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
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- 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.
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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.
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