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Lantern Bay Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 134 Google reviews · Running trail in Dana Point, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lantern Bay Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Picturesque space featuring picnic tables and BBQ grills, offering harbor views and Pacific Ocean vistas.
What runners say about Lantern Bay Park
“Views are beautiful, bathrooms clean, grass nice- playground small for my 8, 9, 11 year olds, but littles would probably stay busy longer.”
“If you’re hanging out at the beach, definetly head up and check out this park, there’s a nice little trail with great views of the harbor.”
One of my top 3 spots in Dana point. Def one of my go tos when I need to Revv down and soak in Gods beautiful creation. Helps me to appreciate the simplicity of life and all I have to be thankful for. The views are breath taking and the cool breeze does wonders for my soul.
This was a great little spot! If you’re hanging out at the beach, definetly head up and check out this park, there’s a nice little trail with great views of the harbor.
Stunning coastal views, park benches, vast lawn, groves of trees. Dog-friendly, with bocce court, kids playground, picnic tables, bbq and bathrooms. Limited parking adjacent to park with more available in the lot towards the bottom of the hill which is great for those who can walk it.
Great place to relax or get some cardio in. Hike the trails or do Yoga. There's a picnic area with tables and plenty of shade. Take in the scenery because you're looking over and out towards the Pacific coast.
Trail conditions & character
“A great place for a pic-nic, relax in the grassy areas under the shade of numerous trees or to practice yoga overlooking the Dana Point Harbor and blue Pacific Ocean.”
“Limited parking adjacent to park with more available in the lot towards the bottom of the hill which is great for those who can walk it.”
“Views are beautiful, bathrooms clean, grass nice- playground small for my 8, 9, 11 year olds, but littles would probably stay busy longer.”
Plan your run at Lantern Bay Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitedanapoint.org
- Phone+1 949-248-3530
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Dana Point
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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