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As California’s first state beach, Doheny covers 62 acres of scenic oceanfront. Located in picturesque Orange County, this beach beckons to all those seeking sun, sand and surf.
Doheny State Beach is two parks in one - with camping in the southern area (with some campsites only steps away from the beach) and day use in the northern area, where there is a five-acre lawn with picnic facilities and volleyball courts. Surfing is popular, but is restricted to the north end of the beach. Surf fishing is also popular.
Camping
With over a mile of sandy beach and some of the warmest water in California, Doheny SB was voted Orange County’s “best camping site” for 14 consecutive years. There are 122 campsites, including 33 beach front sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and hot showers. A new group camp can accommodate up to 40 people.
Make Campground Reservations
With over a mile of sandy beach and some of the warmest water in California, Doheny SB was voted Orange County’s “best camping site” for 14 consecutive years. There are 122 campsites, including 33 beach front sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and hot showers. A new group camp can accommodate up to 40 people.
Make Campground Reservations
Activities
Beach Activities: A rocky area at the beach’s western end attracts divers and anglers. During low tide, visitors may explore tide pools. Volleyball, swimming, sunbathing, kayaking and windsurfing are popular, while surfing is restricted to the day-use beach north of San Juan Creek.
Picnicking: Doheny provides a five-acre landscaped picnic area with plenty of picnic tables, barbecue grills and parking.
Junior Ranger and Interpretive Programs: Natural history and environmental programs are offered weekly each summer in the Campfire Center. Annual Grunion Night and Halloween Haunt events are held in fall and spring. Junior Ranger programs are available for children Monday through Friday in summertime.
Beach Activities: A rocky area at the beach’s western end attracts divers and anglers. During low tide, visitors may explore tide pools. Volleyball, swimming, sunbathing, kayaking and windsurfing are popular, while surfing is restricted to the day-use beach north of San Juan Creek.
Picnicking: Doheny provides a five-acre landscaped picnic area with plenty of picnic tables, barbecue grills and parking.
Junior Ranger and Interpretive Programs: Natural history and environmental programs are offered weekly each summer in the Campfire Center. Annual Grunion Night and Halloween Haunt events are held in fall and spring. Junior Ranger programs are available for children Monday through Friday in summertime.
Tips & Rules
-Warning: The sea is unpredictable and often dangerous. Use extreme caution when in the water; never turn your back at the ocean’s edge. Ask about current water conditions from lifeguards.
-Collection of dead wood is prohibited.
-All vehicles must remain on pavement.
-Alcohol consumption is confined to the campsites only.
-Dogs must be kept on a six-foot leash at all times and must remain off the beach. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night.
-Natural and cultural features in the park are protected by state law and may not be removed or altered.
-Warning: The sea is unpredictable and often dangerous. Use extreme caution when in the water; never turn your back at the ocean’s edge. Ask about current water conditions from lifeguards.
-Collection of dead wood is prohibited.
-All vehicles must remain on pavement.
-Alcohol consumption is confined to the campsites only.
-Dogs must be kept on a six-foot leash at all times and must remain off the beach. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night.
-Natural and cultural features in the park are protected by state law and may not be removed or altered.
Plants & Animals
The park’s four sensitive wetland/riparian plant ecosystems are coastal brackish marsh, southern willow scrub, southern sycamore riparian woodland, and mule fat scrub. The park provides habitat and nesting ground to such birds as black-crowned night herons, ruby-crowned kinglets and snowy egrets, while black-bellied plovers and sanderlings dart across the sand. Doheny enjoys migratory visits from whales offshore and monarch butterflies in season. Marine life includes grunion, halibut and stingrays, while garibaldi and common dolphin also swim beneath the waves.
The park’s four sensitive wetland/riparian plant ecosystems are coastal brackish marsh, southern willow scrub, southern sycamore riparian woodland, and mule fat scrub. The park provides habitat and nesting ground to such birds as black-crowned night herons, ruby-crowned kinglets and snowy egrets, while black-bellied plovers and sanderlings dart across the sand. Doheny enjoys migratory visits from whales offshore and monarch butterflies in season. Marine life includes grunion, halibut and stingrays, while garibaldi and common dolphin also swim beneath the waves.
Accessible Features
Camping: Accessible campsites are available. Restrooms with showers are accessible. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the restrooms. The campfire center is accessible.
Picnic Area: North Day Use Area - accessible picnic sites are available in the Promenade and group picnic areas. Accessible restrooms and parking spaces are nearby.
Trails: The Doheny State Beach Multi-Use Trail is a .3 mile concrete promenade that meanders through the park offering great access to multiple day use activities such as picnicking and beach side walking. Accessible parking and restroom facilities are available.
Beach/Shore Access: Two beach wheelchairs are available. Call (949) 496-6162 during business hours for information. A wooden boardwalk extends from near the North picnic area about halfway across the beach. Accessible outdoor rinsing showers are available at various locations along the beach.
Visitor Center: Located just south of the entrance station, the visitor center/aquarium structure is generally accessible, as are many of the exhibits. Assistance may be needed and is available to reach some items.
Camping: Accessible campsites are available. Restrooms with showers are accessible. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the restrooms. The campfire center is accessible.
Picnic Area: North Day Use Area - accessible picnic sites are available in the Promenade and group picnic areas. Accessible restrooms and parking spaces are nearby.
Trails: The Doheny State Beach Multi-Use Trail is a .3 mile concrete promenade that meanders through the park offering great access to multiple day use activities such as picnicking and beach side walking. Accessible parking and restroom facilities are available.
Beach/Shore Access: Two beach wheelchairs are available. Call (949) 496-6162 during business hours for information. A wooden boardwalk extends from near the North picnic area about halfway across the beach. Accessible outdoor rinsing showers are available at various locations along the beach.
Visitor Center: Located just south of the entrance station, the visitor center/aquarium structure is generally accessible, as are many of the exhibits. Assistance may be needed and is available to reach some items.
Getting There
The beach is on Del Obispo/Dana Harbor Drive, approximately one mile north of I-5 and about three miles from San Juan Capistrano Mission.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The beach is on Del Obispo/Dana Harbor Drive, approximately one mile north of I-5 and about three miles from San Juan Capistrano Mission.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate
Mild weather year-round, with generally fine air quality and coastal breezes. Average summer temperatures range in the high 70s, while winter ushers in fog and slightly cooler mid 60-degree weather.
Mild weather year-round, with generally fine air quality and coastal breezes. Average summer temperatures range in the high 70s, while winter ushers in fog and slightly cooler mid 60-degree weather.
Operating Hours & Contact
Please call the park for operating hours.
Telephone: 949-496-6172
Please call the park for operating hours.
Telephone: 949-496-6172
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Doheny State Beach
A 62-acre park popular for surfing, sunbathing, surf fishing and picnicking. This guide takes your from end to end.
A 62-acre park popular for surfing, sunbathing, surf fishing and picnicking. This guide takes your from end to end.
Easy
2.9 mi
4.7 km
4.7 km
Guides
A 62-acre park popular for surfing, sunbathing, surf fishing and picnicking. This guide takes your from end to end.
Community Trips
Great afternoon stroll along Doheny State Beach in Dana Point.
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