Mile Square Regional Park
Mile Square Regional Park
Highlight • Parking
Running
5.0
(2)
Mile Square Regional Park is a sprawling urban oasis located in Fountain Valley, Orange County, California, sitting at an elevation of approximately 12 meters above sea level. This distinctive regional park earned its name from its nearly perfect square shape, measuring one mile on each side, bordered by Edinger and Warner Avenues to the north and south, and Brookhurst and Euclid Streets to the west and east. Managed by OC Parks, it offers a vital green space in the heart of Southern California.
Visitors consistently praise the park's diverse offerings and expansive layout. Many enjoy the approximately four-mile loop that traces the park's perimeter, providing pleasant walks along tree-lined sidewalks with views of the golf courses, tranquil lakes, and various sports fields. The sheer variety of activities, from active sports to serene nature walks, makes it a beloved destination for all ages.
As a primary access point, Mile Square Regional Park offers ample parking availability, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Several parking lots are strategically placed around the park, with some offering easy access to specific amenities like the lakes, golf courses, or sports fields. While some parking areas may have fees, especially for specific facilities, many general parking spots are often free, particularly along the perimeter streets. For families, choosing parking with best park access near playgrounds or picnic areas is recommended.
The park is a fantastic destination year-round, thanks to Southern California's mild climate, though spring and fall offer particularly pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities. It's an ideal spot for walking, cycling, fishing, golfing, and picnicking. The urban nature area, with its California native plants and butterfly garden, provides a peaceful escape, while the lakes are popular for paddle boating and fishing. Mile Square Regional Park is notably family-friendly, with multiple playgrounds and open spaces for children to enjoy.
Beyond the well-trodden paths, the park offers a calming escape from the suburban bustle. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as geese, mallards, squirrels, and rabbits, and even migrating subtropical birds around the lakes. The park also hosts various community events, including a Farmers Market, concerts, and outdoor movies, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll, a family outing, or a place to get active, Mile Square Regional Park provides numerous options. You can explore a variety of popular trails and routes for walking, running, or cycling, all easily discoverable. To plan your perfect day and find the best parking at Mile Square Regional Park for your chosen activity, explore the many routes available on komoot, which cater to different interests and fitness levels.
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January 16, 2024
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January 23, 2024
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Mile Square Regional Park

85
runners
6.43km
00:40
10m
10m
Lace up your shoes for the Mile Square Regional Park loop, a moderate jogging route that offers a pleasant escape in Fountain Valley. This 4.0 miles (6.4 km) path features diverse scenery, including views of two lakes where you might spot local birds. With a gentle elevation gain of just 20 feet (6 metres), you can complete this loop in about 39 minutes, enjoying the park's green spaces.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as Mile Square Regional Park is easily accessible within North Orange County. You will find well-maintained paths perfect for jogging, along with convenient restrooms and picnic areas. Parking is readily available at the park, making it simple to start your run whenever you are ready.
This route takes you past a 20-acre nature area, showcasing native Southern California plants like coastal sage scrub and chaparral. You can also enjoy a hummingbird and butterfly garden within this section, adding a unique natural element to your urban jog. The trail also winds past portions of the park's golf courses and sports fields, providing a varied backdrop throughout your activity.

92
runners
7.78km
00:48
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
8
runners
9.08km
00:56
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 10 m
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The park is best known for its approximately four-mile perimeter loop, which is ideal for walking, running, and cycling. This paved path offers pleasant views of the golf courses, lakes, and sports fields. Beyond the main loop, you'll find various smaller paths winding through the urban nature area and connecting different facilities, providing opportunities for shorter, more leisurely strolls.
Mile Square Regional Park features predominantly flat and paved terrain, making it highly accessible for most visitors. The trails are considered easy, suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including families with strollers and individuals using wheelchairs. There are no significant elevation changes within the park.
Yes, the park boasts two tranquil lakes that are popular for fishing and paddle boating, offering scenic views. There's also a 15 to 20-acre urban nature area planted with California native plants, including a butterfly garden, which provides a peaceful escape and a chance to observe local flora and fauna like geese, mallards, squirrels, and rabbits.
Mile Square Regional Park offers ample parking throughout its grounds. While many general parking spots, especially along the perimeter streets, are often free, some specific parking areas, particularly those closer to certain facilities like the golf courses or recreation center, may have a small fee. It's advisable to check signage upon arrival.
While the park is popular year-round, it tends to be less crowded on weekday mornings, especially outside of school holidays. Weekends, particularly during pleasant spring and fall weather, can see higher visitor numbers. Arriving earlier in the day on weekends can help secure better parking and a more serene experience.
Yes, Mile Square Regional Park is generally dog-friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails and in most open areas. However, it's always best to check for specific signage regarding restricted areas, such as within certain nature preserves or recreation centers. Please remember to clean up after your pet.
For families, it's recommended to look for parking lots that offer direct access to the park's numerous playgrounds and picnic areas. Parking near the community center or the main recreation areas often puts you closest to these family-friendly amenities, minimizing walking distances for little ones.
As an urban park, Mile Square Regional Park is surrounded by the city of Fountain Valley, offering a wide array of nearby amenities. You'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops just a short drive or walk from the park's perimeter, particularly along Edinger, Warner, Brookhurst, and Euclid Avenues.
Beyond its trails and lakes, the park is quite unique in its offerings. It features three 18-hole golf courses, an archery range, baseball and softball fields, and a 55-acre recreation center with tennis and basketball courts. There's also a group campground, Camp Sycamore, designed for youth groups to have their first camping experiences.
Yes, Mile Square Regional Park is highly accessible. Its main perimeter loop and many internal paths are paved and flat, making them suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and individuals with mobility challenges. Accessible parking is also available at various points throughout the park.
The park derives its name from its near-perfect square shape, measuring one mile on each side. This distinctive layout is a legacy of its past as a military airfield, the Mile Square Naval Outer Landing Field, during World War II. The land was later converted into a regional park, retaining its original mile-square dimensions.