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

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

High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

Rp1.682.400
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beach Bus Tour from Anaheim

Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

Rp1.665.576
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim
Laguna Beach Stand Up Paddle Activity

Laguna Beach Stand Up Paddle Activity

Rp1.598.280
per adult
Laguna Beach Stand Up Paddle Activity
Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings

Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings

Rp1.598.280
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings
Full Day Private San Diego Tour from Dana Point

Full Day Private San Diego Tour from Dana Point

Rp3.390.204
per adult
Full Day Private San Diego Tour from Dana Point
Electric Bike Rentals in Dana Point

Electric Bike Rentals in Dana Point

Rp1.009.272
per adult
Electric Bike Rentals in Dana Point
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 Rp13.407.200 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
Rp13.407.200
Rp16.107.074 total
2 Mar - 3 Mar
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 Rp2.329.501 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
Rp2.329.501
Rp2.590.289 total
12 Mar - 13 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! (3,111 reviews)
Great spacious room and very clean

Reviewed on 28 Feb 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
The price is Rp2.781.994 per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
Rp2.781.994
Rp3.204.717 total
13 Mar - 14 Mar
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! (1,001 reviews)
Everything ab this place felt grand!! Loved it

Reviewed on 26 Feb 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 Rp2.601.649 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
Rp2.601.649
Rp2.866.887 total
21 Mar - 22 Mar
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,529 reviews)
Very nice place. The staff was very nice.

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport
MainStay Suites John Wayne Airport by Choice Hotels

MainStay Suites John Wayne Airport by Choice Hotels

2.5 out of 5
2701 Hotel Terrace Santa Ana CA
The price is Rp1.521.070 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
Rp1.521.070
Rp1.721.775 total
9 Mar - 10 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Ana. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,658 reviews)
Overall good but it’s time for a remodel. The toilets are so short built for toddlers!! Wallpaper in bathroom starting to peel. The blankets were shabby unraveling on edges and the curtains were torn both need to be replaced It was clean and friendly employees and breakfast was nice I think it was ...

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

MainStay Suites John Wayne Airport by Choice Hotels
Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG

3 out of 5
2726 S Grand Ave Santa Ana CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.569.584 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
Rp1.569.584
Rp1.776.690 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Ana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,251 reviews)
Rooms were old.

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG
See all 3,806 properties in Monarch Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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