Dana Strands Beach — Attraction in Dana Point

Dana Strand Beach has been our go-to summer spot since the 1990s. Its pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and serene atmosphere make it the perfect destination for a relaxing day by the ocean. Our family loves spending time here, whether it's soaking up the sun, playing in the waves, or taking leisurely walks along the shoreline.

One of our favorite traditions is enjoying lunch at the nearby Ritz Carlton after a fun-filled morning at the beach. The luxury and quality of the Ritz Carlton dining experience never disappoints, providing a delightful contrast to the casual beach vibe. The stunning views from the Ritz, coupled with their exquisite cuisine, create unforgettable family memories.

Dana Strand Beach is also great for walking, jogging, and exercising. The long stair steps at both ends of the beach offer a fantastic workout with a view. This combination of natural beauty and physical activity makes our visits even more enjoyable.

Dana Strand Beach holds a special place in our hearts, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenient amenities. It's a cherished destination for our family, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic...

This is my favorite beach!

The second one is the Manhattan Beach stretch, but a bit more crowded and touristy.

It is so clean!

Not crowded. Quiet and peaceful.

Good views. Surfers. Cool!

Plenty of Bathrooms. A few particular locations are clean and nice!

Easily spend your whole day here and not feeling overwhelmed.

It's a bit of a walk from the parking lot through the million dollar homes neighborhood to the beach itself, but it's not a problem since it's a very good form of exercise. The flight of stairs is a plus. The view from the parking lot is already awesome!

Well maintained walkway, bathrooms, parking lot, beach, and things in general. Thank you so much!

Hahaha. Doesn't smell like pee and dirtiness like many big and famous beaches along the coast.

Parking is free if you go to the right lot.

Bring flip flops so you can walk barefoot on sand. The water is clean and cool, cold, warm depending on the day of the year. Just an...

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...