Salt Creek Beach, Dana Point

Salt Creek Beach is a pretty beach with a 1km walking path on the cliffs and a gigantic sloped lawn. You park above it and then walk down a road with gorgeous eucalyptus trees, through a tunnel with a coral reef mural, to a large lawn overlooking the sea. People have fun playing ball or sitting on benches here. There is not much shade anywhere. Italianate mcmansions line the park on the north side and the Ritz-Carlton hotel is on the south side on a hill, barely visible- a paved path leads up to it.

You can walk along a great walking path above the beach, admiring the flowers and views. The path goes from the golf course tunnel in the north to a little park at the bottom of the cliff in the south.
A snack shop perched near the sand, called Young's Beach Shack, is a nice spot to sit at a table and take in the vibe. The beach itself has mineral-streaked sand, giant kelp balls, driftwood, and other fun things to explore.
While you're in the area, check out the Rapunzel Tower at Victoria Beach, a romantic spot. It is a nine minute drive north.
After, have a cup of coffee on Street of the Amber Lantern, in the Dana Point Lantern District, at Bear Coast Coffee or Maison Cafe, enjoying the hip, modern architecture around you- both have outdoor seating. The Shwack Beach Grill has outdoor seating on the street corner. Penelope Pots is a cute florist store to browse.The Lantern District is a few blocks back from the cliffs overlooking the harbor, so you can combine your meal with a romantic sunset walk to Dana Point Harbor Overlook. This area is a seven minute drive south from Salt Creek Beach.
Another nice beach with a fun scene, seventeen minutes drive south, is T-Street Beach and Pier. It has aquamarine water for swimming, and a long pier with cafes at the base of it.

Directions

Salt Creek Beach Park is located at 33333 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629. There are two large parking lots and you pay $1 at a machine. You don't need to remember your license plate number, but just put the ticket on your dashboard.
Young's Beach Shack is open 7am to sunset, daily.

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