Doheny State Beach

Update (March 5, 2021): With the Regional Stay at Home Order lifted, State Parks is reopening campground sites for existing reservation holders. The department will be using a phased approach to reopen other campground sites for new reservations, starting January 28. The public is advised that not all campground sites are open to the public due to the pandemic, wildfire impacts and other issues. Additionally, group campsites remain closed. Day use outdoor areas of park units currently open to the public remain open.

As State Parks increases access to the State Park System, it is critical that Californians continue to recreate responsibly in the outdoors as the pandemic is far from over.

Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and the COVID-19 guidelines for this park unit.

What is open now?

Day-use and beach access.
All day-use parking lots are open.
Filming permits.

What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
At this park:

All camping facilities.
Visitor Center/aquarium.
In-park interpretation and education programs.
Reservations for group day-use facilities.
Special Events.

Statewide:

Some park units and campground sites continue to be temporarily closed due to the pandemic, impacts from wildfires or other issues. Please visit the webpage of your local outdoor destination to find out if it is open.
High public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
Special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.

Are there any new visitor guidelines?
State Parks has implemented the following guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors:

Stay Local: Stay close to home during this pandemic period. If you or anyone in your household is feeling sick, please remain at home and plan your trip for another time.
Plan Ahead:
- The ongoing pandemic response continues to be dynamic and fluid. Prior to leaving home, check the webpage of your outdoor destination you plan to visit to find out if it is open, if parking is available, and what visitor guidelines are in effect.
- Learn what safety precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- SNO-PARKS: Make sure your vehicle is snow ready. A permit is required for each vehicle parked at a SNO-PARK site. Parking is on a first come, first-serve basis at all SNO-PARK sites. The public is advised that parking lots are filling up early in the day. Illegal parking is prohibited. More information can be found at ohv.parks.ca.gov/SNOPARKS.
Stay Safer at Six Feet: No matter the recreational activity, maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Your guests should only include those within your immediate household. This means no guests or friends, and no gatherings or parties. If there are too many people to maintain the required physical distance, please visit us on a different day.
- Boating: Do not raft up to other boaters or pull up onto a beach next to other recreators.
- Off-highway Vehicle Recreation: Do not ride next to others or pull up next to someone else as it could put you in close proximity to others. Stage 10 feet or more from each other during unloading and loading.
Keep Clean: Be prepared as not all services may be available. Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer. Please pack out all trash. Park units are experiencing heavy use and you can help alleviate the impact on park facilities.
Stay Covered: The state requires you to wear a face covering when you cannot maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Individuals must have a face covering with them at all times.

Although law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public is responsible for adhering to the advice of public health officials, visitor guidelines and closures.

California State Parks continues to work with local and state officials on a phased and regionally driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved. However, the situation remains fluid and park operations can change at any time. For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.

Campground Notice: The popular beachfront campground at Doheny State Beach will be temporarily closed from November 1, 2020 through May 30, 2021 for the second phase of the park’s potable water, waste-water and recycled irrigation water rehabilitation project. This long-awaited deferred maintenance project will complete the remaining portions of the critical water and sewer infrastructure replacement and rehabilitation work started earlier this year, as well as the installation of a recycled water irrigation system that will provide responsible and efficient watering of the park unit’s expansive turf areas in the North Day Use and picnic sites. California State Parks appreciates your patience and understanding as we complete these significant infrastructure improvements designed to service the water and wastewater demands of this favored coastal campground and spacious park areas for many years to come.

Phone Number

(949) 496-6171

Max. Trailer Lengths

Trailer: Up to 35 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: Up to 35 Feet

Park Hours

6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Everyday

Dogs Allowed?

Yes
Except for service animals, dogs not allowed on beaches.

Driving Directions to Doheny SB

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.

View on Map

Camping and Lodging

Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.

Online Reservations

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
En route Campsites
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
RV Dump Station
RV Access

TRAIL USE
Bike Trails
Hiking Trails

DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching

OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Food Service
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible

In an effort to protect public health and the safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff as the state responds to the continued threat of COVID-19, California State Parks is temporarily closing the District Office, Sector Offices and Visitor Centers within the Orange Coast District. While we are not directly affected by COVID-19, we are monitoring the situation carefully and are committed to being responsive and following California Governor’s updated policy on social gatherings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The parks will remain open for Day Use and Camping. We recognize the importance of visiting all the parks and beach within Orange Coast District represents an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy fresh air with family and friends and escape from our daily routines. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause your visit. We thank you for your patience, trust and continued support. We’d also like to thank our volunteers and staff for their commitment and dedication as public servants through these challenging circumstances. For the most up-to-date information, please follow our Facebook page California State Parks – Orange Coast District.

#DohenyStateBeach

Doheny State Beach is located in the city of Dana Point, California and is one of California's most popular state beaches and attracts almost one million visitors per year. Doheny has a day use surfing beach at its northern end and a five-acre lawn with picnic facilities and volleyball courts.

The southern end of the state beach has campgrounds, with some of the campsites only steps away from the beach. The state beach has tide pools and a visitor center with several aquariums. Surf fishing is also popular among visitors.

The beach property was donated by oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny for public use in 1931 and was California's first state beach. It was official named Doheny State Beach in 1963.

Surfline provides an internet source of beach weather and surf reports, including live streaming video feeds, and is Proud Partner of California State Parks.

Additional Visitor Services

LUV-2-CAMP, LLC (Camp trailer tentals)
Wheel Fun Rentals (Beach stand and rentals)

Location - Directions
Doheny State Beach is at 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA, 92629, approximately one mile north of I-5 and about three miles from the San Juan Capistrano Mission.

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.

Lifeguard Program Supervisor:
Mark Allen LGSII
mark.allen@parks.ca.gov