Exploring Beautiful Dana Point
Hello all! This past weekend, my friend Jenny and I decided to venture out to Orange County in search of the perfect beach day. Though things were a little awry in the beginning, I still wanted to share the experience with you all.
Originally, Jenny and I had different plans that we decided to cancel due to the rise of COVID cases in SoCal. And so, I suggested we have a beach day instead.
If you guys don’t know, I actually live blocks away from the beach. However, being home and being unable to really go anywhere has taken its toll so, we decided to head 61 miles away from where I live to Dana Point, Orange County. Neither Jenny and I had been to Dana Point so we said “why not” and went on our way.
After doing a quick Google search, I was set on Salt Creek Beach. This specific beach has a parking lot available and is next to the Ritz Carlton.
Jenny and I stopped a few blocks away at Beach Hut Deli, a deli that sells pretty good sandwiches. Although a little pricy, this franchise is not available in LA County and is a great place to get some food before heading to the beach.
However, when we arrived at the parking lot, it was incredibly packed. After circling the lot for minutes on end, we decided to leave. Luckily, Jenny found another parking lot at another beach only five minutes away and that is how we ended up on Strands Beach.
Lo and behold, not only was the parking lot pretty big, it was completely free. I’ve been to many beaches, but not one quite like Strands Beach.
Once you park, you take a deep set of stairs down into a private residential area with massive houses. Security stands around to make sure you continue down into the beach. The photo above and the cover photo were both taken in the parking lot before you head down to the street.
Next to the houses, there are another few flights of stairs that take you below to the actual beach. When Jenny and I finally arrived made our way down, we were shooketh by how packed it was. It was over 80 degrees so perhaps I shouldn’t have been too surprised.
We struggled with our heavy beach chairs and bags, but finally, we found a spot that we could have all to ourselves.
After setting up camp, we sat for hours talking about life and conspiracy theories. I must say, that Orange County beaches, including Strands Beach, are incredibly beautiful. Though there were many people, we were away from most of them and I felt at ease with my surroundings.
There’s nothing better than exploring a new place or area and spending time with a good friend, especially now when things are not as they used to be. Even though getting to Dana Point and down to Strands Beach was a little hectic, in the end, it was completely worth it.
Things to know before heading to Strands Beach
The Strands Beach parking lot is located at 34116 Selva Rd in Dana Point, CA.
As I said above, parking is completely free!
Keep in mind that the stairs to and from the beach and lot are very steep-pack accordingly.
I did not see any bathrooms available and was unable to use one until I drove to a Rite Aid a few minutes away after we left the beach to buy water.
I recommend getting there early to avoid being unable to find parking and crowds.
Just for reference, the beach I originally wanted to go to, Salt Creek Beach, is located at 33333 Pacific Coast Highway.
They also have a lot but you do have to pay (although Google said the price was very low-$1 an hour but I can’t confirm that).
Other beaches I recommend in Orange County are Newport Beach (near the pier) and my personal favorite, Treasure Island Beach in Laguna.
Newport uses metered parking. Parking for Treasure Island is difficult to find but very much worth it.
