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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Beaches in Dana Point

Made for those who feel most at home when they are within walking distance of the tide.

Based on 481 Opinions
+478
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Updated July 2026
01
Dana Strands Beach image 1
Dana Strands Beach image 2
Dana Strands Beach image 3
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Soft sand and a spacious layout create a peaceful atmosphere with stunning ocean views. Steep access keeps crowds low, making it clean and well-maintained. A paved boardwalk and clean bathrooms add convenience for families and locals.

Soft sand and spacious beach create a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of room to relax or be active. Clean bathrooms and a paved boardwalk offer convenience, while the area teems with wildlife and offers great views of the rocky coastline.

People are saying

"The beach here has beautiful views of the ocean and coastline."

"I found plenty of free parking available."

"The bathrooms here were super clean."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available at Dana Strands Beach.

2

Restrooms are available in the parking lot.

3

Dogs are not allowed on Dana Strands Beach.

02
Baby Beach image 1
Public beach

Small, quiet beach with calm waters perfect for family fun and safe swimming. Picnic grass and barbecue areas create a relaxed vibe. Free parking and lifeguards ensure convenience and safety for all ages.

A protected sandy beach with very fine sand and no rocks makes it ideal for toddlers and young kids to swim and play. Free parking is available, and the calm waters suit paddle boarding and kayaking from the shore.

People are saying

"This beach is perfect for kids, with calm, shallow water."

"It's a fun place for kids to splash and play in the water."

"I found the nice view of the Pacific Ocean stunning."

Good to know

1

Parking is free, but arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Dogs are not allowed on the sand or near the water.

3

The beach has limited bathroom facilities with only two stalls.

03
180blu image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Outdoor spot offers 360-degree ocean views and a lively vibe with live music. Casual seating is first-come, first-served with hard chairs. Walk down directly to the beach to enjoy scenic sunset views while sipping cocktails and light bites.

Scenic views of the beach and sunset stand out here. You can walk directly down to the beach from the spot.

People are saying

"The ocean views here are truly amazing."

"The food here is delicious and tastes so fresh."

"The beach views here are stunning, especially at sunset."

Good to know

1

Seating is first come, first serve, so arrive early for the best views.

2

Valet parking costs $10; there is no self-parking available.

3

No reservations are accepted, so expect to wait during peak times.

04
Sunsets Bar image 1
Bar & grill

Oceanfront bar and grill offers stunning Pacific views and a chill atmosphere with great music. Outdoor seating lets you enjoy beach life and sunsets while sipping drinks. Casual vibe includes TVs and pool tables for extra fun.

A bar sits directly across the street from the beach, offering amazing views of the ocean. Food, drinks, and sunshine combine with watching beach life go by for a relaxed vibe.

People are saying

"I watched the beautiful sunset from here."

"Johnny's hospitality and service at the bar made our weekend special."

"I loved watching the beach life go by and the amazing ocean view."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 7 PM with great drink specials.

2

Four large beers and a huge plate of nachos cost $30 during happy hour.

3

The bar doesn't allow kids, making it an adult-only venue.

05
Capistrano Surfside Inn image 1

Oceanfront balconies offer beach access just steps away with free chairs and umbrellas. Relax by the clean pool and jacuzzi or enjoy free trolley rides and bike rentals. The atmosphere stays peaceful despite some road and train noise.

Just steps away from the beach, the location offers easy access with a short walk across the road and a bridge. Guests get free beach chairs, umbrellas, and sand toys, making beach time simple and fun.

People are saying

"It's just steps from the beach, right across the street."

"I loved the beautiful ocean view from my deck."

"The rooms felt so comfortable, clean, and roomy."

Good to know

1

Access to the beach is just across the street from the inn.

2

Free parking is available on site for guests.

3

The inn charges a resort fee at check-in, not during online booking.

06
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach image 1

Resort hotel offers breathtaking ocean views and private fire pits in spacious rooms. Guests enjoy golf cart service to a pristine beach and relax with impeccable concierge-level service. Amenities like golf courses and a spa make every stay special.

Golf cart service runs every 15 minutes to the beach, making access easy and convenient. The beach area complements an overall incredible stay with attentive service and a beautiful setting.

People are saying

"The hotel staff's personal attention made it the best stay."

"The ocean views here are beautiful and impressive."

"This beach is stunning and I'd stay here again."

Good to know

1

The hotel hosts free events like bookmark making and offers free churros by the pool.

2

Expect large groups and outdoor events that may run until 10 pm.

3

Reservations are recommended for dining, as restaurants can be fully booked.

07
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel image 1

Hotel sits on a seaside bluff with breathtaking ocean views and private beach access. Guests enjoy a top-tier spa and lively evening parties on the lawns. Pools and hot tubs offer awesome beach views with a modern vibe near public beach access.

Steps away from the beach with public access and awesome views from pools and hot tubs. The vibe feels modern compared to nearby spots.

People are saying

"I experienced spectacular ocean views and amazing sunsets."

"The staff here makes your lunch spot feel like a special occasion."

"I loved the breathtaking ocean views right from the beach."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times during events, especially on weekends.

2

Reservations are recommended for dining, especially during event weekends.

3

Parking can be limited during events; consider using valet service.

08
El Caminante Bar & Bungalows image 1

Boutique hotel boasts ocean views and Spanish-style decor with private patios featuring chiminea fire pits. Steps from a beautiful beach with 180-degree views and soothing wave sounds through Dutch doors. Free e-bikes invite guests to explore nearby riding paths.

Just steps from the beach with 180-degree ocean views, the spot offers a beautiful stretch of sand and the sound of waves at night. Dutch doors open to let in beach air and wave sounds without full exposure.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating offers amazing sunset views over the ocean."

"It's a romantic getaway with lovely, kind staff."

"The rooms were lovely, boutique, and comfortable with a beautiful ocean-view courtyard."

Good to know

1

The hotel has a great beachfront location, perfect for beach lovers.

2

Expect music from the bar until 10:30 or 11 pm on weekends.

3

Sunday nights feature a DJ on the terrace for entertainment.

09
Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores image 1

Spacious rooms with ocean views and balconies offer a peaceful stay. Pools and hot tubs stay clean, with complimentary beach bikes for easy rides along a quiet beach. Family-friendly setting with BBQ amenities and calm atmosphere near Dana Point Harbor.

A quieter beach sits just steps from the hotel, offering easy access and complimentary beach bikes for rides along the coast. Rooms feature balconies with ocean views, and the location is close to other soft beaches and Dana Point Harbor.

People are saying

"You'll love the awesome ocean views from the balcony."

"The beach across the street was rocky, but still great for strolls."

"The hot tub was kept clean and maintained."

Good to know

1

The hotel is located directly across the street from the beach.

2

The elevator has been out of service for over a year, making access difficult.

3

The property is currently being remodeled, which may improve conditions.

10
The Beachfront Inn & Suites at Dana Point image 1

Rooms feature spacious layouts with balconies offering ocean views and easy beach access. Enjoy relaxing waves and rock collecting just steps away. Accessibility is good with an elevator and ramps, but expect some noise from nearby trains and nightclubs.

Rooms sit right by the beach with views of the ocean, beach, and marina visible from windows. Walking on the beach, watching waves, and collecting rocks offer a relaxing experience just steps away.

People are saying

"I found the ocean views from the room to be spectacular."

"The hotel staff here are incredibly friendly and helpful."

"I loved the beautiful ocean view from the beach."

Good to know

1

The hotel is located right across the street from the beach.

2

Parking is difficult; no spots available after 9 pm.

3

Breakfast is served every morning from 8-10 am.

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Dana Point, California

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