Doheny State Beach

Doheny State Beach in Dana Point is a popular surf spot, campsite, picnic area, and a perfect place to spend the day catching a wave or a ray of sunshine. This Orange County beach is unique because it’s actually two beaches separated by the San Juan Creek, both of which offer their own activities and day-use areas.

The two beaches are called North Beach and South Beach, and are both easily accessible once visitors are on-site. There’s also a visitor center complete with educational interpretive exhibits, an aquarium, and indoor tide pools for those who want to learn more about the natural habitat of the destination they’re exploring.

The north section of the beach is located above San Juan Creek, and features a grassy park area with picnic facilities, sand volleyball courts, and soft sand to sit, relax, and enjoy a book. At low tide visitors can explore the tide pools nearby to see a diverse collection of marine life.

The south section of Doheny State Beach is below San Juan Creek. It’s frequently named “Orange County’s Best Camping Site,” because there are more than 100 campsites, 33 of which are beachfront – as well as fire pits, picnic tables, and hot showers. The picnic areas and campgrounds are dog-friendly as long as the dogs are kept on-leash – but furry friends are not permitted on the sand.