Dana Point’s Beaches - from Sand to Surf
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Southern California, Dana Point is renowned for its captivating beaches, each with its own unique allure. From family-friendly shores to prime surf spots, Dana Point offers something for everyone seeking a sun-kissed escape. And with beautiful weather all year-round, hitting the sand doesn’t just have to be a summer thing. Read on for our favorite spots to enjoy that ocean view, take a dip, or just relax with a book.
Doheny State Beach
Doheny State Beach is a true embodiment of Dana Point’s beach culture. Nicknamed Doho by the locals, Doheny is one of California’s most popular state beaches attracting almost one million visitors per year. This prime beach property was donated by oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny for public use in 1931 and is California’s first state beach. It was officially named Doheny State Beach in 1963 and currently encompasses about 62 acres. Doheny is a popular destination for surfers, families, and campers alike (Doheny offers 118 campsites with 33 designated as prime ocean-front). Set back from the sand, Doheny offers a large expanse of open grassy area, perfect for a day of relaxation and recreation under the swaying palms. Bring your beach blanket and set up shop! Volleyball courts are available for those looking for some activity on the sand and if you get hungry, the Doho Cafe serves a wide selection of snacks, drinks and beachside eats to keep you going all day long.
Salt Creek Beach | Dana Point, CA
Salt Creek Beach
Salt Creek Beach offers a pristine and picturesque shoreline with breathtaking views. Known for its golden sand, surf spots, and tide pools depending on the time of year and tide schedules, Salt Creek is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Surrounded by beautiful bluffs, it’s a serene spot for lounging in the sun, a date night picnic or an evening stroll. If you’re feeling hungry, Young’s Beach Shack, overlooking the beach and inspired by the original Young’s Beach Camp from the 1940’s is a great place to hang with friends while watching the surfers and enjoying some delicious bites. Ample restrooms and facilities make this an enjoyable place to spend the day and the expansive grassy hill leading up to the parking lot is a prime spot for a gathering of like-minded sunset watchers as day turns to dusk. Salt Creek Beach also links up with the Salt Creek Trail, a 7.7 mile out-and-back trail that goes from beach to inland Laguna Niguel.
Strands Beach
Strands Beach, located just south of Salt Creek Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline loved by surfers and sunbathers alike. The unspoiled beauty of this beach, with its tall bluffs, pristine waters and soft sand, make it a relaxing place to unwind while enjoying the sound of crashing waves. Strands Beach is also known for its panoramic, massive oceanfront homes which are quite the sight to behold. If you’re feeling antsy, take the steps up from the sand (pictured, below) to walk the paved path that allows for a peek at these gorgeous properties up close. At the south end of the beach, high up on the cliff above, is where the Dana Point Headlands are located, a three-mile trail system of protected land that offers an unspoiled natural setting and captivating views.
Strands Beach | Dana Point, CA
Baby Beach
If you’re traveling with young children or simply prefer calmer waters, Baby Beach is your ideal destination. Located within the Dana Point Harbor, this sheltered cove provides a safe and shallow swimming area for kids. The gentle waves and lack of a strong current make for a more laid-back atmosphere and some extra freedom for kiddies in the safety of these protected waters. Baby Beach is also a prime spot for launching paddle boards and kayaks directly into the harbor via the channel that leads out to the ocean and the nearby parking lots made it easy to lug all your gear! If you need to rent boards or kayaks, check out Pure Water Sports down at the harbor.
Capistrano Beach
Located just south of Doheny State Beach, Capistrano Beach, or Capo, is another prime spot along the Dana Point coastline. With ample parking, fire pits and the ability to walk directly from your car to the sand in a few feet, it’s a fantastic place for picnics, family gatherings, or just a sit on the sand with a good book. The gentle waves make it a popular spot for swimming and paddle boarding and don’t be surprised if you see a few surfers at the southern end, depending on the day. Capo Beach also offers a paved trail named the Coast Highway Protected Trail that leads to San Clemente along the railroad tracks for those looking to bike, rollerblade or add in a run.
