Doheny State Beach
Dana Point, CA
Free walk-in; parking ~$15/car
By Simir Shah
Updated September 10, 2026
★★★★★4.6(7,160 Google reviews)
From our editor — we've been
This is where we go to slow down. It gets busy — half of Dana Point posts up here for the day — but our routine is easy: sandwiches from Sprouts up the road, then just sit and watch the waves. It's the place that reminds us why we left Chicago. Thirty minutes from our door, and it's the same coastline people fly across the country to see.
💡 Local tip: It fills in fast on warm weekends. Go early if you want room to actually spread out.
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
Bring water shoes. Reviewers repeatedly mention rocks underfoot going in. The sheltered cove behind the breakwater has small waves and suits little ones, with several lifeguard stations. It is a busy surf spot and the beach is steep with a shore break. Paid parking, playground, picnic areas. Restrooms drew complaints.
Gentle waves, a grassy picnic lawn, and tide pools make this the classic easy beach day for families with little ones. Donated for public use in 1931 by oilman Edward L. Doheny, it became California's first state beach, and the surf break here was immortalized in the Beach Boys' "Surfin' USA" as "Down Doheny Way." A small visitor center adds a touch-tank tide pool and ocean-life exhibits for extending the visit.
Good for
- Ages 0–2
- Works for a wide age range
Happening near here
- Dana Point Harbor Dogapalooza (2nd Annual)Dana Point · <1 miFree
- Día de los Muertos Altar at Mission San Juan CapistranoSan Juan Capistrano · 3 mi
- San Clemente Pumpkins & Harvest Festival (Outlets at San Clemente)San Clemente · 3 mi
- Pumpkin Splash (San Clemente Aquatics Center)San Clemente · 5 mi
25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629, USA
Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.
Map
Tides today
Next low tide
5:52 PM
0.2 ft — good for tide pools
Next high tide
12:17 AM
3.5 ft
Predictions from NOAA · Newport Bay Entrance station
What visitors say
- J Settles★★★★★
Great family beach! Lots of parking, but they charge, but the hour or daily rates. Lots of room on the sand. Has the Doho cafe right there for food. Surf is great. It's a classic California surf break. It gets pretty crowded though. Lots of surfers out. Mostly slow rolling waves with several peaks, and an inside cove sheltered by the breakwater which is good for kids. You'll find lots of surf school's here and kids in the water. Several lifeguard stations here as well. Can be a little chaotic here. The beach is steep and can create sizeable shore break. The beach extends South for 1/2 mile or more down to the river mouth.
2 months ago
- Dmitriy Ryasik★★★★★
A great beach for a relaxing day with family or friends. The area is clean and well-maintained, with a nice picnic zone where you can comfortably sit and enjoy your meal. There are restrooms available, which is always important for longer visits. For those coming with kids, there’s a playground that keeps them entertained while adults can unwind and enjoy the ocean view. Overall, a very convenient and pleasant place to spend time outdoors.
5 months ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps
Nearby places
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Eat nearby in Dana Point
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- The Shwack Beach GrillBurgers & American · $
- Coffee ImportersBreakfast & Brunch · $
- Kawamata SeafoodAsian · $