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Home » Playgrounds by City » OC South » San Juan Capistrano

Descanso Park: Walk the Creek and Watch the Trains

Descanso Park in San Juan Capistrano sits at the dead end of Paseo Adelanto. It connects to the bike path leading down to Dana Point Harbor.

Location:Turn south off Del Obispo onto Paseo Adelanto near train tracks. Road dead ends into playground parking lot past the post office. MAP to Descanso Park in San Juan Capistrano

Highlights:

  • Play structures for all ages -- including ziplines, swings for all ages, big and small ladders, slides
  • Get to see trains at almost anytime of day go by; freeway nearby for easy access and vehicle sighting (dump trucks/trash trucks/delivery trucks, etc.)
  • Right off bike path to SJC downtown ½ mile away or Doheny State Beach 2 miles away
  • Good breeze up creek with decent shade during summer

Be Aware:

  • Close enough to creek to be a hazard for "runaway" kids
  • Preschool uses park for play around 11:00 M-Th

Checklist:

  • Bark/wood-chip play surface
  • Bathrooms
  • Picnic tables and grill
  • Minimal parking close-by (preschool attached to park - so drop-off and pick-up times make parking difficult)

Nearby parks:

  • Los Rios Park
  • Bonita Park
  • Mission Bell Park

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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