Fun Orange County Parks

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Park Map
    • Accessible Playgrounds
    • South OC Playgrounds
    • Central OC Playgrounds
    • North OC Playgrounds
    • 10 Best Playgrounds
  • Places to Go Outdoors
    • Nature Hikes
    • Beaches
    • Nature Centers
    • Farms and Gardens
    • Aquariums
    • Museums and Zoos
    • Rainy Day Play Ideas
  • About
  • Contact
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Park Map
    • Accessible Playgrounds
    • South OC Playgrounds
    • Central OC Playgrounds
    • North OC Playgrounds
    • 10 Best Playgrounds
  • Places to Go Outdoors
    • Nature Hikes
    • Beaches
    • Nature Centers
    • Farms and Gardens
    • Aquariums
    • Museums and Zoos
    • Rainy Day Play Ideas
  • About
  • Contact
×
Home » Playgrounds by City » OC South

Shipwreck Park in Dana Point

Shipwreck Park in Dana Point used to paint a ghostly scene with its tattered sails flapping in the wind and crow's nest glowing at sunset -- but, alas, the tattered sails are gone now.

The sandbox, bordered by authentic ship's railings, used to be this little park's main attraction. But parents will be happy to note that the wood chips are gone and it's an entirely recycled rubber surface for play without sand, too.

I have literally been waiting months to get sunny skies photos of this park and finally gave up! It's near the beach and chances are that if you go early in the day it might be foggy or marine layer. It's just up the hill from Dana Point Harbor.

Directions to Shipwreck Park in Dana Point: On Golden Lantern near Dana Point Harbor. Take the Beach Cities exit from Interstate 5 and head up the hill from Dana Point Harbor on Pacific Coast Highway. Turn right on Golden Lantern and the park is ahead on the right past La Cresta. Again, this one is not named on the Google Maps and there is no official address other than: "Corner of Golden Lantern and La Cresta" - so use my MAP TO SHIPWRECK PARK IN DANA POINT

Highlights:

  • Close to the beach always gets high ratings from me! It was close to 100 degrees at our house and I felt like I needed a jacket with the cool breezes at this park.
  • The double slides are probably the most fun part of the playground now and also the pirate themed pretend play that can happen here
  • It is really easy to see the kids now from almost any angle
  • I loved the big black anchor at the park entrance!
  • Gates are installed on the Golden Lantern side entrances/exits - so you only have to watch the stairs and opening along La Cresta as a street exit.
  • You can sit along the concrete wall to supervise the children playing.
  • Two bench swings, one baby swing.
  • Seating for parents consists of a concrete picnic table with seating for about 4 near the swings -- and another one near the main park entrance at the corner of La Cresta and Golden Lantern. Or you can perch along the concrete wall or find a spot on the two metal benches near the bow of the pirate ship.

Be Aware:

  • Park closes at sunset.
  • Please be aware of the neighbors surrounding the playground and keep sounds at a reasonable level as a common courtesy.
  • NO restrooms.
  • This playground used to have different levels, but it's all flat now. Makes for less tripping hazards, but also less natural places to climb. (See photo archive of the old playground at the end of the post!)
  • They've put starfish stoppers on the concrete to stop skateboarders.
  • Close to two busy streets. You get the feeling you're protected because of the two gates and the line of palm trees, but if your kids are sneaky & small they can climb through the planter and onto the sidewalk. Also, watch the main entrance with the stairs as that's the only spot with no gate.

Here is what the gates look like:

  • I am assuming this gate and ramp accommodates wheel chairs? And the whole play surface is flat, so it could be a fun place to bring grandparents or friends? Unfortunately, the play structure itself is not accessible.

Checklist:

  • Limited free parking on the street - watch for traffic as you exit on the driver's side because cars race past here!
  • Recycled rubber play surface
  • Two concrete picnic tables and a couple of benches
  • Official City of Dana Point specifics on Shipwreck Park
  • City of Dana Point General Park Information/Reservations
  • Visiting the area? Read about 17 Kid Friendly Things to Do Near Dana Point Harbor
  • Do you love pirate parks? Read my post about 15+ Pirate Ship Parks in OC

Parks Nearby Shipwreck Park in Dana Point:

  • Dana Point Bluff Top Trail
  • Creekside Park
  • Thunderbird Park
  • Doheny State Beach and Dana Point Harbor

Photo archive of OLD playground (pre-2022)

Originally published in September 2010.

More OC South

  • Dana Crest Park in Dana Point
  • Thunderbird Park in Dana Point
  • Sea Canyon Park in Dana Point
  • Dinosaur Park in Laguna Hills: Dive Into Undersea Fossils

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. When I used to search online for family-friendly activities, nothing quite fit my playful outdoor interests or tight budget.

More about me

Popular

  • 2025 Wildflowers and Best Kid-Friendly Spots to See Them in Orange County
  • San Clemente Aquatics Center and Vista Hermosa Sports Park
  • 10 Best Orange County Playgrounds (by Feature)
  • Trestles: Beach Walking for Families in a Surfer's Paradise

Seasonal

  • Newport Elementary Shared Beach Playground
  • 6 Free Trolleys in Orange County and How to Ride Them
  • 36 Favorite Picnic Spots in OC
  • colorful stackable blocks on dirt surface at Irvine Adventure Playground with blue sky and thin white clouds on a sunny day
    Irvine Adventure Playground at University Park

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About + Start Here

Newsletter

  • Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter!

Contact

  • Contact

Copyright © 2008-2025 Play Parks Creative LLC | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Disclosure