Ralph B. Clark Regional Park sprawls across 104 acres at the foot of the Coyote Hills in Buena Park, offering plenty of room to roam with your dog. The landscape shifts between wide open grassy meadows, rolling hills covered in native plants, and impressive sandstone cliffs along the northern edge. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a couple hours and feel like you’ve actually gotten away, even though you’re still in Orange County.

The park welcomes dogs on leash throughout the grounds, so you have options depending on what your dog enjoys. The trail system gives you a chance to explore the different sections—you might start on the flatter areas near the main parking area and work toward the hillier terrain if your dog’s up for it. The native vegetation means you’ll see some actual desert-style plants rather than just mowed grass, which makes for more interesting walks than typical municipal parks.

Beyond dog walking, there’s plenty happening if you want to make it a longer outing. The park has picnic areas scattered throughout, so you could bring a lunch and settle in for a while. There’s also a softball complex if you’re visiting with other people who want to play. The grassy areas are spacious enough that you won’t feel crowded even on weekends, though it does get busier during typical park hours.

The sandstone cliffs to the north are worth checking out if you like scenery and your dog enjoys a bit of geological interest. Bring water for both of you—there’s shade in some spots, but the open meadows can get hot in summer, and you’ll want to keep your dog hydrated. The park has restrooms near the main entrance area, which is helpful if you’re spending several hours there.