Doheny State Parks on the Beach - Guide to Doheny State Beach

Doheny State Beach in Orange County California (Near City of Dana Point)

Doheny State Beach, protected as part of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, is a beach on the Pacific coast of Orange County, in Dana Point, Southern California. The beach is a popular surf spot located at the mouth of San Juan Creek, which flows from the Santa Ana Mountains southwest to the beach, where it forms a fresh-water lagoon. It is also one of the most polluted beaches in Southern California.

Recreation in Doheny State Beach

Doheny State Beach is two parks in one - with camping in the southern area (with some campsites only steps away from the beach) and day use in the northern area, where there is a five-acre lawn with picnic facilities and volleyball courts. Surfing is popular, but is restricted to the north end of the beach. Surf fishing is also popular.

The beach covers an area of 62 acres (250,000 m2) and includes a day use surfing beach at the northern end, as well as campgrounds in its southern area. The beach is one of California's most popular camping grounds and attracts over 850,000 people per year. The beach has tidepools and a visitor center with several aquariums.

Animal and plant life in Doheny State Beach

The beach is home to several types of marine life, such as abalone, anemone, several types of sea bass, crabs, the common dolphin, harbor seal, kelp, California moray, sea urchin, octopus, stingrays, several varieties of sharks (including the Great White), as well as many other marine life. Several types of birds also live at the beach such as brown pelican, great blue heron, snowy egret, and several other species.

Location of Doheny State Beach

Location: Use following Coordinates:33°27'39"N 117°40'41"W in a GPS for exact locations. The beach is on Del Obispo/Dana Harbor Drive, approximately one mile north of I-5 and about three miles from San Juan Capistrano Mission. Doheny Park can be reached at 949-496-6172. Wi-Fi is located at the Doheny SB Snack Bar.

Here is a detailed list of other state beaches of California besides Doheny State Beach.