Doheny State Beach
Beach Hazards Statement issued June 9 at 12:39PM PDT until June 11 at 5:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
* WHAT...South swell from 190 degrees with a period of 18 to 20 seconds will generate surf of 4 to 7 feet with sets up to 9 feet along south-facing beaches. High rip current risk. * WHERE...San Diego County Coastal Areas and Orange County Coastal Areas. * WHEN...From late Monday night through Thursday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Hazardous swimming conditions and a high rip current risk. If you become caught in a rip current, yell for help. Remain calm and do not exhaust yourself and stay afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip current, SWIM PARALLEL TO SHORE and back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Highest surf will be at south-facing beaches and peak Tuesday and Wednesday. Swell and surf will slowly subside beginning Thursday with a shorter period, but will remain elevated into Friday.
Overview
Doheny State Beach is California's first state beach, established in 1931, located in Dana Point and attracting nearly one million visitors annually. The park is currently open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM with no current restrictions as of December 30, 2025. It operates as two distinct areas: a northern day-use section featuring a world-renowned beginner-friendly surf break (famously mentioned in the Beach Boys' 'Surfin' USA'), five-acre lawn, volleyball courts, and the Doho Cafe; and a southern camping area with 120 sites ranging from $50-65/night, some directly beachfront. Camping reservations show availability through mid-January 2026. The park features a visitor center with aquariums and tide pools (10 AM-4 PM daily), year-round lifeguard service, and bonfire rings available first-come, first-served. Day use vehicle entry is $15 ($20 during summer peak season). Key restrictions for campers: no enclosed tents (must be open on one side), no dogs on beach/sand (only on paved trail), no alcohol without permit, no RV pop-outs/awnings in parking areas. The park is adjacent to Dana Point Harbor and offers wheelchair-accessible facilities including a paved multi-use trail. An upcoming Capistrano-Doheny Beach Nature-Based Shoreline Adaptation Project will create a 'living shoreline' at the south end.
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