Moon Park

Lunar Landmark

Set in Costa Mesa, Moon Park is a quirky tribute to one of humanity's greatest achievements - the moon landing of July 20, 1969. The star of the show? A 30-foot concrete dome designed to mimic the lunar surface, complete with craters of all sizes.

This massive gray structure invites you to experience a tiny touch of lunar exploration right here on Earth. There's something oddly satisfying about sitting in those concrete craters or scaling the abstract structure, though fair warning - some spots show the weathering of time and countless visitors before you.

Park Layout

At 1.7 acres, this neighborhood favorite might not be massive, but it packs a lot into its modest footprint. Located in a residential pocket with easy access from the Santa Ana River Bike Trail, it's become something of a beloved pit stop for cyclists needing a breather or a quick water bottle refill from the drinking fountain.

The setting has a nice balance - accessible yet somewhat secluded. Large shade trees create natural canopies over well-maintained grassy areas ideal for picnic blankets or impromptu frisbee games.

Amenities

Kids gravitate toward the two separate playground areas with their charmingly vintage equipment. The tire swing and fireman's pole have that classic playground appeal, but parents of toddlers might find the structures better suited for slightly older children.

Scattered around the park, several picnic tables offer perfect gathering spots for everything from family lunches to casual meet-ups. Many tables enjoy prime real estate under shady trees with gentle breezes - ideal for cooling off after a long ride on the bike trail.

Just a heads-up: there are no public restrooms here. The park primarily serves locals and cyclists passing through, with limited street parking if you're arriving by car.

Wildlife and Surroundings

Thanks to its connection to the Santa Ana River Trail, the park offers glimpses of local wildlife. Coyotes occasionally make appearances in the area, so keep a watchful eye if you're visiting with small children or pets.

From here, you can easily access the lower Santa Ana River hiking trail, making Moon Park a great jumping-off point for longer adventures. If you're bringing your four-legged friend, remember they need to stay leashed within the park boundaries - though the Suburbia Dog Park just a short walk south offers them some off-leash freedom if they're craving it.