Salt Creek Beach
A picturesque beach park in Dana Point known for its stunning sunsets, picnic-friendly lawns, and surf-worthy waves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Salt Creek Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque beach park in Dana Point known for its stunning sunsets, picnic-friendly lawns, and surf-worthy waves.
"This is a beautiful hidden beach with a large grassy area and amazing sunset views."
🚗 Parking Fee & Walk
Parking costs money and involves a downhill walk. Bring a wagon for easier gear transport back up! :car:
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Ideal for picnics! Bring your own food or try the new restaurant. :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Views
Oceanfront
Mesmerizing sunsets paint the sky, making it a top spot for romantic evenings and stunning photography.
Grassy Picnic Areas
Salt Creek Beach Park
Spacious green lawns with picnic tables and BBQs offer the perfect setting for a relaxed day by the sea.
Surfing & Swimming
Sandy Beach
Enjoy the waves at this popular local surf spot, or take a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Picnic Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fee & Walk
Parking costs money and involves a downhill walk. Bring a wagon for easier gear transport back up! :car:
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Ideal for picnics! Bring your own food or try the new restaurant. :sandwich:
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
One of OC's best sunset spots. Arrive early on weekends for prime viewing. :city_sunset: +1
🐶 Dog-Friendly Park
The park area is dog-friendly, perfect for a day out with your furry friends. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fee & Walk
Parking costs money and involves a downhill walk. Bring a wagon for easier gear transport back up! :car:
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Ideal for picnics! Bring your own food or try the new restaurant. :sandwich:
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
One of OC's best sunset spots. Arrive early on weekends for prime viewing. :city_sunset: +1
🐶 Dog-Friendly Park
The park area is dog-friendly, perfect for a day out with your furry friends. :dog:
🏄♀️ Surf's Up!
A local favorite for surfing. Check the conditions before you go. :surfer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Salt Creek Beach's stunning sunsets and the spacious, well-equipped park area perfect for picnics. While the walk from the parking lot can be a bit steep, many find the beautiful beach and ocean views well worth the effort. Some note that parking can be challenging on busy weekends.
"This is a beautiful hidden beach. You park in a large lot off PCH and take a walk downhill. First you go through a tunnel. On the other side is a large grassy are with picnic tables, BBQ, and a basket ball court. After going down some stairs you will see the snack bar. Off to one side are showers, the other side are the restrooms. The beach is just below. The beach is small and beautiful. They have lifeguards here too. There's BBQ"s on the beach area too. This is a great place to spend the day."
Frank Paulin
"A clean park for picnics, biking, running, basketball, and surfing. The steep climb on the way back with electric golf cart ride options by a local business for $2 in 2025."
Justin Ciampa
"Super clean and beautiful beach that has a large and cheap parking lot. Came here for sunset and it did not disappoint. There is a nice grass hill as well if you do not want to watch the sunset on the grass. The waves were large and the sand very soft. There were lots of people just chilling, walking around, and playing sports."
Shawn Sheng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Salt Creek Beach is located off Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Dana Point. You'll park in a large lot and then walk downhill to the beach.
Parking is available in a large lot, but it can get busy, especially on weekends. There is a fee for parking.
Some reviews mention an electric golf cart ride option for $2 in 2025 to help with the uphill climb back to the parking lot.
The park area adjacent to Salt Creek Beach is dog-friendly, but dogs are generally not allowed on the sandy beach itself.
The walk down to the beach is a paved path, but it is steep. A wagon is highly recommended for hauling gear.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a parking fee to access Salt Creek Beach.
While specific hours aren't always listed, beach parks are typically open from sunrise to sunset. It's best to check local listings for any seasonal changes.
Reddit users have inquired about canopies. While specific rules can change, it's advisable to check local regulations, as some beaches have size restrictions.
Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty at Salt Creek Beach, making it a safer option for swimming.
No, tickets are not required for Salt Creek Beach. Entry is typically handled through parking fees.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour before sunset offers stunning light for photography. Early mornings can also provide beautiful, less crowded shots. +2
You can capture beautiful sunset shots, ocean vistas, surfers, and family picnic scenes. The park area also offers scenic backdrops.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check with the local authorities or park management before flying a drone for aerial photography.
Consider capturing the tunnel leading to the beach, the grassy park with picnic tables, and the surfers catching waves.
Yes, the Ritz Carlton is adjacent to Salt Creek Beach and offers beautiful ocean views that can be incorporated into your photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a snack bar located near the beach, and a new restaurant, Young's Beach Shack, is also available.
Absolutely! Salt Creek Beach Park is a popular spot for picnics, with grassy areas, picnic tables, and BBQs. 
Besides the on-site options, the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is nearby and offers upscale dining with ocean views.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is highly encouraged, especially for picnics.
Yes, BBQ grills are available in the park area and on the beach, making it a great spot for grilling.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The beach itself is suitable for sandcastle building and supervised swimming, with lifeguards on duty for added safety. Be prepared for the walk down to the beach from the parking lot, and consider bringing a wagon to help transport your gear, especially with young children. The park also has a basketball court for some active fun.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Beach Lovers
While the walk from the parking lot can be a bit of an effort, the reward is a beautiful, less crowded beach experience, especially on weekdays. Remember to check surf reports and conditions before you go.
📸 Photographers and Sunset Chasers
Beyond sunsets, the beach and its surroundings offer diverse photographic opportunities, from the coastal landscape to the surfers and the nearby Ritz Carlton. The tunnel leading to the beach also provides a unique framing element for shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Salt Creek Beach Experience: From Park to Shore
Continuing down, you'll encounter amenities like restrooms and showers, conveniently located before the final approach to the beach itself. For those who prefer not to carry their gear the entire way, a wagon or a wheeled cooler is highly recommended due to the uphill trek on the return.
Key Takeaway: The journey to the sand is part of the Salt Creek experience, offering a blend of park amenities and beach access. Planning for the walk back up is crucial for a comfortable visit.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Salt Creek Beach
The adjacent Salt Creek Beach Park also provides excellent backdrops. The expansive green lawns, picnic areas, and the unique tunnel leading to the beach offer creative angles. Photographers can capture families enjoying picnics, individuals strolling along the coast, or the architectural elements of the nearby Ritz Carlton.
For those interested in aerial shots, remember to check local drone regulations before flying. Photography Tips: Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds and secure the best spots for your shots. Experiment with different angles, from the park to the water's edge, to capture the full essence of Salt Creek Beach.
Picnics and Play: Family Fun at Salt Creek Beach
+1 Kids can enjoy playing in the open fields, and the presence of a basketball court adds another element of fun. While the walk down to the beach can be a bit of a trek, especially with little ones and gear, it's manageable with a wagon or a stroller designed for uneven terrain.
Family-Friendly Features: The combination of a picnic-friendly park and a safe beach environment makes Salt Creek a top choice for family outings. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and consider bringing beach toys for added enjoyment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit