This was the highlight of my visit in Dana Point. Priceless beautiful views of the ocean, beaches,…read moreDana Point Harbor, and lushes landscapes. There's four conservation parks which makes the nearly 64 acres of the headlands. Will take approximately about an hour to two hours of completion to walk the trails. You'll come across scenic overlooks, beach access, and the Nature Interpretive Center. Glad we came on a breezy day and not have the sun beaming on us. We took lots of pictures with ocean and beach background setting. Beware of rattlesnakes and mice as signs are posted up along the trails, but we didn't encounter them. If you are in Dana Point, put this on your list of sights to see.

The educational center wasn't open yet, but there were open bathrooms in the back. The path is soft…read moredirt and would need to walk single file. There are a few benches and beautiful views. Just keep in mind it ends in a different gate area and it's a longer walk back if you don't reverse and go back to where you started. The gate does close at sunset, so don't get stuck in there!!

This hike is moderate because it is short. It's about a mile round trip but the stairs can be…read morebrutal, especially if you are short. The views are worth it. There is only bench at the top.

this was steeper than I expected but so rewarding at the top! it's a short hike with lots of…read moreelevation, definitely got my heart rate up. there's a bench at the top where you can catch your breath while admiring views of the coastline + nearby golf course!

This is a beautiful area! Overlooking a beach, this grassy slope is an excellent park for picnics,…read morechats, and fresh air. There is ample parking and a walking path.

My friends and I visited the Salt Creek Beach Park located at Dana Point. It's a favorite spot for…read morebeginner surfers. We saw almost a dozen surfers enjoying the water today. It is also a favorite spot for people to walk their dogs as long as as they keep their dogs on leash and away from the beach. Personally I always enjoyed the Salt Creek Beach Park. It has a large green slope facing the ocean, less crowded and not as commercial as the tourist hot-spot Laguna Beach. I saw on the beach a pond that flows into the ocean. I couldn't help but wonder whether it is the namesake Salt Creek I never found before. Whether it is or isn't, I had a great time today.

Oops my secret is out! This is probably one of my most favorite spot to go for a walk or a mini…read morehike! Even better, if you're there when it's sunny because the ocean views are breathtaking!! This is also dog friendly since there are poop bags provided at intermittent part of the trail. Please keep in mind that this is in a neighborhood so there will be houses really close to the trail (almost like we're in their backyard) and private property that you can't enter. There are signs to guide you so just stick to the signs and you'll be ok.

Hidden gem in LN. Quick hike around the area to the park area to see the interesting…read moregeology/history. Hike also wraps around the mountain side, giving you a view of the ocean.

I love here! Is amazing! But let me know if you did the thousands stairs going back to your car ‍‍…read more https://maps.apple/p/CBNPZj5qqIP6zz

Thousand Steps Beach is gorgeous and the cave makes it totally worth all of the steps down to it…read more There are only about 219 steps (not a thousand). The steps are no joke though. They are pretty steep and concrete. I wouldn't recommend them for little kids. Make sure you go at low tide. They close the cave area when the tide comes in. The cave is on the far left side of the beach. You have to go over rocks to get there. It can be slippery. There were lifeguards on duty. It's so fun to explore inside the cave. We parked on PCH. There is no parking lot. I definitely recommend going in the morning. It's hard to find parking if you try to go in the afternoon/evening on a weekend/holiday. There is a crosswalk and stoplight at 9th Ave. to cross PCH and then the entrance is right there. There is a bathroom, but it is the typical beach bathroom--not very clean. There's a volleyball net on the left side of the beach. There are no restaurants/cafes. Bring whatever you want with you.

Kinda peaceful; kinda not crowded. Kinda perfect, right?…read more Popped over here after doing a little stroll around the harbor, up Cove Road, and then up. The only thing that would make this little park/trail area better is if it opened earlier. I'd love to be able to catch the sunrise over the city from here, but it doesn't "open" until 7:00am. 2026: 12/100

The access is kind of hidden, located across from the Cannons restaurant. Look for the stairs…read moreascending to the top of the hill. This is a great observation point where you can see Catalina and San Clemente Island. Once up the steps follow the path. There are three to choose from and the the one that heads toward the ocean has another stairway to descend to the street. Nice information plaques gives you some history of earlier Indians that were there in villages in Dana Point, Oceanside and Lake Elsinore. Good walk with good views!

Beautiful! The way it was easy but I found the way back more challenging haha probably because I…read morewas tired. The sky was beyond beautiful the day I went and it is now a core memory. Towards the end, there were beautiful wildflowers that I was not able to capture due to low storage on my phone :|

Great trail! We came out on a Sunday, and we were shocked that it wasn't too crowded! We saw plenty…read moreof bikers, runners, walkers, and a good amount of dogs! Definitely a dog friendly trail. This area was nice because there was a larger loop, but many trails within that loop where you could branch off to another trail. We did las Ramblas to the patriot trail, with the flag on top. I would say this is a very easy hike, but beautiful scenery!