California's Former Marine Corps Base Is Now A Vast Recreation Park That's Still Growing

Between 1860 and 1942, the world's most productive lima bean farm was situated on a plot of land at the base of the Saddleback Mountains, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Owned by wealthy San Francisco merchant James Irvine, this farm spread over 20,000 acres just outside the town of Irvine. In 1942, the Marine Corps purchased 4,000 acres from his son to create a training base, bombing range, and blimp airfield.

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro, as it was known, was decommissioned in 1999, but like many other former Army bases in California, this wasn't the end of its story. What was once a thriving bean farm, and then a base for airships, is now Orange County Great Park, a family-friendly outdoor recreation destination that boasts sports facilities and a waterpark and plays host to concerts, art exhibitions, and markets.

Orange County Great Park sits on the eastern edge of Irvine in Southern California, around 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles. This makes it a breezy getaway for families looking to get out of the downtown area and a local respite for residents all the same. What's best is that the park is still in its expansion phase. At 500 acres, the city is set to add another 300 acres in an upcoming development phase and will eventually top out at 1,300 acres. Here's what you can expect during a visit.

Orange County Great Park is a sprawling outdoor recreation area, and one that is exceptionally well set up for a family day out. The highlight of the park is a nod to its past: a giant hot air balloon that takes visitors 400 feet up in the air and offers amazing 360-degree views across the landscape, from the imposing Saddleback Mountains to the beautiful beachside Crystal Cove State Park. For families who prefer something a little closer to the ground, the classic carousel is a delight, and Great Park Ice, its skating rink, is open year-round to enjoy in a massive 280,000-square-foot facility.

Visitors might also want to check out Wild Rivers Waterpark, which moved to the Great Park in 2022. This fantastic attraction is bigger and better than ever in its new home, with dozens of exhilarating water rides and attractions for people of all ages to enjoy.

Orange County Great Park also boasts world-class sporting facilities and is home to Orange County's only professional soccer team. With 12 baseball and softball fields, 13 soccer fields, 5 sand volleyball courts, 25 tennis courts, 8 basketball courts, and even a children's play area, it's a great place for sports lovers to visit.

Orange County Great Park is also a wonderful cultural venue, with a wide variety of historical and artistic attractions. Its previous role as a Marine Corps base is still evident in Hangar 244 and in the Palm Court Arts Complex. Hangar 244 is a renovated aircraft hangar, which is now used as an arts venue, but still houses a few historic planes. The Palm Court Arts Complex comprises several repurposed World War II–era buildings and features an outdoor performance plaza, an artist-in-residence program, and a permanent public art installation.

The park is also a fantastic destination for music lovers, with Great Park Live, a venue featuring a stunning open-air amphitheater that hosts world-class concerts. The first iteration of the Daisy Chains Music Festival took place in summer 2026, and next year promises to bring a full program of events and experiences. The Great Park also hosts a number of markets, including the Certified Farmers Market, a showcase of Irvine's passion for local produce and artisanal goods, and a night market as part of the Irvine Nights series.

The Los Angeles area has plenty of airports to choose from if you're coming into town from out of state, and the nearest to Orange County Great Park is John Wayne International Airport (SNA), which is just 10 miles west. Long Beach Airport (LGB) is around 30 miles away, and the international travel hub of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about a two-hour drive away.