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Mission Viejo is a city in south Orange County, set among rolling hills and canyons between the Santa Ana Mountains and the coast. It takes its name from Rancho Mission Viejo, an old Spanish land grant, and it was built from the 1960s as one of the largest master-planned communities in the United States, with tree-lined streets, parks and greenbelts winding through the hills. The city was incorporated in 1988.
Mission Viejo is known for sports, especially swimming and diving. The Mission Viejo Nadadores club, based at the Marguerite Aquatics Center, has trained many Olympic athletes, and the city hosted the cycling road race of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Visitors can walk or bike the Oso Creek Trail, picnic in Oso Viejo Park and Florence Joyner Olympiad Park, or shop at The Shops at Mission Viejo. O'Neill Regional Park, Mission San Juan Capistrano and the beaches of Dana Point are a short drive away.
A paved trail following Oso Creek through Mission Viejo, with shady sections, gardens, public art and benches. It links several parks and neighborhoods. It is flat and easy for walking, running and biking; start near the Norman P. Murray Community Center for parking.
A peaceful park next to the city civic center and library, with a pond, lawns, picnic areas and paths connecting to the Oso Creek Trail. It hosts community events and summer concerts. It is a good place for a quiet picnic; parking is shared with the civic center and library lots.
A park named for Olympic sprinter Florence Griffith Joyner, who lived in Mission Viejo. It has sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas and a walking path. It is popular for youth sports on weekends. Come on weekday mornings for open space, and look for the memorial dedicated to her.
A long, narrow park following a wooded creek through Mission Viejo, with shady trails, footbridges and sycamore and oak trees. It feels like a small canyon in the middle of the suburbs. It is good for an easy nature walk; trails can be muddy after rain, so wear sturdy shoes.
A large county park in Trabuco Canyon just northeast of Mission Viejo, with oak and sycamore groves, a campground, picnic areas and hiking and biking trails. The Ocean Vista Point trail gives views to the coast. There is a parking fee; watch for wildlife and poison oak along the trails.
A county wilderness park on the edge of Mission Viejo with grassland, oak woodland and trails used by hikers and mountain bikers. Wildlife such as deer, hawks and bobcats can be seen. It is open on limited days, dogs are not allowed, and there is a small parking fee; bring water and a hat.
A well-known swimming complex and home of the Mission Viejo Nadadores swim club, which has trained many Olympic athletes. It has competition pools, diving facilities and public swim sessions. Check the city schedule for lap swim and family swim times, and bring your own towel.
The city's main shopping mall, with department stores, many chain stores, restaurants and a dining area. It is easy to reach from the 5 freeway. Parking is free and plentiful, and it is a comfortable place to shop on hot summer days.
A large community college in Mission Viejo with a performing arts program that stages concerts, plays, musicals and dance shows open to the public, plus art gallery exhibits. Shows are often affordable. Check the college arts calendar, and buy a daily parking permit from the campus machines.
A city community center set among gardens near the Oso Creek Trail, with classes, events, a senior center and rooms for gatherings. The grounds connect to trails and green spaces. Check the city recreation guide for classes, workshops and special events open to visitors and residents.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
Photo: Nandaro, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nandaro, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nandaro, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nandaro, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nandaro, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Beyond My Ken, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Tracie Hall from Orange County, us, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Tracie Hall from Orange County, us, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Beyond My Ken, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nandaro, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Don Ramey Logan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Nandaro, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0