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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Dana Point

Beaches with a nice view

A beach view that you can actually appreciate without fighting a crowd for a sliver of space.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Dana Strands Beach image 1
Dana Strands Beach image 2
Dana Strands Beach image 3
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Beach features soft sand and spacious layout with beautiful ocean views and a paved boardwalk. Atmosphere stays relaxed and peaceful, attracting mostly locals and families. Steep access limits crowds, keeping the area clean and well-maintained.

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.

Beautiful coastal vistas stretch along the beach and rocky coastline. The ocean and cliff views from the parking lot and walking paths offer a great sunset backdrop.

People are saying

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

"I found plenty of free parking available."

"I loved the beautiful coastal vistas and ocean views."

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 offers calm waters ideal for children and family activities. Barbecue areas and picnic grass create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Lifeguards and coast guard presence add to the sense of safety.

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.

Stunning views stretch across calm waters with no waves, perfect for small kids. The nearby Ocean Science Center offers views of fish tanks, while the peninsula shows tide pools, a breakwater, and the open Pacific Ocean.

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 setting offers 360-degree ocean views with a lively vibe and live music providing background ambiance. Seating is casual and first-come, first-served, with hard chairs that may affect comfort. Atmosphere suits enjoying light bites and cocktails while watching the sunset.

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

Breathtaking ocean views dominate the scene, offering a stunning look at the Pacific and beach. The setting shines with scenic sunsets and a lively outdoor vibe that enhances the experience.

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

Bar and grill with oceanfront deck offers a chill atmosphere and great music. Outdoor seating provides stunning Pacific views ideal for watching sunsets. TVs and pool tables add to a casual, relaxed vibe.

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.

Offers amazing ocean views and a clear sunset panorama. Outdoor seating lets you enjoy the impressive Doheny State Beach scenery while dining or sipping cocktails.

People are saying

"I watched the beautiful sunset from here."

"I enjoyed the great ocean view."

"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
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach image 1

Resort hotel offers breathtaking ocean views and luxurious, spacious rooms with private fire pits. Atmosphere stays relaxing and elegant, supported by impeccable concierge-level service. Amenities include golf courses, pools, a spa, and a private beach, creating a setting where guests feel special and pampered.

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.

Million dollar views dominate the scene with gorgeous ocean scenery visible from many spots. The building's beautiful architecture complements the fantastic location offering stunning vistas.

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.

06
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel image 1

Hotel perches atop a seaside bluff with breathtaking ocean views and access to a private beach. Atmosphere blends luxury and intimacy, with lively evening parties on the lawns and serene sunset vistas. Amenities include a top-tier spa, pool with bar, and shuttle service connecting to the beach.

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

Views from Raya and 180blu rank among the most stunning worldwide. The balcony offers a mesmerizing Pacific Ocean sight with breathtaking sunsets, and the fitness center also features an unmatched ocean view.

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.

07
Capistrano Surfside Inn image 1

Resort hotel offers oceanfront balconies with beach access just across the street. Atmosphere stays relaxing and peaceful despite occasional road and train noise. Amenities include clean pool and jacuzzi, free trolley rides, and bike rentals with beach equipment.

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.

Rooms offer large spaces with beautiful ocean views. Balconies face the beach, letting in the sounds of waves.

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.

08
El Caminante Bar & Bungalows image 1

Boutique hotel in a beautifully restored historic building offers ocean views, Spanish-style decor, and private patios with chiminea fire pits. Atmosphere blends romantic quiet with lively weekend DJ nights on the terrace. Free e-bikes encourage exploration of nearby beaches and 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.

Rooms and patios offer ocean views with comfortable seating and chiminea fire pits. Dining areas and suites feature 180-degree beach views and patios with bars and music.

People are saying

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

"You get a nice view of the ocean from the patio."

"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

Hotel offers spacious rooms with ocean views and balconies. Pools and hot tubs stay clean and well-maintained, with amenities like BBQs and complimentary beach bikes nearby. Noise from traffic and neighboring rooms can affect quietness, but the setting remains family-oriented with a calm atmosphere.

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.

Rooms offer ocean views from balconies with the sound of waves. The property provides sunset views from the pool and beach views from various spots.

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
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa image 1

Expansive grounds showcase breathtaking ocean and harbor views with scenic mountain backdrops. Pools separate families and adults, supporting a kid-friendly atmosphere with splash pads and mini golf. The vibe balances serene outdoor spaces with occasional lively energy around pool areas.

Walking distance to the beach and shops makes access easy. Nearby attractions like the harbor and downtown are reachable by bike or on foot, with complimentary access included in the resort fee.

Rooms offer spectacular water views including the ocean, marina, and Dana Point Harbor. Balconies provide a great vantage point to enjoy the coastline and seashore.

People are saying

"The ocean views from the property are truly wonderful."

"The pool areas are great for kids and make it super kid friendly."

"You'll love the stunning ocean views from the beach here."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is required at $45 per day; no self-parking available.

2

The hotel is undergoing construction, which may disrupt your stay.

3

Expect noise from events like weddings and parties, especially on weekends.

11
The Beachfront Inn & Suites at Dana Point image 1

Rooms offer spacious layouts with separate living and sleeping areas and balconies facing the ocean. The atmosphere combines relaxing ocean views with loud nearby train and nightclub noise. Accessibility features include an elevator and ramps, and onsite parking is available.

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.

Rooms offer unobstructed ocean views with balconies facing the beach. Suites provide a beautiful view of the waves crashing along the shore.

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.

12
Best Western Plus Dana Point Inn-by-the-Sea image 1

Hotel offers oceanfront views from many rooms and balconies, creating a relaxing beachy vibe. Outdoor spaces include shared balconies and a jacuzzi with Pacific Ocean views. Ambient music and ocean sounds contribute to a calm atmosphere where people feel happy and relaxed.

A beach view sits right across the street, offering easy access to the shore. Nearby trails like Dana Strands Beach and Dana Point Preserve provide scenic overlooks and nature walks.

Many rooms and walkways offer ocean views that create a relaxing vibe. A deck with lawn chairs overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and some rooms have balconies with perfect beach views.

People are saying

"I loved the great ocean view from my balcony."

"The breakfast here was really great."

"It's just across the street to the beach."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served from 7 to 10 am.

2

The hotel is located right across from the beach.

3

Parking is super easy.

13
Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel image 1

Hotel offers spacious suites with in-room whirlpool tubs and large TVs visible from the tub. Despite proximity to a busy road, the atmosphere remains quiet and peaceful at night. The setting includes a balcony with marina views, adding a pleasant outdoor element.

Within a 15-minute walk, reach a wonderful beach and a marina. Plenty of nearby restaurants add to the convenience.

Rooms feature balconies with views of the ocean and marina. Some suites overlook the water near the Doheny area.

People are saying

"The staff here is super friendly and helpful."

"The beds were super comfortable."

"It's a short walk to the beach and the harbor."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served from 7 to 10 am.

2

Parking is available but incurs a daily charge.

3

The hotel is pet friendly, allowing dogs.

14
Dana Point Marina Inn image 1

Rooms offer beautiful harbor views with balconies overlooking the marina and ocean. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxing, complemented by lovely surrounding gardens and the sound of sea lions at night. Amenities include a pool, gym, and pet-friendly policies, with a convenient kitchenette in rooms.

Steps from the beach and marina, the spot offers easy walkability to the shore and nearby restaurants. It suits families well with access to Baby Beach and a cozy, friendly vibe.

Rooms offer beautiful views of the marina and harbor. The location provides close proximity to local attractions with a fabulous ocean view from many rooms.

People are saying

"It's a great location, just a short walk to the beach and shops."

"I loved the beautiful harbor view from my room."

"The breakfast staff here is exceptionally friendly."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $1 per hour as of 2024.

2

The hotel is pet friendly, but a pet fee applies.

3

Breakfast is offered for free, but quality may vary.

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