Strands Beach
A beautiful, clean, and spacious beach in Dana Point, offering stunning sunset views and easy access via a free funicular.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more parking
Strands Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, clean, and spacious beach in Dana Point, offering stunning sunset views and easy access via a free funicular.
"This is a nice beach which is a strip of sand and some nice views, and is not crowded as it is quite long."
Funicular Fun!
Take the free funicular for easy beach access. Check operating hours, especially after Labor Day! :rocket:
Stair Challenge
Be prepared for stairs to reach the sand. The walk is worth it for the beautiful, less crowded beach! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Funicular Ride
Strand Vista Park
A free, fun inclined elevator offering easy access to the beach and scenic views.
Sunset Views from the Headlands
Strand Vista Park Trail
Catch breathtaking sunset vistas stretching to neighboring beach cities. Perfect for a romantic evening.
Long, Pristine Sandy Shoreline
Main Beach Area
Miles of clean, well-maintained sand perfect for long walks, sunbathing, and relaxation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Accessing the Sand: Stairs & Funicular
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Funicular Fun!
Take the free funicular for easy beach access. Check operating hours, especially after Labor Day! :rocket:
Stair Challenge
Be prepared for stairs to reach the sand. The walk is worth it for the beautiful, less crowded beach! :athletic_shoe:
Sunset Spectacle
Strands Beach is a prime spot for stunning sunsets. Bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
Parking Perks
Free parking is available in the lot and on the street. Arrive early on busy days! :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Funicular Fun!
Take the free funicular for easy beach access. Check operating hours, especially after Labor Day! :rocket:
Stair Challenge
Be prepared for stairs to reach the sand. The walk is worth it for the beautiful, less crowded beach! :athletic_shoe:
Sunset Spectacle
Strands Beach is a prime spot for stunning sunsets. Bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
Parking Perks
Free parking is available in the lot and on the street. Arrive early on busy days! :car:
Clean Facilities
Well-maintained bathrooms and lifeguards on duty make for a comfortable visit. :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Strands Beach is praised as a beautiful, clean, and relatively uncrowded gem with ample free parking and convenient amenities like restrooms and lifeguards. Its long sandy stretch is ideal for walks, and the sunset views are a major draw. The main consideration is the steep access via stairs, though the free funicular offers an easier alternative.
"Nice kinda hidden beach away from all the busyness. I didn’t know this place existed haha!
Parking lot available for Free, there is also street parking available. This beach has about three different entrances.
The entrance we chose was to the left of the parking as you are facing the beach. A good amount of stairs and a few ramps.
This was a Saturday (Labor Day Weekend) around 9 am. Parking lot was about 40% full, definitely a good surprise!
The beach is well maintained and clean. You can fish by the rocks and spear fishing. Plenty of space to set up an umbrella and relax.
We did not go into the water, just walked the beach. A good 3-4 miles up and down I believe. Maybe more with the stairs.
There are bathrooms available, clean ones. Live guards onsite also!
Definitely recommended! Just be prepared for the stairs going down to the beach. I’m not sure how the other entrances are!"
J G
"Great views, nice walking (whether on the beach or the paved walkway), and excellent scenery. There’s plenty of parking. Methinks that the steep grade from the parking area to the beach keeps it less crowded than it might otherwise be."
John Quist
"This is a nice beach which is a strip of sand and some nice views, and is not crowded as it is quite long. There is also a path along most of the beach's length."
Lily Morgan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Strands Beach is located at 23752 Hobart Bay, Dana Point, CA 92629. Access to the beach involves a steep incline. You can use the stairs, a switchback ramp, or the free funicular from the parking lot at Strand Vista Park. 
Yes, there is a free parking lot at Strand Vista Park, and street parking is also available. Arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, as it can fill up.
The most convenient access is via the free funicular from the parking lot, which runs daily during summer and weekends off-season. Alternatively, there are stairs and a ramp, which can be a good workout!
The funicular offers disability access to the beach. The paved walking path at Strand Vista Park also provides scenic views without needing to descend to the sand.
While Strands Beach is long, direct walking access from neighboring beaches might be challenging due to terrain. It's best accessed via the designated parking and access points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Strands Beach itself does not have an entrance fee. Parking at Strand Vista Park is also free, making it an accessible destination.
The beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. The funicular has specific operating hours, typically daily from 6 am to 8 pm during summer and weekends from 7 am to 5 pm after Labor Day.
No advance booking is required for Strands Beach. It's a public beach, and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis for parking and beach access.
Standard beach rules apply. Lifeguards are typically on duty during peak seasons. Check local regulations for any specific restrictions on activities like bonfires or alcohol.
To avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends and holidays, especially during summer, tend to be the busiest times.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
Strands Beach is ideal for long walks, sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing. The rocky areas are good for fishing and spear fishing. The paved path offers scenic strolls.
Yes, clean restrooms are available at Strands Beach. Showers are typically available as well, making it convenient for a day at the beach.
Absolutely! It's a great family beach with plenty of space, clean facilities, and lifeguards. The funicular makes it easier for families with young children or strollers.
Yes, fishing and spear fishing are permitted in the rocky areas of Strands Beach. Remember to check local fishing regulations.
The sand at Strands Beach is described as beautiful, pristine, and plentiful, offering a wide expanse for visitors to enjoy.
📸 📸 Photography
The Headlands Trail offers stunning panoramic views, especially at sunset. The funicular and the beach itself provide great foregrounds for capturing the coastal scenery.
Golden hour, just before sunset, provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Early mornings also offer soft light and fewer people.
The contrast between the rocky shore, the sandy beach, and the upscale beachfront homes offers diverse photographic subjects. The funicular itself is also a unique element.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline and ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for sunset shots.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with the City of Dana Point or the FAA for current rules and restrictions before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The beach is long and clean, offering plenty of space for kids to play. Lifeguards are on duty, providing an extra layer of security. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as amenities directly on the sand are limited, but the clean restrooms are a lifesaver. Consider bringing sand toys and beach umbrellas for a comfortable day. The paved paths at Strand Vista Park are also great for strollers or for kids who might want a break from the sand. Arriving earlier in the day can help secure a good spot and avoid the busiest times.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Walkers
+1If you're up for a challenge, the stairs down to the beach offer a good workout. Combine a beach walk with exploring the trails around Strand Vista Park for a comprehensive active experience. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially if you plan on covering a lot of ground.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
The contrast between the rugged coastline, the expansive sandy beach, and the elegant beachfront homes provides diverse photographic opportunities. Don't miss capturing the unique funicular as part of your shots, adding a distinctive element to your beach photography. Early mornings also offer beautiful soft light and fewer distractions. Remember to bring your wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the coastline and a tripod for those stunning sunset shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Strands Beach Access
+1For those who prefer a more active approach, there are also stairs and a switchback ramp leading down to the sand. While these offer a good workout, they can be quite a trek, particularly on the way back up. The steep grade is often cited as a reason why the beach remains less crowded than its accessibility might otherwise suggest.
Beyond the direct beach access, Strand Vista Park at the top offers paved walking paths with excellent coastal vistas. This provides a pleasant strolling experience even if you don't plan to go all the way down to the sand, making the area enjoyable for a wider range of visitors.
+1The Strands Beach Experience: Beyond the Sand
The scenic beauty is a major highlight, with reviewers mentioning lovely coastal vistas and the picturesque beachfront estates.
The presence of lifeguards and well-maintained restrooms adds to the overall comfort and safety of a visit, ensuring a pleasant day out for families and individuals alike. While the beach itself is the main attraction, the surrounding area offers opportunities for activities like fishing and spear fishing in the rocky sections.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit