Point me to the park: It’s smack in the middle of the O.C., near the intersection of the 5 and 405 freeways.
What it used to be: El Toro U.S. Marine Corps Air Station, from 1943 to 1999. And now? 160 acres of green glory have opened since 2007, with 1,187 more acres opening in stages in the years to come.
The park's greatest hits: The art gallery, North Lawn, community gardens, soccer fields, and visitor center.
Forgot your wallet? No biggie—it’s all free. Balloon and carousel rides, movies on the lawn, garden workshops, working farm, outdoor concerts, everything.
Years away: Wetland and forest preserves, cafes, and a military museum.
