Thunderbird Park in Dana Point

Thunderbird Park in Dana Point is tucked into a neighborhood down the hill from Dana Hills High School off Stonehill Drive.

I like this park for its cool ocean breeze, solitude, nice view towards Dana Point. Kids can adventure from the playground through an opening in the chain link fence, down to the lower ball fields.

Directions to Thunderbird Park in Dana Point: Take Camino Capistrano and turn on Stonehill like you are driving toward Creekside Park. Continue driving across Del Obispo up the hill and turn right on Ocean Hill Drive. There is a small parking lot on your right. [Address: 33422 Ocean Hill Drive, Dana Point.] MAP to Thunderbird Park in Dana Point

Recommended by: Connie and Danielle

Highlights:

• Two small play structures connected by monkey bars
• In a self-contained park (only one way in and out)
• Good for all ages so it’s easy to keep track of kids
• Small grassy area and tables for picnics
• 2 baby swings, 2 bench swings

Be Aware:

• NO restroom

Checklist:

• Parking in a dedicated lot or on the street
• Recycled rubber and sand play surface with bark under the swings, plus lots of grass to roam
• Nice shade, especially in the morning
• Easy to view all the kids

Parks nearby Thunderbird Park:

• Lantern Bay Park
• Dana Point Headlands Nature Interpretive Center
• Shipwreck Park
• Del Obispo Park
• Creekside Park

Originally published in March 2009.