Moulton Meadows Park High Up In Laguna Beach Has Everything

LAGUNA BEACH, CA—Moulton Meadows Park has top-notch amenities. It's set amidst well-established trees and dense foliage, so it feels like a true getaway. A giant playing field provides plenty of open space. And best of all, there are peek-a-boo ocean views, but the spectacular vistas are all to the east.

Getting there requires climbing a 20 percent grade in low gear. No trolley climbs to this ridge-top park.

To see all Moulton Meadows has to offer, circle its perimeter by following the half-mile fitness course. Stops at 7 stations for clusters of exercises are designed to improve your overall health and well-being—or keep strolling.

Each station offers encouraging statements, such as exercising leads to the release of endorphins that energize you throughout the day. Or, don't focus on weight-loss numbers, "Strive to feel better, to have more energy, to be less stressed."

The fitness route begins at the extensive playground, which caters to toddlers and bigger kids alike.

Along the path, breaks in the tall and sometimes gnarly old trees reveal wonderful views of Saddleback Mountain. This would be an excellent spot to watch a full moon rise.

A new dog park already sports a red fire hydrant and benches shaded with umbrellas scattered throughout. The dog zone passed its trial period, and a posted notice claims permanent improvements are slated for fall 2021. But it’s great already.

The vast soccer field offers goalie nets for a regulation-sized game but could also be used as a kite-flying meadow.

There are two metered tennis courts and a basketball hoop, both in tiptop shape.

The fitness path gets quite narrow as it descends through thick succulents, so we hope you don’t encounter any e-bikers along that route!

Also, look for the gorgeous Pride of Madeira plants that grow in abundance here. Their peak bloom is in April.

You can see folks trekking the ridge route from the far end of the soccer field, which leads to Top of the World.

But that journey will have to wait for a cooler day...maybe around Thanksgiving?