Creekside Park in Dana Point sits right off of Stonehill Drive near Interstate 5. Many call it Stonehill Park. It’s super easy for freeway access and very near Dana Point Harbor. I used to describe this park as the one with the climbing wall, but since its update in 2016 it’s more of a climbing and spinning park with multiple opportunities to do both! This is still one of those parks which feels like it has different rooms for the kids to wander.
Location of Creekside Park in Dana Point: On Stonehill between Camino Capistrano and Del Obispo along the San Juan Creek Trail. Address: 25743 Stonehill Drive, Dana Point. MAP to Creekside Park in Dana Point (Park not visible on map – see approximate location on north side of Stonehill).
Highlights:
- Big windy tunnel slide and open spaces
- Climbing wall, spiderweb, and thick tightrope close to the ground with rocks at either end are a big draw
- Lots of different kinds of spinners
- Lots of space for horizontal climbing and stepping stone balancing
- A separate, smaller play area for toddlers with a teeter-totter, train slide, and play panel
- Also a transitional play equipment (between toddlers and school age) with a small slide and also what looks like a carousel, but is actually a large spring toy that bobs instead of spins
- Close to the beach and freeway – so nice breezes and easy access
- 2 baby swings in toddler area, 2 bench swings (but only one present at the moment)
- Parents will like the many places to sit and watch the kids – I especially like that the benches are interspersed with big boulders making it have a more natural feel
- Half basketball court
- Shade covers over picnic tables near toddler area and baby swings, plus smaller shade covers over bigger play structures
- Great park to bike or walk to if you live in the area since the bike trail is accessible from here (or park her to bike or walk to Dana Point Harbor, Doheny Beach, or even Del Obispo Park). Don’t attempt to cross the street here – the bike trail makes it very easy to pass underneath busy Stonehill to catch up with the path across the street.
Be Aware:
- I’ve experienced a small bee swarm and a few annoying gnats from the creek
- Fairly isolated and accessible to outsiders from the bike trail (if you come here alone)
- Some find it difficult with 2 or more small children – because 2 separate play areas can make close supervision difficult
Checklist:
- Play surface is mostly bark
- Small dedicated parking lot with extra parking along Stonehill
- Not a lot of shade on play structures, but shade trees for parents on edge of playground
- Restrooms very close to the play area
- Small grassy area for picnicking
- Enclosed dog park nearby
- Weekend birthday party locale
- Official City of Dana Point info on Creekside Park
- City of Dana Point General Park Information/Reservations
- Official City of Dana Point Recreation Guide
- Nearest public library branch: Dana Point Public Library
Nearby parks:
Originally published September 2009.
Hannah says
My child left her scooter and helmet here. I know there is little chance of actually getting it back, however, is there a number I can call to see if anyone picked it up and perhaps turned it into a lost and found?
Danielle says
BEWARE of 6 y.o.’s getting locked in public restrooms! This was a new one to me, but an innocent enough situation where a perfectly capable 6 y.o. locked the single use restroom lock for privacy and then could NOT unlock it by himself….While the parent stood outside to reassure the child help was on the way, the child eventually unlocked the door after 5+ scary minutes. I think I’ll be standing by the restroom for privacy purposes vs. encouraging my youngster to lock the door after witnessing this story with a luckily happy ending….
Just Spotted says
Can't Wait to check it out! As always, a great review!
xoxo, K
Aracely-Daytrippingmom says
I was actually at this park a couple of weeks ago with the kids! Great review. Glad to see your page on FB! 🙂