TeWinkle Park
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TeWinkle Park

4.7
·1k reviews·Costa Mesa, United States

A 49-acre Costa Mesa park featuring a lake, waterfalls, playgrounds, a skate park, and abundant wildlife, offering free parking and amenities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, late afternoon

Enjoy community events and vibrant atmosphere.

CrowdMedium
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TeWinkle Park

TeWinkle Park

Best Time

Weekends, late afternoon

Enjoy community events and vibrant atmosphere.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 49-acre Costa Mesa park featuring a lake, waterfalls, playgrounds, a skate park, and abundant wildlife, offering free parking and amenities.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"Spacious, well maintained with a large playground and beautiful lakes, perfect for families and nature lovers."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring snacks & water! :water_wave:

Pack plenty of refreshments, especially if you plan a picnic. Some snack shacks may not be open.

Watch out for wildlife! :duck:

The park is home to many ducks, geese, and squirrels. Be mindful of them, especially during picnics.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Serene Lake & Waterfalls

Serene Lake & Waterfalls

Central Lake Area

Enjoy peaceful walks around the lake, admire beautiful waterfalls, and spot abundant wildlife like ducks and squirrels.

Instagram+1
Angels Playground

Angels Playground

Near TeWinkle Park

A fantastic playground with accessible features, restrooms, and shaded picnic areas, perfect for kids of all ages.

Instagram
Skate Park Expansion

Skate Park Expansion

Skate Park Area

Costa Mesa's skate scene is booming with a new pump track, clover-style bowl, and expanded street course.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Free Parking & Amenities

TeWinkle Park boasts 49 acres of free amenities, including ample free parking, which is a rare find for large parks. Enjoy waterfalls, a lake, and peaceful natural surroundings without breaking the bank. Instagram

Park Improvements Underway

The park is undergoing a lakes repair and rehabilitation project. While this means some areas might be temporarily inaccessible, it promises enhanced facilities. Invasive turtles are being relocated responsibly during this process. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekends, late afternoon
Why
Enjoy community events and vibrant atmosphere.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter strolls and wildlife spotting.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

TeWinkle Park | Costa Mesa, CA Did you know this 49-acre park is packed with free amenities? 🌿✨ And yes… FREE parking too (I don’t see that very often at these huge parks anymore!) Named after Charles TeWinkle, Costa Mesa’s first mayor following its incorporation in 1953. The park features . . . 🏞️ Beautiful waterfalls, a serene lake, and peaceful nature trails, perfect for hiking, walking, jo...
reags.reviews
10.8K likes • 522.3K views

Bring snacks & water! :water_wave:

Pack plenty of refreshments, especially if you plan a picnic. Some snack shacks may not be open. Instagram

Watch out for wildlife! :duck:

The park is home to many ducks, geese, and squirrels. Be mindful of them, especially during picnics. Reddit

Costa Mesa’s skate scene is leveling up — a new pump track is just the beginning. The city just approved a $2 million expansion of the TeWinkle Park Skate Park. Here’s what’s coming: 🛹 A concrete pump track (you asked for it — no asphalt) 🌀 A clover-style bowl for advanced skaters 🐍 A snake run that flows into an expanded street course 👶 A beginner-friendly area with rails and pads Public feedba...
jebsmith
5.2K likes • 90.9K views
The TeWinkle Park Lakes Repair and Rehabilitation Project is underway and we take you for a "behind the fence" peek at how the City of Costa Mesa is working closely with Biologists from Endemic Environmental Services to responsibly relocate dozens of invasive turtles that found their way to the lakes over the years before the next stage of improvements can begin. To learn more about the TeWinkle L...
cityofcostamesa
256 likes • 5.7K views

Kid-friendly playground :child:

Angels Playground offers inclusive swings and wheelchair-friendly areas, perfect for energetic little ones. Instagram

Free parking is a plus! :car:

Enjoy the park without worrying about parking fees, a great perk for a large public space. Instagram

Come dance with the @ocshufflers tomorrow 9/16 for our weekly shuffle meetup! ☀️🌊 We’ll be dancing at Angels Playground, near TeWinkle Park from 5:30pm - 🌅 Don’t forget to bring water, flow toys, and groovey vibes 💧🪩✨ See you there! 😎 • • • • • #shuffle #dance #ocshufflers #shuffleandshapes #shuffledance #shuffle #dancemusic #shuffler #dance #housemusic #edm #cuttingshapes #orangecounty
emmiortego
67 likes • 2.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring snacks & water! :water_wave:

Pack plenty of refreshments, especially if you plan a picnic. Some snack shacks may not be open. Instagram

Watch out for wildlife! :duck:

The park is home to many ducks, geese, and squirrels. Be mindful of them, especially during picnics. Reddit

Kid-friendly playground :child:

Angels Playground offers inclusive swings and wheelchair-friendly areas, perfect for energetic little ones. Instagram

Free parking is a plus! :car:

Enjoy the park without worrying about parking fees, a great perk for a large public space. Instagram

Check for events :calendar:

Community events like shuffle dance meetups and field days are often held here. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

TeWinkle Park is widely praised for its spaciousness, free parking, and abundant amenities, including a large, inclusive playground and beautiful lake. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the opportunity to observe abundant wildlife. However, some note that restroom facilities can be basic and occasionally unclean.

"Spacious, well maintained with a large playground with play equipment for toddlers to older children. Love that they have inclusive swings and wheelchair friendly areas. My kids also enjoy the lake and squirrels, ducks, geese and other birds. They have shelters to use to throw parties and decent bathrooms but they are still park bathrooms."

Jessica Sanchez

"Lots of shade, ample parking. Great spot to set up a picnic and enjoy the lakes and water features. Tons of Geese (and I mean tons), Ducks, Squirrels, and a few Turtles, so keep that in mind when you're choosing where to lay your picnic blanket. Lots of winding paths and bridges for lovely walks, rocks for climbing, large grassy areas, athletic fields, picnic areas, restrooms, and a playground."

Vanessa D

"It is a beautiful park, it has beautiful sighting, lakes, ponds, squirls, ducks, cute small bridges, hills and the playground is perfect for little kids. I have a 21 month old who is so energetic and daring. He isn't afraid of heights, and this playground was perfect for him. I didn't have to be all too cautious and worried. I was able to get on the playground with him. And so did many other parents. The only thing is the restrooms were very dirty and the diaper changer was broken."

Alexandra W.

What People Like

Spacious and well-maintained
Free parking and amenities
Large, inclusive playground

What People Dislike

Restroom cleanliness

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

TeWinkle Park is located in Costa Mesa, California. It's easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available on-site. Public transportation options may vary, so check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

Yes, TeWinkle Park offers plenty of free parking, which is a significant advantage for visitors. Instagram

You can explore TeWinkle Park by walking or biking along its paths. The park features biking/walking paths, ponds, fountains, and a stream, making it ideal for leisurely exploration. Instagram

Absolutely! TeWinkle Park is a great destination for a day trip, offering a variety of activities from playground fun to peaceful walks by the lake. Instagram

While not explicitly mentioned in the provided content, most public parks allow dogs on leashes. It's always best to check local park regulations for specific pet policies. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, TeWinkle Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Enjoy all its amenities for free. Instagram

Operating hours for TeWinkle Park are not specified in the provided content. It's recommended to check the official City of Costa Mesa Parks and Recreation website for the most current hours. Instagram

No, tickets are not required for general entry into TeWinkle Park as it is a public space. Instagram

General entry is open to the public. However, specific areas like sports fields might have reservation requirements for organized events. Instagram+1

This project involves improvements to the park's lakes. While work is underway, some areas may be temporarily closed, but it aims to enhance the park's facilities over approximately nine months. Instagram+1

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

TeWinkle Park offers a wide range of activities including playgrounds, walking/biking paths, picnicking, observing wildlife, and enjoying water features like lakes and waterfalls. There's also a skate park and sports fields. Instagram+2

Yes, Angels Playground at TeWinkle Park is a highlight, featuring accessible equipment, shaded areas, and restrooms, suitable for children of all ages. Instagram

Visitors can often spot ducks, geese, squirrels, and turtles around the park's lakes and natural areas. InstagramReddit

Yes, the park has picnic shelters and tables, making it a great spot for family gatherings and outdoor meals. InstagramReddit

Restrooms are available throughout the park. While generally functional, some reviews mention they can be basic park restrooms and occasionally require attention. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The park itself does not appear to have dedicated restaurants. However, picnic areas are available, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks. Instagram

Absolutely! TeWinkle Park is an excellent location for picnics, with numerous shelters and grassy areas perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors. InstagramReddit

Being in Costa Mesa, there are numerous dining options available in the surrounding areas. You can find various restaurants and cafes just a short drive from the park. Instagram

While some reviews mention a snack shack, it's noted that it may not always be open, especially when travel teams are playing. It's best to come prepared with your own snacks. Reddit

Alcohol policies can vary by park. It's advisable to check the City of Costa Mesa's park regulations regarding alcohol consumption to ensure compliance. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The park's lake, waterfalls, bridges, and abundant wildlife offer picturesque scenes. The playground and skate park also provide dynamic photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, with its diverse bird population, squirrels, and scenic water features, TeWinkle Park is a great spot for nature photography. InstagramReddit

Drone usage in public parks is often restricted. It's essential to check local ordinances and park rules regarding drone operation before flying. Instagram

The newly expanded skate park, featuring a pump track and bowl, offers exciting angles for action shots and urban photography. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, creating softer shadows and a more pleasant ambiance. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

TeWinkle Park is a fantastic choice for families. Angels Playground is a major draw, offering inclusive play equipment and shaded areas perfect for younger children. The park's lake and wildlife provide endless fascination for kids, with ducks, geese, and squirrels to observe. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic shelters for a relaxed family meal. InstagramReddit+1

For older kids and teens, the expanded skate park offers a thrilling outlet for energy. The open grassy areas are also great for casual games. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as amenities can be basic. Instagram

👟 Active Individuals & Athletes

TeWinkle Park caters to active individuals with its well-maintained sports fields, particularly noted for their quality baseball diamonds. The newly expanded skate park is a significant attraction, featuring a pump track and bowl for diverse skateboarding experiences. Instagram+1

Beyond organized sports, the park offers walking and biking paths that wind through scenic areas, ideal for a refreshing workout. Community fitness groups also utilize the park for outdoor training sessions, highlighting its suitability for various athletic endeavors. Instagram+1

📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers

Nature photographers will find TeWinkle Park a rewarding location. The serene lake, waterfalls, and charming bridges create beautiful backdrops. The park is teeming with wildlife, including ducks, geese, and squirrels, offering ample opportunities for wildlife shots. InstagramReddit

For those interested in urban or action photography, the modern skate park provides dynamic subjects and interesting architectural elements. The best light for photography is typically during the early morning or late afternoon, enhancing the park's natural beauty. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring TeWinkle Park's Natural Beauty

TeWinkle Park is a 49-acre green oasis in Costa Mesa, celebrated for its serene lake and picturesque waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along winding paths, crossing charming bridges while taking in the natural scenery. The park is a haven for local wildlife, with numerous ducks, geese, and squirrels frequently spotted, making it a delightful spot for nature observation and photography. Instagram+1

The park's commitment to maintaining its natural elements is evident, even during improvement projects. For instance, the ongoing Lakes Repair and Rehabilitation Project involves responsible relocation of invasive turtles, showcasing a dedication to ecological balance. This ensures that the park remains a beautiful and healthy environment for both its inhabitants and visitors. Instagram+1

Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape or a place to connect with nature, TeWinkle Park offers a tranquil setting. The combination of water features, greenery, and accessible paths makes it an ideal location for relaxation and enjoying the outdoors. Instagram

Family Fun at Angels Playground and Beyond

Angels Playground within TeWinkle Park is a standout feature for families. It's designed with inclusivity in mind, offering accessible swings and wheelchair-friendly areas, ensuring all children can join in the fun. The playground is well-equipped with various play structures suitable for toddlers to older kids, providing hours of entertainment. Instagram

Beyond the playground, the park offers ample space for children to run and play in grassy areas. Parents can set up picnics in shaded shelters, making it a convenient and enjoyable outing for the whole family. The presence of wildlife like ducks and squirrels also adds an element of discovery for younger visitors. InstagramReddit

For families seeking active fun, the park's skate park expansion, featuring a new pump track and bowl, offers exciting challenges for older kids and teens. The park's overall layout, with its walking paths and open spaces, encourages active play and exploration for all ages. Instagram

Active Pursuits: Skate Parks and Sports Fields

TeWinkle Park is a hub for active recreation, notably featuring a significantly expanded skate park. This upgrade includes a concrete pump track, a clover-style bowl for advanced skaters, and a snake run that flows into an enlarged street course. This makes it a prime destination for skateboarders of all skill levels looking for challenging and dynamic terrain. Instagram

In addition to the skate park, TeWinkle Park hosts various athletic fields. These fields are well-maintained and suitable for a range of sports. Reviews highlight the quality of the baseball fields, noting their professional dimensions and flawless transitions, making them ideal for organized games and tournaments. InstagramReddit

The park also serves as a venue for community fitness activities. Groups like Burn Boot Camp Costa Mesa utilize the park for outdoor field days, fostering community engagement through races, games, and friendly competition. This demonstrates the park's versatility as a space for both individual athletic pursuits and group recreational events. Instagram

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