Doheny State Beach: California's Coastal Gem
Discover Doheny State Beach: California's first state beach, offering surfing, camping, tide pools, and a rich history on the beautiful Dana Point coast.
Doheny State Beach, California's first state beach, offers a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. With a surfing beach, campgrounds, tide pools, and a visitor center, it's a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, drawing nearly a million visitors annually.
A brief summary to Doheny State Beach
- 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, California, 92629, US
- +1949-496-6171
- Visit website
- Monday 6 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
- Thursday 6 am-10 pm
- Friday 6 am-10 pm
- Saturday 6 am-10 pm
- Sunday 6 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and during the summer, to secure parking as the lots can fill up quickly.
- Explore the tide pools at low tide to discover a variety of marine life; wear appropriate footwear as the rocks can be slippery.
- Bring your own firewood if you plan to use the campfire rings at the campsites, although firewood is also sold at the camp host.
- Take advantage of the educational programs offered at the visitor center to learn about the local marine environment and conservation efforts.
- Consider bringing bikes to explore the San Juan Creek Trail, which starts near Doheny State Beach and leads to historical sites like Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Getting There
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Driving
Doheny State Beach is easily accessible from Interstate 5. Take the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) exit toward Dana Point and follow the signs to the beach parking areas. From PCH, turn onto Dana Point Harbor Drive, and the entrance will be on your left. Parking costs $7 per hour with a minimum of 2 hours, or $15 for the full day. Oversized vehicle parking is $30. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Public Transport
Several bus lines serve Doheny State Beach. From the San Juan Capistrano Metrolink station, connect to bus #91 to Pacific Coast Highway & Dana Point Harbor station. From there, it's a short walk to the beach. Alternatively, several local bus routes (DP North, DP South, 1, 90, 91) have stops near Doheny State Beach. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information and fares. A Metrolink day pass costs $10 on weekends.
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Walking
If you are in the Dana Point Harbor area, Doheny State Beach is within easy walking distance. From Dana Point Harbor-Park Lantern bus stop, it is only a 1 minute walk to the beach. Follow the signs along Dana Point Harbor Drive to the beach entrance. There is no charge for walking or biking into the park.
Discover more about Doheny State Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
PCH Monument
0.3 km
Discover the PCH Monument in Dana Point, a historical landmark marking the start of the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, offering stunning ocean views and a glimpse into California's rich past.
Dana Point Arches
1.4 km
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Dana Point Lantern District Sign
1.9 km
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Mission San Juan Capistrano, Landmark, Chapel, Museum and Gardens
4.9 km
Discover California's birthplace at Mission San Juan Capistrano: a historic landmark with stunning architecture, rich heritage, and the famous return of the swallows.
Laguna Beach Cliff Hike
7.2 km
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Landmarks on Del Mar
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Treasure Island Park
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Montage Laguna Beach
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Treasure Island Beach
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Victoria Beach
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Mermaid Beach
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Pirate Tower
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Bluebird Park
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Cress Street Beach
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La Casa Del Camino
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Unmissable attractions to see
Catalina Express
0.6 km
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Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
0.7 km
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Dana Point Harbor
1.0 km
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Dana Point
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Capt. Dave's Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
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Beach Stairs
2.0 km
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Salt Creek Beach Bluff Park
3.6 km
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Los Rios Park
4.6 km
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Los Rios Street Historic District
4.7 km
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Historic Town Center Park
4.8 km
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San Juan Capistrano
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Mission San Juan Capistrano
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Badlands Park
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1000 Steps Beach
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Table Rock Beach
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Essential places to dine
Coyote Grill - Laguna Beach
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NEApolitan Pizzeria & Birreria
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Lost Pier Cafe
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Harvest
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Starfish Laguna Beach
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Mosaic Bar & Grille
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The Loft
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The Drake in Laguna Beach
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Dizz's As Is
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Maro Wood Grill
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Rumari
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Mozambique
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Selanne Steak Tavern
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Avila's El Ranchito - Laguna Beach
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Rooftop Lounge
11.4 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cactus Jane Emporium
11.1 km
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Ocean Laguna
11.4 km
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The Garage Collective
11.5 km
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Ligne Blanche
11.6 km
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Village Faire Shoppes
11.6 km
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Lala
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Twig
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The Shop. laguna beach
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Soulshine Laguna - By Confetti Gift Company
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Mimi & Rae
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Sun and Sand Boutique
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Cherry Moon Shoppe
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Laguna Village Shops
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Russian Traditions
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Luna
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Helen’s Cocktails
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Lobby Lounge at Montage Laguna Beach
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Wine Gallery
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The Sandpiper Lounge
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Saloon
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Hennessey's Tavern
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Breeze & Brew
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Marine Room Tavern
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The IRV Bar
21.1 km
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Dave & Buster's Irvine
21.7 km
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Hive and Honey Rooftop Bar
22.4 km
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Bacchus Bar and Bistro
23.0 km
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Anthill Pub & Grille
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AC Lounge
27.6 km
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Pie Society Bar
28.3 km
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