BEACHES
Play, Surf or Relax
With seven miles of coastline, Dana Point provides beach- going visitors everything they desire from the kid-approved, no-wave Baby Beach to Doheny State Beach’s em- blematic California surf breaks.
Doheny State Beach Baby Beach
Nestled in the wave-less confines of the Dana Point Harbor, this calm-watered, beach is a prime location for young families, stand-up paddle- boarding, kayaking and a walk around Orange County’s southernmost port. A tallship backdrop, barbecues and nearby water-sport rentals make for a breezy beach day.
Capistrano Beach Park Located south of Dana Point on Coast Highway, this narrow, smooth-rock beach is ideal for a no-fuss day of relaxation. Easy sand access, few crowds and the nostalgic sounds of a passing passenger train make Capo Beach—as it’s known around these parts—a local favorite.
Dana Point Marine Protected Area Just beyond the Harbor jetty lie a pristine specimen
14 Destination Dana Point
of the region’s vibrant marine life. At low tide, explore tide pools and discover the saltwater creatures seeking shelter from powerful Pacific waves. But be sure to read the signs and help protect this natural preserve. On your way in, make a stop at the Ocean Institute for a hands-on exploration of Dana Point’s underwater world.
Dana Strand Beach Trail, stairs or funicular: You have options for getting to this sandy cove. Situated below the bluff-top Strand Vista Park, and accessible from the Headlands trail, this picturesque beach is a popular spot for surfers, swimmers, hikers and walkers. Whether you relax and ride the cliff- side railway or embark on an invigorating hike through Dana Point’s famed cliffs, Strand Beach is the ideal endpoint.
Doheny State Beach
Doheny is synonymous with surf culture. As the Beach Boys sing, “They’re kicking out in Doheny too.” Made up of four breaks—Boneyard, Seconds, Rivermouth, and Indicator—Doheny’s wave con- sistency has kept it a beginner surfer’s paradise for decades. Camp grounds, concessions, fire pits, bike trails and an interactive, interpretive center round out this perfect setting for your every beach-going wish.
Salt Creek Beach Park It’s a fact: The Creek is a California surf favorite. With a small, offshore reef generating fun, fast and steep swells, this hollow-barreled surf spot is an experienced wave-grabbers playground. Make it a day and hike the Salt Creek Trail from its Laguna Niguel-located trailhead. Salt Creek’s lush lawns, concessions and killer view mean from sunup to sundown you’ll never have to leave.
See map on page 30 for beach locations.
Beaches are patrolled year-round by state and county lifeguards with staffed guard towers from Memorial to Labor Day. Log on to
ocbeachinfo.com for
information on beach closures and water advisories or check with the county’s water quality Twitter account @OCbeachinfo. Also, for the latest surf reports at Doheny, Salt Creek and Strand beaches, check with
surfline.com.
Dana Strand Beach
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