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Del Obispo Park in Dana Point: It’s Not the Playground, It’s the Location

by Michele Whiteaker

Del Obispo Park in Dana Point has a very small playground on the grounds of a bustling Dana Point Community Center.

Directions:  Exit Interstate 5 at the “Beach Cities” exit and head towards Dana Point Harbor. Turn right (inland) onto Del Obispo after you go under the pedestrian bridge.   The Rec Center is ahead on your right.  Quail Run is at the head of the Sycamore Creek Trail. (Address: 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point)  MAP TO DEL OBISPO PARK IN DANA POINT

Highlights:

  • The playground is almost an afterthought at the community center. It’s hidden behind the main building and useful for parents of young children who have older siblings playing on the sports fields or inside at the basketball courts.  However, it’s a nice touch to an otherwise sporty venue.
  • There are 2 outdoor tennis courts, 1 outdoor basketball court, and 2 outdoor handball courts hidden away from the playground past the ball fields.
  • The best part about this place is that it’s right on the San Juan Creek Bike Trail and it’s the trailhead for the more walker-friendly Sycamore Creek Trail.  After a quick play at the playground, you can  head north and stroll along the Trail all the way to the much more impressive (on a “playable” scale) Creekside Park.
  • Sycamore Creek Trail is a fitness course, as well as a nice walking path off the bike path
  • You can also walk or ride bikes on the path all the way to Doheny State Beach and the Dana Point Harbor

Be Aware:

  • Definitely not a destination playground, but very convenient if you have an older child playing sports. Or nice if you want to walk the trail.
  • Parking can be a challenge when there are sporting events or activities planned at the community center.

Checklist:

  • Parking in Dana Point Community Center Lot
  • Restrooms inside the building
  • Play surface: Bark
  • Picnic tables by the tennis courts, grassy area to picnic in between the outdoor basketball and handball courts, plus seating near community center snack bar and playground
  • Community Center is set with baseball diamonds, tennis courts, basketball courts, and outdoor handball
  • Official City of Dana Point specifics on Del Obispo 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:

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

UPDATED 2016

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize nature time since 2008. UNOFFICIAL information provided as a FREE community resource to over 300,000 OC families each year. Subscribe to my FREE email inspiring you with creative play ideas.

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michele profile photoWriter mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize nature time since 2008. UNOFFICIAL information provided as a FREE community resource to over 300,000 OC families each year. Click to subscribe to my FREE email inspiring you with creative play ideas.

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