California Guide: Dana Point

Dana Point is a small beach town on the coast of California, being home to some very exciting surf breaks. The three major points of interest here are Doheny State Beach, Strands Beach, and Salt Creek. Doheny is known for its mushy and relaxed waves, being a perfect spot for beginner surfers. Boneyards is all the way to the right, containing a fun peaky right that works great on a higher tide. The rest of this surf location can be a zoo, as the crowds during the summer are seemingly endless. It is highly recommended to paddle out during the early morning or for a peaceful sunset session. The next spot is Strands Beach being a great location for close-out barrels on a forgiving sandy sea floor. Although, if you make your way to the south end their is a little wedge that can form, creating an explosive left bowl section. These surf locale is perfect for intermediate surfer looking for quick waves and mellow crowds. Salt Creek is an iconic surf break located in Dana Point that has consistently fun waves all along the beach. The main point is a very fun left that will take surfers for a quick ride down the beach. To the right of this is a spot called middles which is host quick rights and lefts that will occasionally barrel on the inside. Further down the north side of the beach is a spot known as gravels. It is recommended for intermediate to advanced surfers, due to the fast barreling A-frame sections. When swell arrives this spot is littered with surfers looking for tunnel vision and an escape route out.