Take a Hike - A Meeting Planner’s Guide To Group Coastal Hiking
While the California coast boasts it’s endless shoreline of five-star beaches, many people tend to overlook the hidden network of hiking trails nestled high above the water's edge. Navigating paths, exploring hidden coves and tide pools will bond your attending outside the confines of the boardroom, and create an impact that will last long after the event concludes. As meeting planners, consider stepping out into the California sunshine, breaking event norms, all while breaking a sweat on some of the best coastal trails in the area!
Known for its proximity to the famed ‘Pacific Coast Highway,’ many are familiar with Crystal Cove State Park due to its popular beach and RV campground. However, the true highlight of the park lies within its vast network of hiking trails that wind for miles through El Moro Canyon.
With breathtaking vistas from secluded vantage points, your team will gain a unique perspective of the area, just like the locals. On a clear day on the trails, you can see for miles and miles up and down the Pacific coast and even catch Catalina Island shimmering on the horizon. These moments of natural grandeur inspire reflection and conversation, making them ideal for team discussions or breakout sessions with a view.
For those planning a multi-day event, El Moro also offers camping opportunities. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, ready to tackle the day's adventures with a renewed sense of purpose and energy!
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Tucked into the rugged cliffs a few miles southeast from Crystal Cove, lies Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. With some of the last remaining coastal canyons in the area, visitors of the park will take a trip back in time and see the ecosystems that once made up Southern California thousands of years ago. Due to the local conservation programs, the park offers guided hikes which cover a wide-array of topics such as botany and bird-watching.
If a shorter excursion is what you’re looking for, do as the locals do and plan a sunset picnic on Laguna’s popular vista, known as “Top of the World.” Here you’ll enjoy a front-row seat as otherworldly colors take the sky and the lights begin to dot the coastal cities below.
For a more tranquil yet equally captivating hiking experience, Newport’s Back Bay loop beckons with its abundant wildlife and unique freshwater estuary preserve. Located right out the back door of several Newport Beach hotels and restaurants, this hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of corporate meetings.
Your group can follow a trail that winds along the water's edge, by foot, bike or even car! Consider incorporating a guided nature walk into your event itinerary, led by knowledgeable local experts. They can shed light on the ecological importance of this estuary, fostering a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of nature.
From the more active trails of Crystal Cove State park to the peaceful sunset strolls, the Orange County coast offers a perfect blend of adventure and natural wonder for corporate events and team-building activities. Whether your group seeks panoramic ocean views, wildlife encounters, or peaceful moments of reflection, these trails deliver experiences that go beyond the ordinary. As meeting planners, consider the endless possibilities these coastal gems offer for creating memorable and impactful events.
