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Surfing in Dana Point, California, USA

Surfing in Dana Point, California, USA is a unique experience.  The main spot is at Salt Creek Park.  The beach is a crescent shape so you can pick different breaks depending on your skill level.  There are a lot of really good local surfers that come here and it can get crowded so it's an important place to practice basic surf etiquette.

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Surf

Break Type:  Beach

Gear: Wetsuit

Ambience:  This is a great beach for hanging out with kids and non-surfers.  Very scenic area with tall cliffs coming right down into the ocean.  There is a food shack on the beach but it's not always open so bring snacks and water.

Main Surf Spot:  Salt Creek Beach

Link to current conditions: Surfline

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Logistics

Public Parking:  Yes.  Park here.  There is a parking fee of $1/hour.  The parking lot is about 300 yards uphill from the beach.  You can't get any closer.  Take the foot path from the parking lot down (under the bridge) to the beach.  

Public Showers:  Yes.  Just down the path from the parking lot towards beach.  Exact location.

Public Restrooms:  Yes.  One in the parking lot and one by the showers.

Transportation:  Need a car.

Nearest Airport:  Nearest Airport:  Los Angeles (LAX) or Orange County (SNA) - fly into SNA if you can much easier airport then LAX.

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Alternative Surf Spots

Strands Beach - Again you have to park up on the hill and take the stairs down to the beach.  It's a hundred plus stairs down to the beach.  Good break for bodysurfing and getting away from the crowds at Salt Creek.

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Area

Lodging:

If you are really really rich stay here.  The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.  I usually just AirBnB.  Here's a good condo resort that is often listing on AirBnB.

Food:

RJ's Cafe - diner food

Maki Yaki Japanese Restaurant - sushi

Taco Surf - cheap Mexican food

J C Beans Inc - Great coffee

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