California's Hidden Surfing Haven Is An Orange County Stretch Of Ocean Sand With A Grassy Park And Tide Pools

Mention Orange County, California, and most travelers think of iconic destinations from Disneyland to artsy Laguna Beach. But there's much more to the region. Take the lesser-known community of Dana Point, located about midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Not only is it considered the best place on the entire West Coast to catch a breathtaking "dolphin stampede," but it's also home to one of the county's cleanest stretches of coastline, the low-key Salt Creek Beach. 

Positioned at Dana Point's northern tip, with dramatic bluffs, a wide, grassy park sloping down to the sea, and ocean waves popular with surfers, the mile-long Salt Creek Beach is a favorite among locals. Add in a waterfront basketball court, picnic tables, spectacular sunset views, and tide pools rich with marine wildlife — ideal for children to play and explore — and you'll understand why the low-key beach park is a big draw for families.

An offshore reef is partly responsible for the surf swells at Salt Creek Beach, and the crashing waves are just as fun for bodysurfing and swimming. Killer Dana Surf Shop rents equipment, including surfboards (from $40 a day), stand-up paddleboards (from $50 a day), wetsuits ($25 a day), and beach chairs and umbrellas (both $10 a day). 

At low tide, head down to the beach to explore the large tide pools that form on the ocean's edge. It's a great spot to wade into the water and observe marine life, bearing in mind that the plants and creatures you'll see are officially protected as part of the Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area. Keep your eyes open for whales, dolphins, and seabirds, too: blue whales and humpback whales follow a migratory path just off the coast. Read more about the best destinations in the world for whale watching, according to experts, which includes several spots in California.

Don't forget your beach blanket and cooler: the spacious beachfront lawn at Salt Creek Park is an unforgettable spot for a sunset picnic. Gelson's Dana Point, an upscale market just up the coast, is a convenient place to pick up food and drinks nearby. Restrooms and outdoor showers are available near the parking lot ($1 per hour for parking), and in warmer weather, you can purchase snacks, drinks, and sunscreen from the park's concession stand.

Luxury hotels like the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach (around $1,000 per night) and the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel (around $1,200 per night) are just a short stroll or drive away. But if you're looking for more affordable lodgings in the area, you'll find budget-friendly options like Dana Point Marina Inn (around $100 per night) near the Dana Point Harbor, just a few miles south of Salt Creek Beach. 

The closest airport is John Wayne Airport (about a 30-minute drive), where you can rent a car, which is convenient for navigating the area. Alternatively, take a 15-minute Uber or Lyft ride to San Juan Capistrano and catch the Pacific Surfliner train north to Los Angeles (about 1 hour and 15 minutes) or south to San Diego (1 hour and 45 minutes), both of which have larger airports.