Best Beaches in Dana Point, California
Dana Point has six and a half miles of sandy beaches in Orange County, so there are plenty of options to consider when you’re planning your next beach day. Here are the beaches in Dana Point plus everything you need to know to plan a fantastic day in the sun.
Parking fees and passes vary by beach operator. The OC Parks annual pass applies at participating county facilities, while California State Parks passes have their own eligibility rules. Check the specific beach before relying on a pass.
Which Dana Point Beach Is Best?
| Beach | Best for |
|---|---|
| Baby Beach | Young children, kayaking and paddleboarding |
| Doheny State Beach | Surfing, picnics and camping |
| Salt Creek Beach | Surfing, scenic views and a grassy park |
| Strands Beach | Coastal walks and low-tide exploring |
| Headlands Beach | Rocky shoreline and tide pools |
| Capistrano Beach | Coastal views, depending on current access |
| Monarch Bay Beach | A quieter beach experience |
Dana Point Beach Parking, Directions and Free Trolley
Parking and beach access vary by location. Baby Beach has harbor-area parking, Doheny offers state beach parking, Salt Creek has a public parking area, and Strands has public access near Selva Road. Check posted signs and the beach operator's current information for fees, closures and accessible routes. Parking passes are not valid at every beach.
The free Dana Point Trolley operates seasonally, serving beach-area destinations, shopping and connections with neighboring South County trolley services. It's a convenient option for exploring Dana Point without moving your car between stops. For current routes, stops and operating dates, see our Orange County free shuttles and trolleys guide and the City of Dana Point. Confirm the closest trolley stop to your beach before traveling.
Capistrano Beach Park
Location: 35005 Beach Road, Dana Point, CA 92624
Also known as Capo Beach, this narrow beach is a popular summer surf spot. Coastal conditions and repair projects can affect parking, access and facilities. Check current OC Parks updates before visiting. Historically, amenities have included picnic areas, restrooms and showers, and firepits. Dog rules may vary by season and beach conditions; check current OC Parks regulations before bringing pets. There is a fee for the parking lot. Pay at the kiosk before hitting the sand.
Dana Point Harbor Beach (Baby Beach)
Location: 24300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Located in Dana Point Harbor, this beach, also known as Baby Beach, is family-friendly with minimal surf and a designated area for swimming. Lifeguard coverage varies by season and a grass park behind the beach ideal for picnics and sand-free play. Beach goers can also find a fishing pier and the nearby Ocean Institute. Because the waters here are protected by the harbor, it is an ideal destination for kayaking and SUPing. Additional amenities include restrooms and showers, BBQs, boat launch area, paved paths for walking and biking, and concessions. Dogs are not allowed on the beach and parking is free.
During the holiday season check out the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade or the Festival of Whales celebration in March.
Notable Features: There's a roped off section for small kids to swim and splash without worrying about kayakers or paddleboarders.
Dana Point Headlands Beach
Location: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Dana Point Headlands is a rocky beach with boulders and sea caves, perfect for exploring and tide pooling at low tide. Located near the Ocean Institute and the Dana Point Pier, follow the covered stairway down to the sand. Explorers may want to stop into the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center at the top of the headlands and venture out on the Bluff Trail for a scenic hike. Dogs are not allowed on the beach and parking is free.
Strands Beach
Location: 34199 Selva Road, Dana Point, CA 92629
This picturesque, sandy beach is located in front of the bluff top gated community "The Strand" with staircases plunging down the bluffs giving oceanfront homeowners easy access to the shore. It is a popular surf spot and offers tidepooling opportunities at low tide. Use the public Strands Vista Park access area near Selva Road, with stairways and a public funicular that may be subject to operating conditions. This is separate from the Salt Creek Beach parking lot; check posted access information before visiting. Amenities include a lifeguard, restrooms and showers. Dogs are not allowed on the beach here and there is a fee for parking.
Doheny State Beach - North Beach
Location: 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Doheny State Beach's North Beach is located, well, on the north side of San Juan Creek. This is a go-to spot for surfing, SUPing, and swimming, with tidepooling at low tide. Other amenities at this location include a park with grass, volleyball courts, picnic area, showers and restrooms, bbqs, and more. Doheny is a State Beach and features a campground and an interpretive center with exhibits and information about the habitats, animals, and geology of the surrounding area.
Doheny State Beach - South Beach
Location: 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Also part of Doheny, but south of San Juan Creek, the long sandy beach is exactly what you would think of when you imagine a California beach and is the perfect spot for all your beach day activities. Also accessible from the campground, South Beach features bonfire pits and is open for fishing. Dogs are not allowed on the beach here. Paid parking in the State Beach lot, but free parking is available along Coast Highway.
Monarch Bay Beach
Location: 500 Monarch Bay Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Nestled on the shoreline below a private beach club in gated Monarch Beach community, this public beach is perfect for a day relaxing on the sand. Parking is available in the lot near Salt Creek Beach Park for a fee. While there is a facility on the beach here for club members, there are no public facilities available. A few small caves in the rock walls are here to explore, and this is also a good spot for scuba diving. Dogs are not allowed on the beach here.
Poche Beach (Nearby San Clemente)
Location: 2771 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
Like Monarch Beach, Poche Beach is a public beach paired up with a private beach club. The facilities for Shorecliffs Beach Club of San Clemente are for members only - there are no public facilities here. Metered parking is available for beachgoers, and the sand can be accessed via the pedestrian underpass beneath the train marked by the Coastal Access sign. Dogs are not allowed on the beach at this location.
Salt Creek Beach
Location: 11 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Salt Creek Beach is one of Dana Point's busiest beaches, located below the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel beach resort and Monarch Beach Golf Links and is right next to Monarch Bay Beach. In addition to the sandy beach, you'll find a grassy park with picnic tables, walking paths, snack bar, basketball courts, public restrooms, and rentals. Enjoy a day on the beach, explore the tidepools, or hit the waves at this picturesque destination. Dogs are not allowed on the beach at this location but they are welcome in the park. Paid parking is available in the Salt Creek Beach parking lot.
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