OC Parks will place up to 13,500 cubic yards of sand at Capistrano Beach within the City of Dana Point. Public access to specific beach areas may be limited during construction.

What:

WORK FOR THIS PROJECT INCLUDES:
Transport and placement of beach quality sand sourced and shipped from the La Peyre Quarry native soil in San Juan Capistrano.

DETOURS AND SAFETY
Flaggers will direct pedestrians and cyclists to avoid the work area. Watch for additional traffic control measures.

Background:
Addition of sand serves to counter coastal erosion, protect coastal resources and enhance recreation areas. 

The California Coastal Commission (CCC) has approved placement of sand as an interim measure prior to construction of the Capistrano-Doheny Beach Nature-Based Shoreline Adaptation project.

When:

Anticipated Construction Duration:
May 11 – June 16, 2026

Working Days/Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Working hours and schedule will vary due to tides, inclement weather, ocean conditions and other factors.

Where:

Capistrano Beach Park
35005 Beach Road, Dana Point, CA 92624

Contact Information:

(714) 973-6865

ocparks.com

ocparks@ocparks.com

After the sun has set, the night sky fills with small but mighty flying bats. Enjoy an evening discovering how important bats are to our ecosystems and how they help us stay bug-bite free! 

The program begins in the Interpretive Center classroom with an introduction about bats. We will then take a walk less than one mile around the park, stopping occasionally to watch the sky. As the light fades, we will search for these nighttime flyers racing around catching their dinner. Bat detectors will help to identify and hear their high frequency calls. 

Layers and sturdy footwear are recommended. Camping chairs and blankets are optional.

Registration is required for all participants. Participants 17 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

Learn more and register for Dusk Discovery: Bats in Clark Regional Park.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.

Bring your furry friend and join OC Parks staff and volunteers for a dog walk at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. 

Come enjoy an easy, 3-mile hike over uneven and unpaved terrain with approximately 175 feet of elevation gain. We'll stop along the way to learn about the bay, and discuss ways to keep you, your dog and wildlife safe when out on the trails. 

Please wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection as needed, and bring water for you and your four-legged friend. 

To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all, participants must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Two-dog maximum – Each participant may bring a maximum of two dogs.  
• Behavioral Expectations – Well-socialized dogs that are up-to-date on their vaccines are welcome.
• Leash Requirement – To ensure the safety of other participants and wildlife, dogs must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times within the nature preserve.
• Owner Responsibility – Owners are fully responsible for their dog’s behavior and will be asked to closely watch their canine companions.

The program and parking are free.

Space is limited and advance registration is recommended. Learn more and register for Paws on the Trail.

Adverse weather will cancel the program.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Boulter at emma.boulter@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

*This program takes place at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources. 

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program and parking are free. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register for Jr. Ranger Adventure: Upper Newport Bay.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Boulter at emma.boulter@ocparks.com or call (949) 923-2277.

Learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

Bring your little ones and learn more about opossums with OC Parks. This fun and engaging program includes story time, an age-appropriate hike and themed craft.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2 to 5), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. The trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

The program and parking are free.

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register for Critter Investigation: Outstanding Opossums. 

Inclement weather will move the program indoors. 

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Boulter at emma.boulter@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in enhancing the bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, removing trash and Butterfly Garden maintenance.

No experience necessary. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks and a refillable water bottle. Water and tools will be provided.

Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program and parking are free. 

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register for Upper Newport Bay Habitat Stewards. 

Inclement weather will cancel the program. 

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Boulter at emma.boulter@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Join OC Parks for an interpretive bike ride around Upper Newport Bay! Participants will have the opportunity to raise their heart rate and pedal around the Bay while spotting all different kinds of birds. 

Home to more than 200 year-round species of birds, Upper Newport Bay is considered to be a birding hotspot. Over the course of the ride, you will learn how to identify different types of birds based on their size, shape, and habitat. We'll also work together as a group to identify the birds that we see! Binoculars will be provided for those that need them.

This moderately-paced ride will cover a 10-mile section of the Back Bay Loop Trail over the course of 2.5 hours with approximately 155 feet of elevation gain. We will stay on the paved portion of the trail and make birding stops along the way.

This program will begin and end at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. The program and parking are free. 

Participants must provide their own bike and helmet. Minors must have a guardian present at all times. 

Adverse weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register for Birding by Bike.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Boulter at emma.boulter@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers for our monthly program where art meets ecology! Come explore the natural world through the lens of creativity by painting your own ceramic coaster.

The program will feature a brief nature walk focused on native and invasive plants. We’ll then paint our own ceramic coasters out on the Interpretive Center patio.

All program materials will be provided. Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. The program is designed for ages 14 and older.

The program and parking are free.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register for Artistic Ecology: Ceramic Coaster Painting.

Inclement weather will move the program fully indoors.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Boulter at emma.boulter@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

*Please note advance registration is REQUIRED for Wild Tales.*

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered every Friday from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, please note that the trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it fully indoors.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register for Wild Tales. Registration opens one week prior to the program date.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Boulter at emma.boulter@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

*Please note advance registration is REQUIRED for Wild Tales.*

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered every Friday from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, please note that the trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it fully indoors.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register for Wild Tales. Registration opens one week prior to the program date.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Boulter at emma.boulter@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.