Pines Park in Dana Point/Capo Beach, sitting on the bluff directly above Capistrano Beach Park, is the perfect play place for those weekends when it’s hot inland. We originally posted this park in September 2008, but revisited this weekend to take photos for the new slideshow (August 2009). I ended up revising the whole listing.
Location: From Pacific Coast Highway take Palisades Drive across from Capo Beach up the hill and turn right on Camino Capistrano. From the 5 Freeway take the Camino de Estrella exit and drive toward the ocean. Turn right onto Camino Capistrano. (Address: 34941 Camino Capistrano) MAP to Pines Park in Capo Beach
Recommended by: Danielle
Highlights:
- Ocean view from the path into the pines – plus the sound of the waves crashing below echoes throughout the park
- Beautiful pine trees and surrounding foliage – a great setting for some imaginative play. There’s a little shade tree on the grass right off the bigger play structure.
- Fun tunnel slide, climbing wall, and grassy hills to roll down
- We walked the path leading away from the playground where you get a peek-a-boo view of the ocean. It leads up to great sunset viewing benches. The water was incredibly blue and I could see Dana Point Harbor and headlands.
Be Aware:
- NO bathrooms
- No swings
Checklist:
- Parking on street (only an issue when they are doing road work)
- Mostly recycled rubber play surface with little sandbox area near the smaller structure
- NO restrooms, but drinking fountains at top of steps
- Shade around the park, not always on the park
- Four picnic tables with bench seating and grills
- Accessible – the ramp is steep though on the way back up
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Please note that this park is GREAT for kids AND parents! Especially around 3-4pm, the playgyms become fully shaded from the sun, which means parents can relax from knowing their kids are not getting sunburned. ALSO it looks directly over the ocean! BEAUTIFUL view. We ran into this one by accident, definitely will be going back. You can take a leisurely stroll up the (steep) sidewalk at the opposite end of the park too, or when you’re ready for the beach, drive north a bit (a few blocks) and make a hairpin to the left, not sure what the road is called but it offers a scenic, fantastic view as you descent towards the beach. Restrooms there, clean, lots of parking on the weekend, wonderful place altogether. I really should keep it a secret! But had to tell somebody.
Just went to Flo Jo Park in Mission Viejo on Alicia and Olympic. I totally thought of you while we were there!!
It was great for little kiddos.
We really like this park and it is often a spot where my north county and San Diego friends like to meet as a half way point. Two small concerns for little ones- the stairs are kinda a major pain in the butt if you have new walkers (I remember trying to keep 4 sets of twins off of them was a challenge) and 2. There is a ladder in the middle of one of the play structures that can be dangerous for little ones. My daughter fell off twice in one visit (you would think she would learn) but luckily she was fine and the floor was kinda padded.