Monarch Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Green No.3 at Monarch Beach Golf Links, Dana Point, California, USA
Green No.3 at Monarch Beach Golf Links, Dana Point, California, USA
Great mural by local high school students perfectly visualise what this beach is all about. And for a big audience as well: 

“Each year, about 7 million people pass through the tunnel to the beach.“

Maybe not so secret..

https://www.ocregister.com/2018/03/27/new-mural-with-mystery-surfer-girl-replaces-30-year-old-painting-at-salt-creek-beach-tunnel/
A California sunset, clear skies and the sound of the ocean running over the rocks makes Strand Beach a great stop. 

#BvSWater #ocean
Commanding views of the Salt Creek beach allowed me to eat my huevos rancheros and watch the dolphins surf alongside the short boarders.   I slept really well here, though full surf days help.

Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Monarch Beach Hotel Deals

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

5 out of 5
1 Monarch Beach Resort Dana Point CA
The price is NZ$1,589 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
NZ$1,589
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Dana Point. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (661 reviews)
Everything was spectacular!

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG

3 out of 5
2726 S Grand Ave Santa Ana CA
The price is NZ$175 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
NZ$175
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Ana. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,218 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG
Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach

Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach

4 out of 5
325 Bristol Street Costa Mesa CA
The price is NZ$230 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
NZ$230
15 Feb - 16 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Costa Mesa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,071 reviews)
Great rooms, very clean hotel, great facilities.

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach
Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel

Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel

4 out of 5
4500 Macarthur Blvd Newport Beach CA
The price is NZ$326 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
NZ$326
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newport Beach. Enjoy a free airport shuttle, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
yes

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel
Laguna Beach House

Laguna Beach House

3 out of 5
475 N Pacific Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA
The price is NZ$441 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
NZ$441
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Laguna Beach. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,012 reviews)
Clean room, great staff, wonderful property and amenities! We will be back SOON. What a great find on the CA coast :) Our new favorite place to stay!

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Laguna Beach House
Embassy Suites by Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport

Embassy Suites by Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport

3.5 out of 5
2120 Main St Irvine CA
The price is NZ$283 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
NZ$283
26 Feb - 27 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Irvine. Enjoy free breakfast, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,505 reviews)
Great breakfast, great for a family

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Other neighbourhoods around Monarch Beach

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Marquesa

While Marquesa may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Monarch Beach Golf Links and Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas.

Marquesa
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Regatta

While Regatta may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Dana Strands Beach and Ocean Institute.

Regatta
Aerial view looking out over Dana Point Harbor and Baby Beach

Dana Hills

While Dana Hills isn't home to many top sights, Monarch Beach Golf Links and Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas are some notable places to visit nearby.

Dana Hills
Panoramic Aerial View of Dana Point Harbor and PCH, California

Lantern District

If you're spending some time in Lantern District, Heritage Park and Dana Point Preserve are top sights worth seeing.

Lantern District
#SpringFun exploring new places and watching the boats sail in to the harbor

Dana Point Harbor

While visiting Dana Point Harbor, you might make a stop by sights like Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach.

Dana Point Harbor
Ruins of Mission San Juan Capistrano in California

Del Obispo

If you're spending some time in Del Obispo, The Coach House and The Sea Caves are top sights worth seeing.

Del Obispo


Monarch Beach Travel Guide

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