Dana Point Less Discovered

Orange County’s coastline is famous for its bountiful beauty, sublime sunsets, and beautiful beaches. Make Dana Point basecamp for taking it all in stride. From long walks and secret beach hops, to camping on the sand, here’s your quick guide to some of Dana Point’s outdoor delights.

Week: 09.07.2022
Regions: Southern CA

Getting Salty

Hike to Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point Southern California

Orange County
Dog Friendly, Hikes, Bike Rides, Water
Two people walking towards Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point Orange County
Two people walking along a path next to Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point Southern California
Long walks on the beach are great, but what about long walks to the beach? This 7.7-mile (round-trip) to the beautiful Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point is one of the best in Orange County.
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Enter to Win this Central Oregon Vacation

Experience Sunriver Resort and Go on a Culinary Adventure

Points Beyond
Overnight Escapes, Relaxing, Hikes
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couple hiking in Central Oregon
Couple hugging in Central Oregon
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Stranded in Dana Point

Orange County "Secret" Beach: Dana Point Strand

Orange County
Water, Relaxing, Hikes
The key to finding an uncrowded beach in Orange County? Be willing to hike! Dana Point’s Strand lies beneath a protected coastal promontory called the Headlands, surrounded by rocky bluffs and elegant homes.
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Down Doheny Way

Camping at Doheny State Beach

Orange County
Water, Overnight Escapes, Dog Friendly, Relaxing
For the best beach camping in SoCal, come down Doheny way, where everybody’s gone surfin’, surfin’ USA! Doheny State Beach, that is, situated on 62 acres of coastline in Dana Point, and California’s first official state beach. Though immortalized in the Beach Boys’ 1963 hit, the
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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

Your Inbox to the Outdoors

Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.

Trending Stories NorCal

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    Barnabe Bonanza

    Sure, there are higher mountains in Marin (Mount Tam) and easier ascents (Mount Burdell), but is there a more expansive North Bay view? Barnabe Peak in Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers a glorious panorama including Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, and Mount St. Helena.

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  2. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

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  3. Cheers to Chimney

    If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

    Lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.

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  2. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

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  3. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

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