Starting from September 22, passengers arriving at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Irvine, Orange County, Southern California, can now experience the county’s abundant park resources and various activities through the new “Claim Your OC Parks Adventure” posters and model displays at the baggage claim area.
At baggage claim carousels in Terminals A, B, and C of John Wayne Airport, six three-dimensional display areas showcase the award-winning parks under OC Parks, including Regional Park, Wilderness Park, Historic Park, beaches, paleontological fossil collections, and the OC Zoo. By bringing outdoor scenery indoors, the displays aim to encourage visitors and residents in Orange County to explore the numerous parks spanning nearly 60,000 acres with a variety of facilities, activities, and programs.
Each poster and display area is equipped with QR codes, allowing visitors to link to park pages on the OC Parks website using their mobile phones. People can access interactive maps, detailed activity information, and related facilities, while also having access to small postcards on-site for reading and keepsakes.
Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Doug Chaffee, stated, “These displays highlight unique outdoor experiences waiting to be discovered in our park system, capturing the essence of our diverse park resources and encouraging visitors to embark on their adventure journey.”
“Whether tourists or local residents, everyone can feel the warm welcome of Orange County,” said Vice Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Katrina Foley. Foley added, “From hundreds of miles of trails to miles of pristine beaches and more, Orange County’s finest outdoor spaces are highlighted.”
In Terminal A, the themes of “Claim Your Play Day” and “Claim Your Local History” are showcased, with the local history tour featuring a replica model of the Old Orange County Courthouse.
Supervisor Vincente Sarmiento mentioned, “This promotional event showcases the rich historical background of Orange County, including numerous historical landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Orange County Old Courthouse, built in 1901, is the oldest courthouse building in Southern California.”
In Terminal B, the “Claim Your Outdoor Escape” display area features mountain bikes, hiking boots, native plants, and common elements of the Wilderness Park, while the “Claim Your Fossil Find” exhibit includes a simulated “digging pit,” with some fossils currently on display at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park in Buena Park.
According to OC Parks, Orange County’s collection of paleontological and archaeological artifacts includes over six million relics and fossils, with local fossils dating back to 180 million years ago in the Jurassic period. These exhibits feature large land animals such as dinosaurs, mastodons, mammoths, American lions, and horses, as well as marine life like whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions, along with a variety of invertebrates and plant specimens. Some of these are rare or unique species not found elsewhere in the world.
The collection includes items from the indigenous Acjachemen or Juaneño people, Tongva or Gabrieliño people, and Payómkawichum or Luiseño people.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen stated, “The baggage claim area is an excellent place to showcase our beautiful parks and provide the public with a rich experience, from the zoo to wilderness preserves, to California’s most captivating coastline landscapes. We welcome you to come and experience it firsthand!”
In Terminal C, the “Claim Your Coastal Getaway” thematic display showcases Orange County’s diverse coastal destinations, from Seal Beach in the north to Laguna Beach in the central region, and San Clemente Beach in the south, each offering unique experiences. Huntington Beach hosts windsurfing competitions and the Air Show (scheduled from October 2-4, 2026), while Newport Beach and Dana Point beaches allow boat tours for whale, dolphin, and shark-watching, as well as fishing activities.
Another exhibit in Terminal C is the “Claim Your Wild Side,” with Supervisor Donald P. Wagner noting, “The OC Zoo is a pride of our community. Here, visitors of all ages can explore the wonderful wildlife native to Southern California and learn about the efforts of the caretakers dedicated to these animals.”
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This news article discusses the recent initiative at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, where travelers can learn about the county’s extensive park resources and activities through interactive displays. The airport terminals now feature exhibits showcasing OC Parks, historical landmarks, fossils, and wildlife, aiming to promote outdoor exploration and enhance visitor experiences in Orange County.