Monarch Beach Travel Guide

Dana Point

Green No.3 at Monarch Beach Golf Links, Dana Point, California, USA
Green No.3 at Monarch Beach Golf Links, Dana Point, California, USA
Great mural by local high school students perfectly visualise what this beach is all about. And for a big audience as well: “Each year, about 7 million people pass through the tunnel to the beach.“ Maybe not so secret.. https://www.ocregister.com/2018/03/27/new-mural-with-mystery-surfer-girl-replaces-30-year-old-painting-at-salt-creek-beach-tunnel/
A California sunset, clear skies and the sound of the ocean running over the rocks makes Strand Beach a great stop. #BvSWater #ocean
Commanding views of the Salt Creek beach allowed me to eat my huevos rancheros and watch the dolphins surf alongside the short boarders. I slept really well here, though full surf days help.

Popular places to visit

Having a wonderful time at Salt Creek beach.

Salt Creek Beach Park

Salt Creek Beach Park is just one of the places to see in Dana Point, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the area's beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants.

Salt Creek Beach Park
Aerial view of marina and the city of Dana Point, southern Orange County, California, U.S.A.; Shutterstock ID 52888921

Dana Point Harbor

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Explore the waterfront of Dana Point Harbor and enjoy other activities such as surfing in Dana Point. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Dana Point Harbor
Doheny Beach

Doheny State Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Doheny State Beach during your travels in Dana Point? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Doheny State Beach
Walk with this view.

Ocean Institute

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Ocean Institute during your trip to Dana Point. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Ocean Institute
Salt Creek Dana Point - California Coast

Salt Creek Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Salt Creek Beach during your trip to Dana Point? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Salt Creek Beach
a colorful smooth footpath along the beach with palm trees, vast blue ocean water and lush green plants and trees with blue sky at Dana Strands Beach in Dana Point California

Dana Strands Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Dana Strands Beach during your trip to Dana Point? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Dana Strands Beach

Things to do

Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

฿2,949
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

฿2,285
per adult
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour

Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour

฿2,763
per adult
Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beach Bus Tour from Anaheim

Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

฿3,152
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim
High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

฿3,105
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point
Dolphin & Whale Watching Eco-Safari with Underwater Viewing

Dolphin & Whale Watching Eco-Safari with Underwater Viewing

฿3,105
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Dolphin & Whale Watching Eco-Safari with Underwater Viewing
See all activities in Dana Point

Top hotels in Monarch Beach

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

5 out of 5
1 Monarch Beach Resort Dana Point CA
The price is ฿25,271 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
฿25,271
฿30,360 total
2 Apr - 3 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Dana Point. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (664 reviews)
Not worth the price. Ritz Carlton is far a better option.

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach

Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach

4 out of 5
325 Bristol Street Costa Mesa CA
The price is ฿4,391 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
฿4,391
฿4,882 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Costa Mesa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,130 reviews)
The property was clean

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach
Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel

Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel

4 out of 5
4500 Macarthur Blvd Newport Beach CA
Fully refundable
The price is ฿4,991 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
฿4,991
฿5,749 total
3 Apr - 4 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newport Beach. Enjoy a free airport shuttle, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
Love the renaissance everytime I stay.

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport

Embassy Suites by Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport

3.5 out of 5
2120 Main St Irvine CA
The price is ฿4,896 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
฿4,896
฿5,395 total
2 Apr - 3 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Irvine. Enjoy free breakfast, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,535 reviews)
The room was amazing. Comfortable, perfect size, quite I never heard anyone else. Very nice staff.

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport
Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange Co. Arpt by IHG

Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange Co. Arpt by IHG

3 out of 5
2726 S Grand Ave Santa Ana CA
The price is ฿3,475 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
฿3,475
฿3,933 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Ana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,259 reviews)
The hotel & the rooms were nice clean. Beds were comfy. The breakfast was ok.

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange Co. Arpt by IHG
Pacific Edge Hotel

Pacific Edge Hotel

3 out of 5
647 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA
Stay at this beach hotel in Laguna Beach. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,388 reviews)
Property overall was a little older and run down a bit, they don’t tell you that it is valet parking only, room just felt a little dirty

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

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Pacific Edge Hotel
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Other neighbourhoods around Monarch Beach

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Marquesa

While Marquesa may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Monarch Beach Golf Links and Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas.

Marquesa
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Regatta

While Regatta may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Dana Strands Beach and Ocean Institute.

Regatta
Aerial view looking out over Dana Point Harbor and Baby Beach

Dana Hills

While Dana Hills isn't home to many top sights, Monarch Beach Golf Links and Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas are some notable places to visit nearby.

Dana Hills
Panoramic Aerial View of Dana Point Harbor and PCH, California

Lantern District

If you're spending some time in Lantern District, Heritage Park and Dana Point Preserve are top sights worth seeing.

Lantern District
#SpringFun exploring new places and watching the boats sail in to the harbor

Dana Point Harbor

While visiting Dana Point Harbor, you might make a stop by sights like Dana Point Harbor and Ocean Institute.

Dana Point Harbor
Ruins of Mission San Juan Capistrano in California

Del Obispo

If you're spending some time in Del Obispo, The Coach House and The Sea Caves are top sights worth seeing.

Del Obispo

Monarch Beach Travel Guide