk in a well-managed nature environment."
Darlene Stinson (Realtor)
"This is an amazing park for all types of visitors. There is a large open field to do many activities with groups and it is dog friendly. I highly recommend coming here with friends and families alike. The views this place has are great for photos as well. Thank you, and God bless Farview Park!"
Rainbow Gold
"Been coming to this park for the last 20 years. And since then, its been growing, expanding and being recreated. For the positive, has great ample parking, a buff area that is picturesque and garden to the north that are wonderfully detailed with a walking trail. In all it offere top and lower trails, access to the beach via the bike trail, access to talbert park and great for picnics, family and also r/c airplane area to the south. Clean with bathrooms and water fountains , in addition picnic tables and shade.
Goof for walkers
Runners
Jog
Rc
Bikes
Leased dogs
Kids
Walkways and low to moderate areas of hill challenge.
Overall easy to find, easy to find parking, much to do and visit, and receives a 4.25 stars.
Negative... no jungle gym for the kids ... one to ways down to lower levels, bluffs have difficulty access."
Javier Rosete
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fairview Park is located at 2525 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. +1
Yes, the park offers ample parking, making it easy to access for visitors.
Information on public transport access is limited, but driving is the most common method. Check local transit schedules for routes serving Costa Mesa.
Absolutely! There's a paved track for cycling and gravel trails for mountain biking.
You can access the beach via the bike trail that connects from Fairview Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Fairview Park offers free admission, making it an accessible destination for everyone. +1
The popular miniature train rides are typically offered on the third weekend of each month.
The train rides at Fairview Park are free for the public. +1
While specific hours aren't always listed, parks are generally open from dawn to dusk. It's best to check local listings if you plan a very early or late visit.
Fairview Park has hosted events like concerts and community gatherings. Keep an eye on local event listings for updates. 
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park features a variety of trails, including paved paths for walking and cycling, gravel trails for mountain biking, and natural paths through its diverse habitats.
Yes, it's a popular hiking spot with varied terrain, from flat plains to moderate hills and challenging wooden steps. +1
Yes, the park is equipped with clean and well-maintained restrooms for visitors.
These are a series of wooden stairs within the park, popular for a vigorous workout and offering great views. +2
Yes, there is a designated area for RC airplanes to the south of the park.
📸 📸 Photography Spots
The park offers numerous scenic spots, especially the bluffs for sunset views and the diverse natural landscapes. The wooden steps also provide a unique photographic element. +2
Absolutely! The park is renowned for its beautiful sunsets, making it a prime location for photographers. +2
The bluffs offer elevated viewpoints, and the open fields provide panoramic vistas, especially during golden hour.
Yes, the miniature trains are a popular subject for photos, especially when they are running on their scheduled days. +1
With paved paths and accessible trails, moving photography equipment is generally manageable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there isn't a traditional jungle gym, the park's natural environment provides plenty of opportunities for adventure. The walking trails are generally easy, and the dog-friendly atmosphere means the whole family, including furry members, can enjoy the outing.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
You can enjoy paved paths for smooth rides or opt for gravel trails if you prefer mountain biking. The varied terrain, from flat areas to inclines, provides a comprehensive fitness experience. It's a great place to combine your love for nature with your fitness goals.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Beyond the sunsets and wildlife, the unique wooden steps and the charming miniature trains offer distinct photographic opportunities. The well-maintained trails make it easy to navigate and find the perfect shot. It's an ideal location for landscape photography, wildlife spotting, and capturing the serene beauty of Southern California.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Miniature Railroad
These miniature trains wind through scenic parts of the park, offering a unique perspective of the landscape. It's a testament to the dedication of the model engineering community and a beloved attraction for locals and visitors alike. Plan your visit accordingly to catch these special operating days for a memorable ride.
Fitness and Nature Trails
Beyond the steps, the park boasts 208 acres with five distinct habitat zones, offering a diverse natural environment to explore. You can find paved paths perfect for a leisurely bike ride or a brisk walk, as well as gravel trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. The trails are generally considered easy to moderate, making them accessible for most fitness levels.
Whether you're looking for a strenuous climb on the steps or a peaceful nature walk through native plants and wildlife, Fairview Park provides a versatile setting. The well-maintained paths ensure a pleasant experience, and the varied terrain keeps your exploration interesting.
Sunset Spectacles and Photography
Many visitors flock to the park specifically to capture these golden hour moments. The combination of the natural landscape, the changing light, and the expansive sky creates a truly picturesque scene. Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, the sunsets at Fairview Park are sure to impress.
Beyond sunsets, the park's diverse habitats, unique wooden steps, and the charming miniature trains also provide excellent opportunities for photography throughout the day. It's a place where nature's beauty and man-made attractions converge to create memorable visual experiences.
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