Dana Point Headlands Beach
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About Dana Point Headlands Beach in Dana Point, California
Dana Point Headlands Beach is located below the high crumbling cliffs of the Dana Point Headlands. This is a sandy beach covered with rocks and boulders that has excellent tide pools to explore at low tides. Even though there is development all around, this beach feels very remote.
The access to Dana Headlands Beach is behind the Ocean Institute on Dana Point Harbor. Drive to the very end of the harbor road and park near the Dana Point Pier and the Pilgrim Ship replica, then walk past the Institute and cross over the jetty rock pile on a short covered stairway. The beach is not a long walk from wherever you parked.
If you are willing to walk on rocks, you could venture west away from the sandy areas to where a home hangs over the cliff on the route to Dana Point proper. From there it’s possible to walk on the rocks and ledges over to Dana Strand Beach. Along this route you’ll find the Dana Point Caves to explore, but go at low tide to stay dry and be safe.
A better hike is nearby on top of the headlands where the Bluff Trail starts at the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center. To get to this trail, drive up Cove Road from the pier parking lot, then turn left and drive Green Lantern to the end.
- Address
- 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629 - Park Name
- Dana Point Headlands Conservation Park, Headlands Nature Park, Dana Point Marine Conservation Area, Dana Point Preserve, Hilltop Conservation Park
- Owner
- City Beach
- Pet Details
- No dogs allowed on the beach
- Fees
- Free parking
- Activities
- Beachcombing, Tidepooling, Hiking
- Amenities
- Tide Pools, Trails, Picnic Tables, Benches, Sea Caves


Nearby Beaches
Dana Point Harbor Beach (Baby Beach)
0.2 miles away
Dana Point Harbor Beach, better-known as “Baby Beach,” is located on the protected waters of Dana Point Harbor. This...
Dana Strand Beach
0.5 miles away
Dana Strand Beach is a public beach at the base of a gated housing development in Dana Point called...
Doheny State Beach – North Beach
1.1 miles away
Doheny State Beach has two separate beaches and day-use areas – north and south. This North Beach is located...
Nearby Attractions
The Pilgrim Ship
0.1 miles away
The Pilgrim is a replica of the original ship that was built in 1825 for shipping back and forth...
Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center
0.2 miles away
The Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center is located on the Dana Point Headlands overlooking the harbor. This center is...
Nearby Lodging
Blue Lantern Inn
0.2 miles away
Sophisticated and charming, Blue Lantern Inn blends the luxury of a small boutique hotel with the amenities of a...
Dana Point Marina Inn
0.6 miles away
Dana Point Marina Inn offers a great location overlooking the Dana Point Harbor and has convenient parking near the...
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