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Home » Playgrounds by City » OC South » San Clemente

Bonito Canyon Park in San Clemente

Bonito Canyon Park in San Clemente is just blocks from the ocean. This makes the third Orange County park we've visited with bonito/bonita in the name.

Play equipment here is for a bit older kids who like to climb and it is a bit cooler for its location near the ocean.

Directions to Bonito Canyon Park in San Clemente: Exit Interstate 5 at Avenida Pico heading towards El Camino Real (the main beachside street through San Clemente). Turn left onto El Camino Real and then left onto Calle Valle. The parking lot will be on your right. Park Address: 1304 Calle Valle, San Clemente. MAP to Bonito Canyon Park in San Clemente

Recommended by: Danielle

Highlights:

  • Sunken playground near restroom building and Boys & Girls Club.
  • It's cooler weather on hot days inland.
  • It's near North Beach, the train station, and Ole Hanson Pool.
  • Easy to watch the kids
  • Very simple, straightforward design

Be Aware:

  • NO swings
  • Designed for older kids who are good climbers
  • Located outside the 25,000 sq. ft. Boys and Girls Club of the South Coast Area - so you'll have older kids visiting (open all day during the summer, after 2pm during the school year)
  • Basketball and tennis courts maintenance scheduled every Thursday from 10am-Noon

Checklist:

  • Dedicated parking lot off Calle Valle
  • Bark / wood chips play surface
  • Restrooms and water bottle refill station
  • Not much shade on the playground, but cooler temps near the beach
  • Tennis courts, baseball field, half court basketball
  • Official City of San Clemente page for Bonito Canyon Park
  • Nearest public library branch: San Clemente Public Library (we love the Friends of the Library bookstore here!)

Parks nearby Bonito Canyon Park in San Clemente

  • Pico Park
  • Linda Lane Park
  • San Clemente Beach Trail

Originally posted in July 2009.

More OC South

  • Lake Forest Sports Park Playgrounds and Recreation Center
  • Crown Valley Park in Laguna Niguel: Seeing the Forest for the Splash Pad
  • Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano
  • Dana Point Tide Pools

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

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