Salt Creek Beach Dana Point, California Day Trip

Salt Creek Beach is situated in Dana Point, California. It has been a popular spot for surfing since the 1940s. Salt Creek Beach is popular with locals, out-of-town guests, sunbathers, and surfers. The beach also attracts guests from two five-star resorts: the Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Hotel. Guests can be shuttled to the beach on electric golf carts or walk down the paved trail to the sand. Salt Creek Beach is a fantastic location to spend a day soaking up the California sun, sand, and ocean.

The Beach at Salt Creek

Salt Creek Beach is approximately one mile long, flanked by Monarch Bay Beach to the north and Strand Beach to the south. It is located in one of the most affluent areas of Orange County, with multi-million dollar homes perched on the bluff above the beach. The expansive beach provides ample space to set up an umbrella and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. A prime spot to watch surfers is next to the lifeguard tower on the point. You can easily walk south to Strand Beach, but heading north past Monarch Bay Beach is only possible at low tide.

Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach

Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach is ideal for picnics, relaxation, and enjoying the view. Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis, making it perfect for a beach picnic. Gas grills are permitted in Bluff Park. However, personal barbecues of any type, including charcoal, electric, gas, and hibachi, are not allowed on the sand. This is to ensure the safety of all visitors and protect the environment. A paved trail runs along the bluff and under the Pacific Coast Highway, connecting to Salt Corridor Regional Park. The trails end at Niguel Road, but with a little street navigation, you can meet up with Aliso Creek Trail at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park.

Young’s Beach Shack Salt Creek Beach

Young’s Beach Shack replaced Salt Creek Zack’s Salt Creek snack bar in 2023. Young’s is more upscale than Zack’s but replicates a beach concession located at Salt Creek from the 1940s through the ’60s. It offers beautiful ocean views with several tables and bar-type seating facing the beach. Young’s opens at 7 am and closes at sunset. The line can get long on busy days, but it’s worth the wait. Visit website.

Salt Creek Beach History

In the past, driving your car down a dirt road and parking next to the beach was possible. I fondly remember my dad doing this as a child. When the construction of Dana Point Harbor began in the late 1960s, road access to Salt Creek was cut off. To visit the beach today, park in a large parking lot next to Pacific Coast Highway and then hike down the steep road. The original beach road’s path can still be seen from the snack bar to the lifeguard tower.

Where is Salt Creek Beach

Salt Creek Beach is situated at the Pacific Coast Highway and Ritz Carlton Drive intersection, about six miles from the San Diego freeway on Crown Valley Parkway. All vehicle parking is metered. The self-service option allows you to pay by cash or credit card. You can also hike or bike to the beach along the Salt Creek trail.

Salt Creek Nearby Points of Interest

Dana Point Headlands

A path along the seawall connects Salt Creek to Strand Beach and the Dana Point Headlands. From there, you can hike through the Dana Point Headlands Nature Preserve. On a clear day, you can see Oceanside to the south, Laguna Beach to the north, and northwest to Catalina Island.

Dana Point Harbor

Dana Point is a picturesque coastal town situated in Southern California. It was originally named Bahia Capistrano in the late 1700s and was an important port for sailors journeying between San Diego and Santa Barbara. Today, Dana Point Harbor is a well-liked tourist spot that provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, shopping, dining options, and various accommodations.

Laguna Beach, California

Laguna Beach is the perfect day trip destination. It is part sleepy beach town and part thriving art colony. This Orange County beach town has everything for those who want a relaxing getaway and some fun in the California sun. When the locals are not surfing, sunbathing, or playing volleyball on the white sandy beaches, they enjoy attending various art events.

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