3 Best Public Parks in Santa Ana, CA

Expert-recommended Top 3 Public Parks in Santa Ana, California. All of our parks actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

7+ YEARS IN TBR
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CENTENNIAL PARK

3000 West Edinger Avenue,
Santa Ana, CA 92704 Directions

Since 1987

Specialty:

Playing Equipment Stone Benches Fishing Playgrounds Bike Riding Waterfalls Walking Trails Green Space Gardens Fountains Event Conducting Slides Restrooms Dog Parking Ponds Picnic Memorial Statue Shelters and Monuments Baseball Diamond Multi-purpose Athletic Fields Football Field Soccer Facilities Skate Park Playground for Children Picnic Shelters

"Centennial Park is an excellent recreational area with over 70 acres of parkland. The park has 466 parking spaces, a lake, soccer fields, room for football, and picnic areas. Centennial Park has a large, well-equipped play area, and separate toddler play is available. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and playing sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball. In the park, people go for lovely walks, jog, exercise, and engage in fun outdoor activities in their free time. The park has sports areas with fantastic scenery. The park has accessible parking spaces and a paved, accessible trail around the lake.

2026 Update: Centennial Park also stands out for its skate park facilities, giving skateboarders a designated area separate from pedestrian and family recreation spaces. The park’s broad walking and exercise trails further support jogging, fitness routines, and casual outdoor activity. The park includes lake restoration work, upgraded walking trails, renovated picnic spaces, improved lighting systems, and the development of Santa Ana’s first dedicated dog park. The future dog park will include separate play zones for different dog sizes, agility features, shaded seating, and dog wash facilities."

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Contact:

(714) 571-4254

Mon-Sun: 5am - 11pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

11+ YEARS IN TBR
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CARL THORNTON PARK

1801 West Segerstrom Avenue,
Santa Ana, CA 92704 Directions

Since 1985

Specialty:

Gardens Stone Benches Waterfalls Ponds Tables Open and Green Spaces Bike Riding Fountains Playgrounds Shelters Sports and Event Conducting Areas Playing Equipment Slides Walking Trails Dog Parking Swings Basketball Courts Multi-purpose Athletic Fields Soccer and Recreation Spaces Playground Facilities Accessible Play Structures Fitness Court Stations Walking and Hiking Trails Bike Trail Access Picnic Areas

"Carl Thornton Park has an excellent picnic spot, green space, and a perfect relaxation area. The park features sports fields, two softball fields, a small lake, outdoor gym equipment, a children's play area, and jogging trails. Carl Thornton Park also offers an expansive playground with diverse equipment for children of all ages and abilities. There is play equipment for kids and open green areas for spending time together and hanging out with friends and family. The park also provides free drinking fountains, and parking stalls are available.

2026 Update: Carl Thornton Park's most distinctive feature is the George Upton All Access Park, previously known as the Kiwanis Barrier Free Playground. This inclusive playground was designed so children of different physical abilities can play together using accessible pathways, adaptive equipment, and sensory-friendly features. The park also stands out because of its scenic lake environment, walking trails, and shaded green areas that create a calmer atmosphere compared to many standard athletic parks. Visitors often use the park for walking, jogging, birdwatching, and outdoor fitness activities."

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Contact:

(714) 571-4200 (714) 647-5400

Mon-Sun: 5am - 10pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

9+ YEARS IN TBR
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MEMORIAL PARK

2102 South Flower Street,
Santa Ana, CA 92707 Directions

Since 2013

Specialty:

Football Green Space Fishing Ponds Jogging Soccer Slides Waterfalls Tables Restrooms Playground Swings Gardens Hiking Walking Trails Stone Benches Bridges Basketball Courts Handball Courts Multi-purpose Athletic Field Playground for Children Picnic Tables Exercise Equipment Walking and Running Areas

"Memorial Park is a tree-filled green space with over 17 acres of parkland. The park includes a ball diamond, basketball courts, a drinking fountain, a multi-purpose field, handball courts, and 314 parking stalls. It also features a swimming pool, an aquatic center, and outdoor exercise equipment. Memorial Park offers a large playground, playing equipment, and expansive green areas for strolling. The park features ball diamonds for baseball and other related sports. Additionally, there are designated spaces for volleyball, soccer, and basketball. The park provides ADA accessibility, free drinking fountains, and ample parking for visitors.

2026 Update: Memorial Park's notable characteristics are its focus on active recreation. The site includes basketball courts, handball courts, ball diamonds, and a multi-purpose field that supports both casual play and organized sports activities. The park is frequently used for baseball, softball, fitness routines, and community recreation programs. Memorial Park also provides family-oriented amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, shaded open lawns, and walking paths. Its layout allows visitors to combine outdoor exercise with relaxation and social gatherings in a central community space."

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