Salt Creek Beach Park Surfing

Salt Creek Beach Park is a surfer haven located by Dana Point on the Pacific coast of southern California, between Los Angeles and San Diego. The expanse of sandy beach – filled with tan young bodies – slopes down into frothy foam from the crashing waves. Those waves attract the surfers, because of the swells’ consistency and good size that is created by a small reef hidden below. The surfers attract spectators, and eventually it all becomes the place to see and be seen.

The parking lot, accessed off the Pacific Coast Highway, is large yet can be very full for events or great weather days. Parking fees are $1/hour. From the cars, you walk 1/4 mile down a gradual hill past the grassy 7 acre Bluff Park where people are hanging out enjoying picnics and barbeques or the occasional concert. Beyond that, the surf views start to open up as you pass the concession building, restrooms, and outdoor shower. Wind down to the beach, and off come the shoes.

There are many activities available at Salt Creek Beach Park, including surfing & surfing competitions, body surfing, swimming, beach volleyball courts, basketball court, sunbathing, fishing, and poking around with little critters in tidepools. The beach extends for 1.8 miles, book-ended by cliffs and split in the middle by Salt Creek Point. It’s a pretty place to relax or an active place to be energized.