Welcome to Doheny State Beach!
Doheny State Beach is a widely-known surf spot located in the city of Dana Point. At an estimated one million visitors per year, Doheny had earned it's spot as one of California's most popular state beaches.
Once owned by oil tycoon, Edward L. Doheny, this beach property was donated for public use in 1931 as California's first ever state beach. In 1963, it was officially given the name Doheny State Beach.
Today, this beloved beach offers sweet respite to those seeking surf, sand, and sun - all in one! At its northern end sits a world renowned surfing beach, sand volleyball courts, a tasty dining establishment (Doho Cafe), and a five-acre lawn with picnic facilities for friends and families to gather and enjoy. The southern end of this beach offers a campground boasting stunning views, with some of the campsites only a short walk from the ocean. For those with a hunger for ocean knowledge, this stretch of beach has a tide pool, a visitor center with several aquariums, educational displays, and public programming in the summertime.
General Information
Day Use Fees
- Regular: $15.00 per vehicle
- Senior: $14.00 per vehicle (ages 62+)
- Disabled Day Use: $7.50 per vehicle (Valid CA State Parks Disabled Discount Pass required)
- Oversize: $30.00 per vehicle (25 ft or longer)
- Senior Oversize: $29.00 per vehicle (25 ft or longer)
- Disabled Oversize: $22.50 per vehicle (25 ft or longer)
Summer Weekend and Holiday Fees
(Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend)
*Fees are subject to change on major event days or holidays*
- Regular: $20.00 per vehicle
- Senior: $19.00 per vehicle (ages 62+)
- Disabled Day Use: $10.00 per vehicle (Valid CA State Parks Disabled Discount Pass required)
- Oversize: $40.00 per vehicle (25 ft or longer)
- Senior Oversize: $39.00 per vehicle (25 ft or longer)
- Disabled Oversize: $30.00 per vehicle (25 ft or longer)
Note: In the event of a full park closure, only those vehicles that have a reservation in the campground will gain access to the park. All other vehicles will not be allowed into the park until the closure has been lifted. Day use fees allow for re-entry for that day only, subject to parking availability.
Camping Fees
- Premium Campsite (Beach Side): $65.00 per night
- Standard Campsite: $50.00 per night
- Extra Vehicle Fee: $15 per night
- Reservation Fee: $8.25 per reservation
- Dump Station Fee: $10 per use
Reservable through Reserve California
$2.00 off per night for Seniors (62+)
This park offers a mix of both RV and tent camp sites.
Passes
The following State Park Passes are accepted at Doheny State Beach:
- California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass
- Golden Bear Pass
- Limited Use Golden Bear Pass (not valid Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day)
- Disabled Discount Pass
- Distinguished Veteran Pass
- California State Parks Library Pass (must have Library hang tag)
Doheny State Beach is located on Del Obispo/Dana Harbor Drive, approximately one mile north of I-5 and about four miles from San Juan Capistrano Mission.
Physical Address:
25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA, 92629
Surfing
Doheny is a world renowned surf spot along the California coast. “Down Doheny Way” was memorialized in the Beach Boys’ 1963 hit song "Surfin’ USA". The consistent surf break at the north end of the park makes Doheny a great place for surfing, beginner or experienced. Not ready to tackle the waves just yet? No problem! Adventure can be found just sitting on the sand, spectating as longboarders dance on the waves!
Visitor Center & Aquarium
The Doheny State Beach Visitor Center features year-round educational displays. There’s plenty to see: a tide pool, 5 ocean environment tanks with critters found in each area, mounted displays of the mammals and birds that call Doheny home and much more. Don't miss out!
Visitor Center Hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm daily
Camping
This State Beach offers a mix of RV and tent campsites, ranging from $50 - $65 per night! Experience the beauty of Doheny overnight with friends and family, staying just steps from the ocean.
Check availability and make a reservation at Reserve California.
Accessibility
This park has picnic tables, outdoor showers and restrooms that are wheelchair accessible. Enjoy delicious beachside cuisine from Doho Cafe, enjoy the view of the water from the palapa (via a wooden boardwalk), or discover something new in the Doheny State Beach Visitor Center & Aquarium - all wheelchair accessible!
Multi-Use Trail
There is a paved beachside trail at Doheny State Beach that allows for visitors to walk, run, bike, skate, scooter, and more!
Please note that non-human powered equipment, with few exceptions, are subject to restriction on Orange Coast District Trails. Please see District Superintendent's Posted Order No. 925-23-14 for full details.
Along the paved trail, enjoy the paintings of the marine wildlife that live along our coastline. The Doheny Whale Walk is made up of life size paintings of the whales that swim passed our shores. It’s located on the asphalt promenade between the green lawn of the park and the sand, stretching from the lifeguard headquarters tower to the Dana Point Harbor breakwater. The Whale Walk is maintained by the Doheny State Beach Foundation.
Birding
The park provides habitat and nesting ground to birds such as black-crowned night herons, ruby-crowned kinglets, and snowy egrets, while black-bellied plovers and sanderlings darting across the sand.
Enjoy a beach sunset around the bonfire with friends and family any time of year! Doheny State Beach offers bonfire rings year-round, every day from 6:00am - 10:00pm. Unless reserved with a picnic area through our Special Events Department, all fire rings are first-come, first-served.
Fire Rings: Bonfires are only allowed within California State Park designated fire rings. All fire rings are first-come, first-served, unless reserved with a picnic area through our Special Events Department. Makeshift firepits are strictly prohibited.
Grills: Pedestal park BBQ grills (charcoal) are available in certain areas throughout the park on a fire-come, first-served basis unless reserved with a picnic area through our Special Events Department. You may bring your own propane grill but it must be at least 18" off the ground. Propane grills can be put anywhere on the beach behind the line of Lifeguard Towers.
Alcohol: Alcoholic beverage consumption PROHIBITED, unless approved through a Special Events Permit through our Special Events Department. Violators are subject to citation and possible dismissal from the park (CCR T14 4326).
Party Items: Balloons and piñatas type items are prohibited. Please help us keep our space clean and our wildlife safe from mistaking these items for food.
Tents: No enclosed tents. All tents must be open on at least one side.
Dogs: Pets are NOT allowed on the sand or in the water, with the exception of service animals. Pets ARE allowed on the multi-use trail and parking lots so long as they are on a leash and under control.
RVs: Pop-outs/awnings are not allowed. Each parking space must be available for a paid parked vehicle at all times. If bringing an RV, you must be inside it or on the beach at any given time.
Oversized Vehicles: All vehicles must be properly parked at all times in accordance with governing regulations and bear in mind that Department personnel may specify the arrangement of your recreational equipment at any time.
Drones: The use of powered unmanned aircraft, drones, or other remote controlled aerial devices is prohibited within the park's boundaries. Use for filming may be requested under a California film permit.
Vending/Concessions: The vending and selling of items, food, or services within park boundaries is prohibited without a permit or contract with the State.
Inflatable Rafts: Non-U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation devices such as inflatable floats, boats, pool toys, tubes, rafts, and loungers are prohibited.
A full list of Orange Coast District Posted Orders is available here: District Superintendent's Posted Order No. 925-23-14
General Information: For general information, you may call our Recorded Information Line. For questions, please call our District Phone or send us an email.
- Recorded Information: (949)496-6171
- District Phone: (949)492-0802
- Email (General Questions): doheny@parks.ca.gov
- Park Pass Information: (949)670-8276
Educational Programming: We are currently not hosting any educational public programming. Please check back soon!
Special Events, Picnic Reservations & Filming: For all activities that fall outside the scope of a normal beach day, please contact our Special Events Department.
- Denise.Estrada@parks.ca.gov
- Doheny.Events@parks.ca.gov
- (949)496-3617
Camping Reservations: To reserve a campsite at Doheny, please contact Reserve California.
- Reserve California
- Phone: 1-800-444-7275
Doheny State Beach Foundation
The Doheny State Beach Foundation (DSBF) is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the beauty and history of Doheny State Beach. Through fundraising, educational programs, and environmental conservation, DSBF works to protect this cherished California park. View their website to see how they support efforts to maintain the beaches, wildlife, and cultural heritage that make Doheny State Beach a special place for all to enjoy.
Doho Cafe
Enjoy amazing views of the Pacific Ocean while you enjoy delicious food and refreshments at Doho Cafe in one of Southern California’s best surfing destinations.
City of Dana Point
The City of Dana Point manages the Orange County Dana Point Harbor and property outside of the jurisdiction of Doheny State Beach.
The Holidays Delivered
Camp Trailer Rentals
LUV-2-CAMP, LLC
Camp Trailer Rentals
Lifeguard Services
Doheny State Beach aquatic safety is provided by the California State Parks Lifeguard Service. Lifeguards patrol the beach year-round while lifeguard towers are staffed roughly Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Doheny State Beach Foundation
The Doheny State Beach Foundation (DSBF) is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the beauty and history of Doheny State Beach. Through fundraising, educational programs, and environmental conservation, DSBF works to protect this cherished California park. View their website to see how they support efforts to maintain the beaches, wildlife, and cultural heritage that make Doheny State Beach a special place for all to enjoy.
Doho Cafe
Discover the taste of Doheny State Beach!
Enjoy amazing views of the Pacific Ocean while you dine at Doho Cafe in one of Southern California’s best surfing destinations. Offering great food, refreshing beverages, and even live entertainment, there is a little something for everyone!
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