SoCal Prime - Doheny State Park, Dana Point CA

When most people think of Orange County California usually the first thing that comes to mind is Laguna Beach, an upscale high fashion crowned jewel of the Pacific Coast in which movie stars reside and hit TV reality shows are born. Laguna is without a doubt one of the counties prime examples of SoCal's finest, an aesthetically pleasing physical location and destination where Celluloid Celeb's can be seen and photographed as they stroll down the sidewalks shopping and perusing the world famous boutiques and dining on exquisite cuisine prepared by top notch Chef's. But just a short distance to the north lays one of her lesser known yet equally beautiful sisters, Doheny State Beach.

Donated by Edward L. Doheny in 1931, it's situated within the immaculately maintained Doheny State Park, a beautiful 62 acre swath of ocean side property conveniently located between Laguna Beach and Corona Del Mar, Doheny is perfectly positioned to serve the community as one of the areas "utility" beaches. It's not a "model" beach like some others in the area, or a place to just photograph and admire from afar without disturbing the landscape, Doheny is a place where surfers can surf, campers can camp, and kids of all ages can roust about in the sand and waves until their hearts content. Just about any beach activity you can think of can be found here.

While the park is used for many different functions & outdoor activities it still somehow manages to maintain a relatively peaceful and to a certain degree serene setting. The center of the park is where most of the activities take place like surfing, vollyball, & frisbee, but if you walk around the outskirts or boundaries you will discover small pockets of indigenous marine wildlife resting, eating, and even nesting in secluded micro sanctuaries. These pockets become more visible and accessable to observe and photograph when the ocean recedes during low tide and small salt water wading pools are revealed. These santcuaries are perfect for birds and other smaller sized wildlife to congregate, rest, and bathe. A pit stop before taking flight and moving on to their next destination

If your a pet owner a fair balance has been struck regarding dogs, according to the official web site they are allowed on the camp grounds and picnic area as long as they are leashed at all times, but they are not allowed on the beach itself. So remember if you plan on bringing your dog please don't forget the leash to avoid an unnecessary inconvenience. When it's time to cool off you can do so with confidence, there are lifeguard stations with a 360 degree view of the entire beach so you and the kids can swim or body surf with peace of mind knowing well trained rescue personal are constantly scanning the beach to ensure your safety and prevent any potential incidents or accidents.

There's something for everyone at Doheny Beach and the activity of your choice awaits, even if that activity is just pulling up a lounge chair with your feet splashing in the water while soaking up the warm golden California sunshine. Doheny is just an all around fun place to spend some quality time with friends or family. A great day trip for Southern Californian's and an outstanding get away destination for out of state snowbirds.

Amenities / Things to do

• Barbeque
  
• Biking
  
• Body Surfing
  
• Camping ( Check Fee Schedule )
  
• Hiking
  
• Jogging
  
• Picnic Tables
  
• Snack Bar
  
• Surfing
  
• Swimming
  
• Volleyball
  
• Walking

Nearby Attractions / Overview

Needless to say Doheny State Park & Beach is one of Orange Counties premier locations and destinations for both Californian's and Snowbirds from all over the world who wish to escape colder climates, a 1 mile stretch of picturesque Pacific Ocean which is typical SoCal yet totally unique as all west coast beaches are. Within a short drive or walking distance to some of SoCal's Prime tourist attractions, shopping venues, and resaurants. Laguna Beach just to the south and Newport Beach to the north, both are home to a boutique lovers bonanza. If your looking for a new set of silverware, hand made crafts, a work of art by your favorite or local painter, or even the most rare of antiques, chances are it can be found here. As an extra added attraction if your a people watcher or admirer of the celeb scene, the only other place on earth I can think of where there's more celebrities per square mile is Beverly Hills. So if you didn't get the chance to rub elbows or get a glimpse of a famous celebrity at the airport when you arrived, this place may present several opportunites to briefly chat with or shake the hand of your favorite television or movie star. It's not uncommon to walk into any one of a number of quaint shops and cross paths with a high profile personality, even top atheletes from every sport can be found here.

Mission San Juan Capistrano, a short drive to the south is another SoCal prime landmark which is well worth a visit. A place where beautiful indigenous botanical gardens grow throughout the grounds, architectural wonders abound, including alters & places of worship which are open to the public for a unique spiritual experience. This historical site is a must see when visiting. If you plan your visit at just the right time in March you may even get the chance to watch one of natures most incredible sights, the swallows returning home to their mission after a long arduous year of migration. The number of attractions and things to do in and around Doheny State Park are virtually infinite. In the future I will publish several more informative articles which will document my personal perspective regarding the SoCal Prime Experience here in the Golden State and the entire West Coast.

Location

Doheny State Park

25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, Ca. 92629

*Adjacent to Laguna Beach on Pacific Coast Highway ( PCH )*

•  All photos courtesy of my personal experience collection