Twenty-eight years ago, we were married here overlooking the coast. It's changed very little since…read morethen, and it's still just as beautiful. Our friends sang acappella and played acoustic guitars, our loved ones had a place to sit, and everyone enjoyed the stunning view! Be sure to check with the city for event planning here, and be respectful of the residents. We love visiting our spot.

Tucked away in a beach neighborhood is this "Vista Point." There is signage to eliminate proposals…read moreor fancy picnics. I was disappointed to see trash at the half circle concrete benches since there was a trash can only 2 feet away. The residence or city keeps the seating stones and statues in clean, good condition. Visitors and neighbors alike enjoy this quaint park with a cute beach and ocean view. Need some romance in your life? The sunrise here is truly a sight to see.

5 for views, 2 for challenge! The Dana Point Too Trail is near the Del Prado Lantern District in…read moreDana Point. It is Cliffside behind a number of very nice homes and condos. This is a beautifully kept up and manicured trail with safety rails and a variety of places for photos such as a wooden bridge and some historic ivy covered arches. The view of Dana Point Harbor is breathtaking. The trail is very short with some serious stairs, so for distance you're not getting much challenge but for stairs you get a little. Overall, it is a beautiful find in an area where it's nice to be able to take a little walk before or after grabbing a drink and a bite to eat! I just wouldn't put on my hiking sneakers and sunblock to make a day of it.

As part of our trolley tour down south OC, we visited the scenic Bluff Top Trail. Not far from…read moreDana Strand Beach and a short walk from the bus stop (Del Prado & Violet Lantern). It's still as stunning as before with fun photo ops everywhere on a sunny day. The trail is an easy walk path within the neighborhood, and I loved the ocean view and taking pictures of the arches.

This is such a hidden gem of a place. Parking is free. It's dog friendly for portions of the sandy…read morearea. The views are absolutely spectacular. It allows you to walk right over to Doheny State Park thereby saving you money for parking. I have forgotten my state park pass on occasion and have been saved because I parked here instead. There are picnic tanks that make it perfect to eat al fresco by the sea. I personally love picking up my grubs from Kawamata Seafood right up the hill. The two goes hand in hand. To me, there's no better way to enjoy the two simultaneously.

I love walking and like to get my steps in so this is a perfect place to be especially when it's so…read morehot inland. You can enjoy a nice ocean breeze and take pictures of the natural beauty!

I was in the area for work and had some time to kill. The park itself is tiny but well-equipped,…read morewith restrooms, covered picnic tables, and a grill. There are several trail entrances, many of which offer great ocean views. If you're after a proper, low-key sunset without the whole circus, this is your spot. Quiet. Honest. The kind of place that doesn't try too hard and somehow nails it anyway.

Beautiful park. Clean and amazing views. I had a great time hiking the coastal trails of Vista Del…read moreSol park.

Best place to park and watch the sunset! Best place to get in a morning walk! Best place to meet…read morefriends for a hike and then a coffee or breakfast in Dana Point! Best place for sandcastles and playing in the waves! Stairs down to the beach and then a steep climb back up but totally worth it! Clean restrooms at the top and bottom! And if you can't handle all the stairs, there is a golf cart service to get you down into the Strands neighborhood to make the climb much more manageable! I'm here almost daily hiking through and enjoying the ocean breezes - and often see dolphins while beach walking!

As of Nov 5 2025 there is no more parking in the park or street. You will be fined if you are…read moresleeping in your vehicle and no parking from 11pm to 7 am. Word has got out about this gem and too many junkers are so obvious, are lining the streets to sleep and day living in the parking lot of this quiet upper class neighborhood beach community. It was a great place to enjoy but some people spoiled it for all by not respecting the neighborhood.

Viewpoint plus! Worth the stair stepper to heaven. Amazing pano view no matter what the weather is…read morelike. We caught the sunset with bonus of the Green Flash on this particularly beautiful and brisk day. What an artist God is. Mind you, my knees did not love the climb to Hilltop Conversation Point. But I had to see the sea from there. Harbor Point was a breeze. Lovely spot with easy parking. Close to the Chart House.

This is a short trail with a viewpoint that offers up a great view of Dana Point harbor…read more This trail is part of the Headlands Conservation trail system. Most people miss it because they only hike the trail from the interpretive center. Because of the smazing views of the harbor. I sawrecommend this over the interpretive center trail. There are two access points for this trail, right behind the Chart House restaurant, and the other one is right next to the entrance gate of the "The Strand" mansion development. - Dirt trail, not sand trail - Perfect hike during sunset - No dogs allowed

I like walks on the beach. Or more like, by the beach. A favorite of beach trails that I've enjoyed…read morecoming to - lots to see and explore with vibrant flowers, the horizon of the ocean, the sounds of the Amtrak and Metrolink trains passing by. All of it is just amazing. And the best part is, there's so many ways to just have a good time and a good workout on this trail. The Beach Trail is about 2.3 miles long in total, but it can feel like a pretty long walk. AND that's only one-way. Coming back, you have to do another 2.3 miles, if you're returning to the beginning of your route. But you'll really see everything. Love the Beach Trail!

This is a nice little beach walk going from North Beach to Calafia. Its only 2.3 miles. The scenery…read moreis beautiful. You are steps away from the ocean. Every so often an Amtrak, Metrolink, or BNSF train will pass by. Its a well kept trail and perfect for all walkers. There was a detour and I had to walk on the beach. Good thing it was low tide. You had to time yourself between the waves. Today was the first Saturday of the month and there were two beach cleanup crews. The Surfriders were by the pier, and at Calafia Orange County Coastkeeper were working. This group also does cleanup on the 2nd Saturday at Huntington Beach tower 9 at Magnolia st. from 9:00 to 11:00. I got there late or I would have helped.. I already signed up for Huntington next week. Every time I come to San Clemente I enjoy walking the trail. After eating its a nice way to burn off a few calories.

Awesome ocean view trail tucked in a residential neighborhood. Street parking only. Not stroller…read morefriendly. Dirt path. Wear appropriate shoes and sun protection! Totally worth it!

This park is very big, dog friendly. It has a magnificent view of the canyons and the ocean as…read morewell. Walk towards the interior of the park and you'll start to see picnic tables. That's when you'll eventually see the Laguna Beach ocean view. Breathtaking! Hope this park stays a secret because it's just so clean and great for hiking/walking your dog. More photos here: https://ourwelltraveledlife.wordpress.com/2015/08/15/valido-trail-laguna-beach/