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Love walking around this park with or without dogs. The place is packed just about anytime you visit. It's right near several resorts. So if you have reactive dogs or get overstimulated easily, this place is a no go. Parking easy especially if you have an OC Park pass. Dogs can't access the beach but you can walk around the paved area. There's very little to no shades in and around the park. Sunscreen and hats a must if you burn easily. I wish someone could tell me where on earth I can go that's by the sea in SoCal or otherwise that's not overcrowded all the time. I am just about through with seeing unruly kids or loud talking adults everywhere I go. Asking for a friend.
A little bit of a hike from the paid parking area to the beachside but it's so worth it! If you don't want to get sand in your toes, there's a grassy area you can plop down on. There's also plenty of sand to basque in the sun and two paths if you want to take a stroll.
It's really nice here. Maybe the nicest beach area I have seen. Parking is huge, paid at the machine, and competitive. At busy times its painful to find an open space it seems. And there is no close parking on PCH nearby. The Ritz sits above the beach area. The grassy hill area is very popular. They have beach type restrooms and a popular cafe with tables overlooking the ocean. You can't go wrong coming here just be prepared for a parking nightmare on weekends and holidays.
The trek down to and back up from the Salt Creek Beach and the parking lot was a great hike, but the beautiful sand, reminiscent ocean smell, and picturesque waves with people enjoying the waves and sun were so worthwhile and this beach is super close to the Moulin cafe in Dana Point so it's fun to combine a delicious French meal with an amazing beach visit afterwards! Such a memorable experience... ;)))
This visit I make it down to the beach. I'm sure glad I did. Along the way there's grassy areas, picnic tables, and a basket ball court. Once you take the stairs to beach level there a snack stand. That's a different review. The beach is small and peaceful. They have restrooms, showers. They also have lifeguards. The beach is part of the OC Parks system. This is a hidden gym.
Took my BF on vacation in San Clemente, but I had to take him to the beach, to cool off from the summer heat. Salt Creek beach is my favorite OC beach, great place for a swim or beach picnic . We went on a Monday, so we had the whole beach to ourselves
Whenever we are in Dana Point, we always stop by here to walk the boy, give him some fresh air ( and trees ), check out all the new scents, and stretch his legs ! We've been coming here for years !! It has great views, it's close to the beach, and, actually, has nice clean, well kept bathrooms ! Next time we're here, we'll get some daytime pix !! Cheers !!
Back at our favorite SoCal beach on our last day of our trip. Waves were too big to body surf though cuz da lifeguards were keeping people out of the water... Still a great way to end it!
Beautiful trail on the beach. Get here early to avoid the crowd and it will be so worth it. It's a lovely walk with a bit of an incline but the views are stellar. Parking is $1/hr. I could camp out here for hours just watching the waves. Lots of pretty architecture to look at while you walk too. There's a cute little cafe here too to fuel you while you walk.
Salt Creek Beach Park in Dana Point, part of OC Parks, is a family favorite. With our OC Park Pass, I can easily swipe it and put the parking permit in the car windshield. The kids love it, and it's a special beach that attracts many visitors. Expect big crowds on weekends, which can make parking challenging during peak hours. Overall, it's a fantastic spot for a family day out.
This place was a hidden GEM! Best place to watch sunset, and the parking is only 1 dollar for an hour. Definitely want to be there again
LOVED LOVED LOVED We are doing a socal beach tour for summer this year and this was our first time here. There was so much parking and it was so cheap! $1 an hour and you pay at the toll machine and put the ticket on the dash. Bathrooms were fully stocked and super clean. There is a beautiful park that overlooks the beach and honestly it was stunning, wasn't anticipating that. The beach itself was beautiful as well, it was very busy but peaceful and fun to be at. We made a right at the fork, the left hand side had too many rocks. Water was clear and so clean! Waves are killer so be very cautious saw a few people underestimate the waves and get tossed. BRING YOUR BOARDS and rash guards, this is a surfers playground. There was a big hill down past the park and was quite a hike on the way back up, we did pack a little bit and had our boards so be ready for a workout. Do be careful climbing down the solid path to get onto the beach, we didn't walk far enough to see if there was a slope down into the sand. Unfortunately there were flies everywhere but they seemed to go away as the sun came out. Lifeguards were great and very informative of the tides and actively keeping people safe. This is one of my favorite beaches right now, stay tuned for more reviews of our tour!
Salt Creek Beach park is great for many reasons. People go for the surf or to have fun with the kids on the grass, to listen to live music, for a picnic.... They've shown the movie Endless Summer numerous times, they host OC Summer Concerts and more. Parking is plentiful. (unless you arrive late for a big event!) read more
2 months ago
Parking is a travesty but it's because the park is amazing. 30 minutes to circle around and wait for someone to leave! There's a basketball court, shower for your feet, bar at the bottom on the sand, and benches and tables. read more
My friends and I visited the Salt Creek Beach Park located at Dana Point. It's a favorite spot for beginner 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. read more
Love walking around this park with or without dogs. The place is packed just about anytime you visit. It's right near several resorts. So if you have reactive dogs or get overstimulated easily, this place is a no go. Parking easy especially if you have an OC Park pass. Dogs can't access the beach but you can walk around the paved area. There's very little to no shades in and around the park. Sunscreen and hats a must if you burn easily. I wish someone could tell me where on earth I can go that's by the sea in SoCal or otherwise that's not overcrowded all the time. I am just about through with seeing unruly kids or loud talking adults everywhere I go. Asking for a friend. read more
3 months ago
A little bit of a hike from the paid parking area to the beachside but it's so worth it! If you don't want to get sand in your toes, there's a grassy area you can plop down on. There's also plenty of sand to basque in the sun and two paths if you want to take a stroll. read more
It's really nice here. Maybe the nicest beach area I have seen. Parking is huge, paid at the machine, and competitive. At busy times its painful to find an open space it seems. And there is no close parking on PCH nearby. The Ritz sits above the beach area. The grassy hill area is very popular. They have beach type restrooms and a popular cafe with tables overlooking the ocean. You can't go wrong coming here just be prepared for a parking nightmare on weekends and holidays. read more
The trek down to and back up from the Salt Creek Beach and the parking lot was a great hike, but the beautiful sand, reminiscent ocean smell, and picturesque waves with people enjoying the waves and sun were so worthwhile and this beach is super close to the Moulin cafe in Dana Point so it's fun to combine a delicious French meal with an amazing beach visit afterwards! Such a memorable experience... ;))) read more
This visit I make it down to the beach. I'm sure glad I did. Along the way there's grassy areas, picnic tables, and a basket ball court. Once you take the stairs to beach level there a snack stand. That's a different review. The beach is small and peaceful. They have restrooms, showers. They also have lifeguards. The beach is part of the OC Parks system. This is a hidden gym. read more
Took my BF on vacation in San Clemente, but I had to take him to the beach, to cool off from the summer heat. Salt Creek beach is my favorite OC beach, great place for a swim or beach picnic . We went on a Monday, so we had the whole beach to ourselves read more
Whenever we are in Dana Point, we always stop by here to walk the boy, give him some fresh air ( and trees ), check out all the new scents, and stretch his legs ! We've been coming here for years !! It has great views, it's close to the beach, and, actually, has nice clean, well kept bathrooms ! Next time we're here, we'll get some daytime pix !! Cheers !! read more
1 year ago
Beautiful trail on the beach. Get here early to avoid the crowd and it will be so worth it. It's a lovely walk with a bit of an incline but the views are stellar. Parking is $1/hr. I could camp out here for hours just watching the waves. Lots of pretty architecture to look at while you walk too. There's a cute little cafe here too to fuel you while you walk. read more
7 months ago
This beach is amazing. Such a beautiful view. Something for all ages. Grass, sand and food and drinks at Young's Beach Shack. read more
2 years ago
Salt Creek Beach Park in Dana Point, part of OC Parks, is a family favorite. With our OC Park Pass, I can easily swipe it and put the parking permit in the car windshield. The kids love it, and it's a special beach that attracts many visitors. Expect big crowds on weekends, which can make parking challenging during peak hours. Overall, it's a fantastic spot for a family day out. read more
1 year ago
This place was a hidden GEM! Best place to watch sunset, and the parking is only 1 dollar for an hour. Definitely want to be there again read more
10 months ago
LOVED LOVED LOVED We are doing a socal beach tour for summer this year and this was our first time here. There was so much parking and it was so cheap! $1 an hour and you pay at the toll machine and put the ticket on the dash. Bathrooms were fully stocked and super clean. There is a beautiful park that overlooks the beach and honestly it was stunning, wasn't anticipating that. The beach itself was beautiful as well, it was very busy but peaceful and fun to be at. We made a right at the fork, the left hand side had too many rocks. Water was clear and so clean! Waves are killer so be very cautious saw a few people underestimate the waves and get tossed. BRING YOUR BOARDS and rash guards, this is a surfers playground. There was a big hill down past the park and was quite a hike on the way back up, we did pack a little bit and had our boards so be ready for a workout. Do be careful climbing down the solid path to get onto the beach, we didn't walk far enough to see if there was a slope down into the sand. Unfortunately there were flies everywhere but they seemed to go away as the sun came out. Lifeguards were great and very informative of the tides and actively keeping people safe. This is one of my favorite beaches right now, stay tuned for more reviews of our tour! read more
1 year ago
Lots of parking, good amount of bathrooms and a nice path to get down to the beach. Beautiful area with 180' degree view of the ocean. I came around sunset and it wasn't super crowded. Only downside is that there is a lot of seaweed on the beach so there are a lot of small flies/nats. read more
11 months ago
3 years ago
Took the trail down from Del Avion to this beautiful beach. The beach is huge, lots of space to put your towels and chairs. It's a favorite spot for surfers. I love that there is a nice coffee/sandwich stand and bathrooms near by. The grass area just short steps from the sandy beach, is wonderful for kids and dogs on leashes to play. I will be back!!! read more
4 years ago
The perfect place to watch the sunset!! There's a parking lot across the street with plenty of space (it is pay to park though) and you walk through a tunnel to get to the grassy hill. The space is huge and is perfect for picnicking! Warning: It is on an incline, not super steep, but not flat either. We came on a Friday night so it was rather crowded. Surrounded by a lot of families, couples, and puppers! It you want to get to the water, just continue down along the path. Such a chill place to relax and appreciate your surroundings. Do bring a jacket if you chill easily! It was a bit windier than expected and can get rather cold when the sun sets. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
4 years ago
I recently had my engagement party here on Saturday at the picnic tables and it was such a beautiful place to have a picnic! If I could give any advice to anyone who wants to throw a party in the picnic table area during summer months especially on weekends- GO EARLY. The picnic tables are first come/first serve, and the park opens at 5AM. In the picnic area, there are 3 patios with 4 tables each. My mom and I were the second people to claim a patio, and literally 5 minutes later, someone else claimed the last patio in the picnic area. I was so thankful to claim a table at 5AM because I had about 40 guests for my engagement party, which worked out great because some people came later and there was plenty of space to lay out our tent, chairs, and beach towels as well. There is a hill that goes down to the picnic tables, so definitely keep that in mind. My future mother in law has a disability placard, and they do allow cars to drive at the bottom of the hill to drop off people with disabilities, so it was helpful to drop off my fiancé's older relatives who use walkers near the walking path. I feel like this place is perfect for a beach picnic party. It is family and dog friendly- dogs aren't allowed on the beach, but there is a path to walk the fur babies and there's plenty of grass space as well. I wouldn't have asked for a better beach picnic party- it was so nice to see everyone come together in one of the most beautiful beaches in Orange County. read more
This is a very easy and lovely beach trail walk between the Ritz Carlton and Waldorf Astoria hotel. It's beautiful and scenic! Dogs are welcome here anytime!! I met a girlfriend and her terrier today, 6/8/22 and we enjoyed the great weather! Her dog was digging all the scents! read more
There is a park area on the way down to the beach that is a pretty good size. A great place to watch the ocean and sit outside distant from others. We went one day to watch the sunset and have a picnic. Pretty easy to find a spot and since we were coming later in the day, the parking wasn't too bad in the lot nearby. It is a pay lot, FYI Very low key and calm. I would definitely come back. read more
5.0 stars for Salt Creek Beach! Ok, this is officially my favorite beach ever because 1. There is plenty of parking (only $1/hr) as long as you arrive early as it can get crowded. 2. You can choose between sitting in the grassy park area (and under a tree with shade) or down in the sand near the water. 3. The sand is so soft! 4. The bathroom is actually very decent by beach bathroom standards. 5. The views here are just breathtaking especially from the cliffs! 6. The water is so clean and the waves are just perfect for swimming and playing in. This beach is so charming and is just excellent for groups, as there are plenty of activities that can be done on the grass or on the beach. I will definitely be back! read more
2 years ago
Salt Creek Beach is one of the BEST BEACHES in Southern California, hands down! It seems to be a favorite and "go-to" spot for most locals, but there are helpful tips that you will appreciate reading...for starters, ALL of the beaches in SoCal are beautiful and pristine, ALL will cost you money with parking or meter feeding (and yes, even in a rental car, the state of California will find you, fine you, and firmly disregard any possible reason or excuse for not paying your meter and/or ticket) plus your time in trying to find a spot. WHICH is why SALT CREEK BEACH PARK is AWESOME for locals and tourists alike! And by offering a spacious upper lot (located ADJACENT TO THE LEFT OF THE RITZ CARLTON:One Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629), it makes Parking a breeze! But, there is more so please, read on...SALT CREEK BEACH PARK AND THE BEACH OVERALL IS LOCATED AT THE VERY BOTTOM OF A MODERATELY STEEP HILL! This is imperative to know if you or your company has any disabilities and/or young children that may still require strollers/wheelchairs/walkers/wagons, etc BUT...there is a SOLUTION!! AFTER, and only AFTER, you've paid for your parking; a COURTESY GOLF CART WILL COME PAST YOUR VEHICLE AND OFFER YOU A RIDE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL, AND BACK UP TO THE LOT WHEN YOU'RE READY TO LEAVE! They are mostly retired OCFA Fire fighters, and they have Hearts of Gold! They humbly request $1-2 per rider and tips are ALWAYS appreciated and welcomed, but a kind heart and a warm smile go a long way! (Point is, by sparing a few bucks and a friendly smile, you will save yourself the agony of a very steep and unavoidable hill!) THEN, once you get to the bottom Of the hill, and are at the actual sand, you can decide to either veer slightly to the left, to which I believe there are a few lifeguard stations, straight ahead, or to the right. If you decide to go right, you will conveniently find an awesome spot too grab a bite (https://www.youngsbeachshack.com/), continuous lifeguard stations, clean and well maintained restrooms, along with stunning iconic beachfront....and whilst strolling and/or frolicking along the pristine Salt Creek Beach Front, you will be delighted at the awe inspiring cliffside home and the world renowned Ritz Carlton-Laguna Niguel!!! (One Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629 949-240-2000). So to recap: Yes, SALT CREEK BEACH AND PARK is most definitely a 5 star location and deserves a 5 star rating, just be mindful of the above parking lot and the year round fee of $1/hour; pack some single $ bills and utilize the go cart shuttle service; be prepared to walk once you reach the bottom of the fairly steep hill, and then possibly tackle additional hills getting from the boardwalk/sidewalk to the actual sand/waterfront; expect crowd given that it's run by the OC Parks Department (https://www.ocparks.com/beaches/salt-creek-beach), AND that it's a popular SURFING SPOT in the OC. Once there, you will appreciate and enjoy all that SALT CREEK BEACH PARK has to offer and you can get a good feel for what life as a local SoCal local is like! Enjoy! read more
7 years ago
Easy to park, always plenty of parking available (at least every single time that I've come I have no problem parking). Beautiful views of North and south beach from the top of the cliff. Pleasant to spend a day and enjoy in the views. read more
My first impression was, "Beautiful view for sunset at the beach and plenty of picnic area for everyone." I love how spaced out the greens are at this park, yet so close to the beach with just a short walk down a paved path. It is probably one of the best places to watch a sunset in Orange County or have a comfortable picnic without the sand while not compromising the view or distance to the beach. The views depending on the weather and time of day can range from orange, to pink and purple sunsets, and even in parts of the Fall or Winter one can get some amazing clear skies. There are a lot of people who set up full picnic and dinner tables with tablecloths, stand up tents, or BYO table setups. It's not uncommon to find people hosting small celebrations at the park with this view. Few tips to note would be to reserve a parking or picnic spot early on the weekends, and to bring a cart or something to hold your picnic items. The parking is up and short flight of stairs and you'll have to walk down where vehicles are not allowed. Weekdays/nights are super light and parking is easy. Parking is by the hour and can be paid by credit card upon arrival. The lasting impression? "Definitely worth checking out if you live in OC, or if you're visiting. You'll be likely to come back again after seeing the beautiful sunsets at this location!" read more
5 years ago
Love coming here whether it's to play in the refreshing water, lay out and tan, take a stroll or people watch! I love how easy it is to pay for parking, recommend coming prior to 11am on weekends and holidays for a parking spot. You can literally walk all over, up and down the hill if you want a light exercise too! I've been coming here for about 3 years and more so recently. Beautiful beach, beautiful lawn and homes along the cliffs. If you really can't go up the hill they have little tram things, but the hills will def tone that booty haha. Just overall great place to enjoy some waves, take a dip, cleanse yourself with the natural ocean water, meditate or come with your bae for a cute little date! My favorite aside from Crystal Cove around these parts! read more
3 years ago
So glad that I found this beach while Yelping. After turning onto Ritz-Carlton Dr. from PCH, you will see a big parking structure; the rate is $1/h btw. It is a bit of a long walk from the parking lot to the beach, but if you're like me, enjoying the view along the path, it's worth it. They also provide a shuttle service from the parking lot to the beach. It costs $2 per turn, I believe. You will walk past/through a big lawn (Salt Creek Beach Bluff Park.) The view from the park is spectacular. Even though I came here on a Saturday evening, it wasn't overly-crowded. There is a cafe (Young's Beach Shack) right at the beach, and the restroom is right next to it. The waves are more "gentle" compared to those at South Laguna beaches, they remind me of those at Huntington Beach. Walking along the beach, I could enjoy the serene view since there was hardly any trash on the beach like some other beaches. If you walk up North (past the creek towards Monarch Bay Beach Club,) the beach feels more secluded in a sense. I wanted to walk Southbound from SC4 tower but it was getting dark, so I had to walk back. Maybe I'll try another time. The beach has captured my heart at the very first visit. read more
Perfect spot to watch the sunset over the ocean. Great size parking lot with ample parking. You can take a short walk through the tunnel and have a picnic in the grassy area and stay for the sunset or walk further down to the beach and enjoy the sunset from the sand. This area is safe, beautiful and highly recommended! read more
2 years ago
Salt Creek Beach is a beautiful little beach that feels safe, clean, and classy. There's a great paved walking/biking trail, a newly revamped hamburger shack, 2 close by resorts, a nearby golf course, a grassy area, tide pools, surfing, a small basketball court, and bbq areas. Parking is super reasonable and pretty spacious. Lots of people come to watch the sunset on the expansive grassy area. read more
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More info about Salt Creek Beach Park
33333 S Pacific Coast Hwy
Dana Point, CA 92629
Directions
(949) 923-2280
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.ocparks.com
Hours
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
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Ask the Community - Salt Creek Beach Park
Can we bring our Ez up and Chairs?
Are small portable table propane/ gas grill allowable?
Check with local beach authority or online.
Are small propane grills allowed?
I have seen people come in with them and use them and nothing wrong with it
Is this a dog friendly beach and can you set up with chairs, etc yet?
Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Yes, you can set up chairs and umbrellas.
Has this beach been crowded lately?
Not really, wear a face covering and keep social distancing
What day of the week do they mow the lawns at Salt Creek?
Wednesdays and mondays
Want to go for a walk on the trail with my infant. Would you recommend a stroller or a carrier?
Depends on which one is more comfortable for you or your infant
Review Highlights - Salt Creek Beach Park
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