01
Top Tide Pool Pick
Salt Creek Beach
Dana Point • Secluded Cove With Rocky Outcrops • Best For Tide Pooling And Beginner Surf
A protected cove with fascinating marine life at low tide and consistent waves for learners.
This Dana Point gem stays surprisingly uncrowded even on summer weekends. The rocky sections at each end create excellent tide pools to explore, while the central sandy stretch offers gentle waves for first-time surfers. Parking fills quickly, so arrive by 9 a.m. for a prime spot near the boardwalk access.
02
Luxury Shoreline Choice
Strands Beach
Dana Point • Resort-Flanked Sand With Upscale Amenities • Ideal For Resort-Style Relaxation
Elegant sands backed by luxury hotels and a pristine coastal trail.
Strands feels like a private beach despite public access, thanks to the Ritz-Carlton and Pelican Hill resorts framing either end. You'll find plush lounge chairs for rent, a beachside cafe, and exceptionally clean sands. The gentle slope makes it perfect for wading, though surfers often claim the outer breaks during summer swells.
03
Family Anchor
Doheny State Beach
Dana Point • Wide Sandy Shoreline With Grassy Park • Great For Multigenerational Days
Miles of calm water and picnic-ready space just steps from the parking lot.
Generations of locals have made Doheny their go-to spot for good reason: calm waters for kids, ample parking, and year-round lifeguards. The campground offers beachfront sites, but even day visitors appreciate the shaded picnic areas. Weekdays are blissfully quiet, while weekends bring a lively community barbecue vibe.
04
Surf Pilgrimage
Trestles
San Onofre • Legendary Surf Break Beneath Coastal Bluffs • Champion Surfers' Proving Ground
Three distinct wave sections that host international competitions.
Trestles isn't your average beach day—it's a pilgrimage for serious surfers seeking perfect barrels. Non-surfers can watch from the bluff trails, but be prepared for crowds during the summer Pro Open. Parking requires a $15 fee and often a shuttle ride from the San Mateo camp entrance.
05
Coastal Culture Hub
Laguna Main Beach
Laguna Beach • Art-Filled Shoreline With Historic Pavilion • Best For Arts, Dining, And Sunset Strolls
Vibrant sand meeting galleries, restaurants, and tide pools.
Laguna's iconic Main Beach offers something for every mood: people-watch at the vintage Beach House, browse art galleries uphill, or explore the tide pools at Shaw's Cove. Summer brings festival crowds, but mornings are magical for solo walks. The palm-lined esplanade is perfect for sunset strolls before dinner in town.