Visit This Lesser-Known California Beach Town For A Crowd-Free Vacation

California is renowned for its iconic beaches and boundless summer-like weather. Unfortunately, these stellar attributes can lead to overcrowding and a not-so-great day on the beach. According to a 2023 study conducted by the travel site Florida Panhandle (via USA Today), California has some of the busiest beaches in the country. Honorable mentions include Main Beach in Laguna Beach and Mission Beach in San Diego. However, about an hour from Los Angeles and San Diego is Dana Point, an underrated beach vacation destination. 

Dana Point is often overlooked by tourists who opt for other popular Orange County cities, such as nearby Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Beaches like Doheny State Beach and Salt Creek Beach make Dana Point a surf and swimming haven. In fact, surfing and surf culture have been an integral part of Dana Point since the 1930s. That said, if you prefer a beach that won't have throngs of visitors, choose the latter. 

In 2023, Salt Creek Beach was named one of the country's top-secret beaches via a study published by Family Destinations Guide. There's much to love about Salt Creek Beach, including picturesque views and greenery. Pack your bathing suit, towel, and everything else you might need for a perfect beach day. This is one spot in Dana Point you won't want to miss out on.

Swimming, surfing, and sunbathing at Salt Creek Beach are a no-brainer. However, depending on the time you visit, you can see tidepools and spot some gray whales (gray whales are a common site in Dana Point from December to April). Likewise, there are other activities to participate in. Directly above the beach is Salt Creek Beach Park (pictured). A flight of stairs connects the two. Salt Creek Beach Park has lush grass and picnic tables to enjoy lunch while looking at the ocean. 

Before arriving at the beach, stop at Beach Hut Deli. Located a four-minute drive away, the eatery offers sandwiches and salads that are perfect to bring with you to the beach. Alternatively, you can purchase a meal at Salt Creek Beach at Young's Beach Shack. The quaint restaurant serves breakfast and lunch. Menu items include short rib grilled cheese and a fried chicken sandwich. Young's Beach Shack is open from 7 a.m. until sunset. 

If you like sports, remember to bring a basketball; Salt Creek Beach Park has a basketball court. In addition, there is a paved path for walking and biking. Note that dogs are prohibited on the beach but not at the park. Salt Creek Beach Park is open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. A parking lot is available onsite and costs $1 an hour.  Bathrooms and showers are also available at Salt Creek Beach Park. 

While you're at Salt Creek Beach, you'll likely notice a palatial structure looming in the background. This is, in fact, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The five-star resort directly overlooks Salt Creek Beach and is opulent, to say the least. It features sleek-styled rooms with marble bathrooms, two pools, and an acclaimed spa. Arguably, what makes the Ritz-Carlton stand out are its magnificent ocean views, which are included in many of its rooms.

Likewise, guests have direct access to Salt Creek Beach via a walking path, and the resort provides beach chairs and other amenities. You can expect to pay over $600 a night at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Reservations can be made online. If this is out of your budget but you still want to experience the resort's gorgeous Dana Point scenery, you can dine at the resort's ocean-view restaurant, RAYA, serving seafood with a Latin twist. Reservations can be made on OpenTable.

As for other things to do in Dana Point, Dana Strand Beach is located minutes away from Salt Creek Beach and the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Notably, Dana Strand Beach is surrounded by luxury homes and coastal bluffs. In addition, visiting Dana Point Harbor is also a must. Here, visitors will find Baby Beach. It has no waves and, thus, is the place to go if in Dana Point if you have little ones. Dana Point Harbor is also home to several eateries and local businesses, such as the Killer Dana Surf Shop, where visitors can rent surfboards and paddleboards.