Dana Crest Park in Dana Point is in a quiet neighborhood with plenty of areas to wander. My sister easily brought four kids under the age of 5 to this park and had no trouble watching them all. It has been through two renovations since that first visit.
It used to have more play equipment for younger kids, but as a lot of playgrounds in the area it has become more of a 5-12 year old playground with some relics for the younger kids.
Directions to Dana Crest Park: From Golden Lantern, turn on Josiah. The park is on your left past the stop sign. [Address: 24461 Josiah Drive, Dana Point.] MAP to Dana Crest Park in Dana Point
Highlights:
- Lush green grass surrounding this park for all levels
- Very quiet neighborhood park
- One large play structure for older children and swings + clubhouses for smaller children
- Huge beige slide and lots of climbing opportunities for older kids
- There is another slide reachable by stairs and climbing through a short tunnel
- Used to be wood chips with high curbs surrounding the play areas, now completely flat with recycled rubber
- 2 bench swings and 2 baby swings near the clubhouses
- Great sidewalk for young bike riders (although signs say no bike riding)
- Full basketball court which is fun for older kids while their younger siblings play at the nearby playground
- Also a big "spiderweb" orb for playing in between the big kid and little kid equipment
Be Aware:
- NO restrooms
- Doesn't get the same sea breeze as nearby Sea Canyon Park
- Rated for 5-12 year olds with a big gap to navigate to get to the slides - great for older kids, challenging for younger kids.
- The wide slides are fast!
Checklist:
- NO restrooms
- Plentiful street parking
- Recycled rubber play surface
- Large shade tree near equipment for older children
- Nice picnic tables scattered around the park, with massive grills (bring charcoal)
- Water bottle refill station and concrete benches right near the playground
- Full basketball court
- Official City of Dana Point specifics for Dana Crest Park
- City of Dana Point General Park Information/Reservations
- Nearest Public Library: Dana Point Branch (closed for renovations) of Orange County Public Libraries
- See my post about 35+ Parks with No Sand in Orange County
Nearby Parks:
- Sea Canyon Park (with restrooms)
- Thunderbird Park (no restrooms)
- Creekside Park (with restrooms)
- Del Obispo Park (restrooms at the community center)
Originally published in March 2009.
Photo Archive of Dana Crest Park (before 2024 renovation)
