Doheny State Beach
A beloved Southern California beach offering gentle waves for surfing, family-friendly fun, and coveted beachfront camping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Doheny State Beach
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Southern California beach offering gentle waves for surfing, family-friendly fun, and coveted beachfront camping.
"Doheny State Beach is now one of our go-to spots for a safe, fun, and stress-free beach day with our little one!"
🚗 Parking Tips
Paid parking is available. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
🔥 Fire Pit Fun
Enjoy beach bonfires! Fire pits are available, perfect for s'mores and evening relaxation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beachfront Camping
Southern end of the beach
Wake up to the sound of waves with premium campsites located right on the sand. Perfect for an immersive coastal experience.
Gentle Waves for Learning
Northern end of the beach
Ideal for beginner surfers and families, the smaller waves offer a safe and fun environment for water activities.
Sunset Campfires
Campground area
Enjoy the magic of a beach bonfire as the sun sets, creating a cozy and memorable evening by the ocean.
Picnic and Play Areas
Lawn areas
Spacious lawns with picnic tables and grills provide the perfect setting for family gatherings and outdoor meals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Camping Reservations are Key
+1Surf's Up for Beginners
Surfers of all levels can enjoy the beach, but beginners will find it particularly welcoming. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Paid parking is available. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
🔥 Fire Pit Fun
Enjoy beach bonfires! Fire pits are available, perfect for s'mores and evening relaxation.
🌊 Accessible Beach Access
Beach wheelchairs are available for easier access, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sand.
🏄♀️ Surf Lessons
Consider local surf schools for lessons, as Doheny is great for beginners.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Paid parking is available. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
🔥 Fire Pit Fun
Enjoy beach bonfires! Fire pits are available, perfect for s'mores and evening relaxation.
🌊 Accessible Beach Access
Beach wheelchairs are available for easier access, ensuring everyone can enjoy the sand.
🏄♀️ Surf Lessons
Consider local surf schools for lessons, as Doheny is great for beginners.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Water fountains are available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Doheny State Beach for its family-friendly atmosphere, gentle waves perfect for beginners and children, and the highly desirable beachfront camping. The clean facilities, ample picnic areas with grills, and well-maintained grounds contribute to a positive experience. Some wish for more beach fire pits and closer shower facilities, but overall, it's considered a superb coastal destination. +1
"We had such a wonderful time at Doheny State Beach! We came with our 3-year-old son and it was the perfect spot for a family day. The beach is clean, safe, and easy to access. The waves near the shore are gentle, which made it great for little ones to splash and play without us worrying.
There are plenty of picnic areas with shade, which made snack time and breaks really comfortable. Our son loved running around in the sand and watching the surfers further out in the water. The bathrooms were well-kept and convenient to get to, which is always a huge plus with a toddler.
We also appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere—lots of other kids and families enjoying the day, but it never felt overcrowded. It’s such a relaxed environment, and parking was simple too.
We’ll definitely be coming back. Doheny State Beach is now one of our go-to spots for a safe, fun, and stress-free beach day with our little one! 🌊☀️👶"
Brian Maurer
"again, I'm not your typical reviewer who gives out 5 stars like free bottle water...
it must meet all categories for a park to be considered superb.
1. ample parking! and also for motor home and trailers
2. Great walk paths within the park and extending south to capristrano beach, in and put of the water canal trails leading to mission viejo. for all bikers, Joggers runners and walkers.
3. a great eatery thats seeves beer and drinks and local plates right on the besch front.
4. tables and grills are widely available
5. life guard stations manned and ready
6. break water that's accessible and provides extraordinary views sounds and resting points.
7. for all ages, kids adults and for seniors.
8. surfing, paddling, swimming and sunbathing
9. downtown area provides places to grab some grub siteseeing , and window shopping
10. couple hours of entertainment for the family or by yourself
a strong 4.5 to 4.75
missing... beach firepits, water fountains and more shower spots closer to the beachfront ."
Javier Rosete
"This is such a beautiful beach, and park. Great camping amenities. My favorite thing about it is the covered picnic areas with grills, and fire pits. I attend 12 steps meetings here and absolutely love the energy with the ocean in view, it's a wonderful location to focus on recovery."
Amber Gail Hundley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Doheny State Beach is located at 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629. It's easily accessible by car via the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Paid parking is available on-site.
While direct public transport options might be limited, you can explore local bus routes that serve Dana Point and then potentially use a rideshare service for the final leg to the beach. Check with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for current routes.
There is a large paid parking lot available for visitors. It can fill up quickly, especially on busy days, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, Doheny State Beach offers ample parking that can accommodate RVs and trailers, making it convenient for those traveling with larger vehicles.
Absolutely! Doheny State Beach is conveniently located near the Dana Point Harbor, which offers shops, restaurants, and whale watching tours. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is typically a day-use fee for entering Doheny State Beach. The exact cost can vary, so it's best to check the official California State Parks website for the most current pricing.
Doheny State Beach is generally open from dawn to dusk for day use. The campground has different hours, and it's advisable to check the specific hours for camping reservations.
Reservations are not typically required for day use, but it's highly recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as the parking lot can fill up.
Campsite reservations at Doheny State Beach can be made up to six months in advance. Daily cancellations also open up, so checking regularly can help secure a spot.
Information on discounts for entry or camping is best found on the official California State Parks website or by contacting the park directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, surfing (especially beginner-friendly waves), sunbathing, picnicking, fishing, and exploring the nature center. The campground offers a unique beachfront camping experience.
Yes, Doheny State Beach is excellent for families. The gentle waves near the shore are safe for toddlers, and there are plenty of picnic areas and open spaces for kids to play.
Lifeguard stations are typically manned and ready during peak seasons and hours, providing an added layer of safety for swimmers and beachgoers.
Yes, beach fire pits are available, making it a perfect spot for evening campfires and enjoying the coastal ambiance.
Doheny State Beach offers beach wheelchairs for easier access, ensuring that visitors with mobility challenges can enjoy the beach.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe, Doho Cafe, located at Doheny State Beach that serves food. Additionally, picnic areas with grills are widely available for visitors to bring and cook their own meals.
Absolutely! Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. The picnic areas with tables and grills are perfect for a DIY feast.
While specific details about a full-service restaurant with ocean views are scarce, the Doho Cafe offers a convenient option right on the beach.
Yes, Doheny State Beach has widely available tables and grills, making it an excellent spot for barbecues and cookouts.
Based on user mentions, Doho Cafe serves food that visitors enjoy, though specific menu details are not widely published. It's a convenient beachside option.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer stunning light for photography. Keep an eye out for bioluminescence events, which can create magical blue hues in the water.
Yes, capturing the beachfront campsites, surfers catching waves, and the vibrant sunsets are popular. Bioluminescence sightings offer a truly unique photographic subject.
A versatile setup is recommended. A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and sunsets, while a telephoto lens can capture surfers in action. A tripod is useful for low-light conditions like sunset or potential bioluminescence.
You might spot various marine life, including sea birds, and potentially dolphins or seals offshore. Always maintain a respectful distance from wildlife.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits, so it's best to check with park authorities if you plan on professional shoots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekdays or earlier in the day to avoid the biggest crowds. The availability of beach wheelchairs also ensures that families with members who have mobility challenges can fully enjoy the experience.
🏕️ Campers
Booking these popular spots requires advance planning, often six months ahead, but daily cancellations can be a lifesaver for spontaneous trips. The campground provides a unique opportunity to enjoy campfires and stargazing with the ocean as your backdrop, making for a memorable outdoor adventure. 🏄♀️ Surfers & Water Sports Enthusiasts
Keep an eye out for potential bioluminescence, which can offer a unique and magical experience for photographers and nature lovers. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Doheny State Beach
+1 Reservations are essential and often book up months in advance, so planning ahead is crucial. Daily cancellations do become available, offering a chance for last-minute bookings. The campground provides a unique opportunity to enjoy campfires under the stars with the soothing sound of waves as your soundtrack. Beyond the beachfront allure, the campground is well-maintained and offers amenities that cater to tents, trailers, and RVs. Visitors often praise the convenience and the overall atmosphere, making it a popular choice for families and those seeking a relaxed beach vacation. Remember to check the specific rules and regulations for camping, including check-in and check-out times, and any fire restrictions that may be in place.
Key Camping Features:
* Beachfront Sites: Direct access to the sand.
* Accommodations: Suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs.
* Reservations: Highly recommended, book up to six months in advance.
* Amenities: Access to restrooms and nearby day-use facilities.
Surfing and Water Activities
Beyond surfing, the calmer waters near the shore are ideal for swimming and splashing, especially for families with young children.
+1Water Activity Highlights:
* Beginner Surfing: Gentle waves perfect for learning.
* Swimming: Safe and enjoyable for all ages.
* Fishing: Opportunities for anglers along the coast.
* Bioluminescence: Rare but stunning natural light displays.
Family Fun and Picnics
Beyond the sand and picnic spots, the park offers a relaxed atmosphere where families can enjoy volleyball, explore the nature center, or simply relax and watch the surfers.
The availability of well-maintained restrooms and convenient parking further enhances the family-friendly experience, reducing stress and maximizing enjoyment. Family-Friendly Features:
* Gentle Waves: Safe for young children.
* Picnic Areas: Equipped with tables and grills.
* Open Spaces: Ideal for play and relaxation.
* Family Atmosphere: Welcoming and uncrowded.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit