The County of Orange Paleontology and Archaeology (COPA) collection contains more than six million artifacts and fossils collected since the 1970s from within the County and throughout our parks. As stewards of the collection, OC Parks is dedicated to preserving these artifacts and fossils in perpetuity for the benefit of...

Paleontology The paleontology collection includes local Orange County fossils dating as far back as the Jurassic period 180 million years ago, including notable type specimens. Orange County has particularly excellent records of Eocene terrestrial mammals, late Oligocene-early Miocene terrestrial mammals, and Miocene-Pliocene marine mammals. The collection contains ancient mammals including...

The first recorded archaeological excavation in Orange County was conducted by the American Museum of Natural History in 1912 around Newport Bay. After a hiatus because of World War II, efforts picked up in 1961 when local citizens formed an advocacy group, the Pacific Coast Archaeological Society, with the goal...

Interns and volunteers are an important part of the scientific discovery, education, and outreach activities of the County of Orange Paleontology and Archaeology (COPA) collection. Please click here for more information on how to sign up and become an OC Parks volunteer. For more information on OC Parks' internship program...

Beach Access Drinking Fountain Hand Canoe/Kayak lunching Picnic Area Guest Dock Restrooms Showers Swimming Tables Volleyball Courts

Please review the Photography Rules below prior to submitting an application. For more information on how to apply, please contact OC Parks Permits at 866-627-2757 or permits@ocparks.com . Business Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Portrait Photography Rules The use of fireworks, pyrotechnics or special effect devices...

Camping park rules. Consumption of intoxicants prohibited. MINORS SHOULD BE UNDER DIRECT ADULT SUPERVISION AT ALL TIMES. Trails close at sunset. Possession or use of firearms or weapons is prohibited. The park depends on visitors to protect all wildlife, vegetation, features, and improvements. No pets. (horses exempt) No Hunting allowed...

The Orange County Historical Commission was established by the Board of Supervisors in 1973 in response to requests by interested County residents. The Commission is a citizen advisory group with fifteen members who advise the Board of Supervisors on items related to historic places, archeological and paleontological sites, archives/historic records...

Interactive Map of Orange County Historic Sites Historical Organizations in Orange County OCHC Plaque Program Locations OCHC Plaque Program Application

Newport Harbor was created naturally. In 1825, heavy flooding changed the course of the Santa Ana River. It began emptying into the sea in the area now known as West Newport. Sand carried downcoast by the prevailing currents and by the river during the rainy season, began to build up...