Parking Information

Parking – Where Do I Park?

From the 5 Freeway: Take Exit 79 (Beach Cities). The off-ramp becomes Pacific Coast Highway (1N). Turn left at the 2nd light onto Dana Point Harbor Drive.

 

Option 1: Doheny State Beach (Closest)

• Cost: Free drop-off, or $2/hour, $15/day

• How: Turn left at Park Lantern (first left). Enter Doheny State Beach.

• Instructions: Stay left of the guardhouse (no need to stop or talk to the guard).

• Annual Pass: Free with $195 State Parks annual pass.

• Distance: About 100 feet from the volleyball courts.

• ⚠️ Important: Do not block the driveway onto the beach — emergency vehicles use it.

 

Option 2: Free Parking (Basketball Courts Lot)

• Cost: Free

• How: Turn right at Park Lantern (first right). Go 200’ up the hill and turn right into the lot by the basketball court.

• Distance: About 400 yards from the volleyball courts.

 

Option 3: Metered Parking (Harbor Side)

• Cost: $1/hour, or free with an Orange County Parking Permit (not the State Parks pass).

• How: Turn left at Puerto Place (second left). Then make the first left into the metered lot.

• Distance: About 400 feet from the volleyball courts.

 

Walking Directions

From parking, walk toward the two-story lifeguard tower building on the beach — that’s where the courts are.