The most-used beach in Dana Point, just south of the harbour. A long flat stretch of sand with a grassy picnic area, a small lagoon at the San Juan Creek mouth, and a campground that draws a regular summer crowd. The water is shallow and the waves are small, which makes Doheny ideal for beginners, families, and longboarders.
Day-use parking is $15 (cash); arriving early on summer weekends is essential. The campground takes reservations six months out and is one of the few drive-in beach campgrounds in coastal Orange County — book very far in advance. There is a small visitor centre with marine-life exhibits near the entrance.