🥾 ActiveDay trip · from Los Angeles, CA

Doheny Beach & Crystal Cove Cliffs

Spend the morning at one of Southern California's best surf breaks, then follow the coast north to Crystal Cove's tide pools, canyon trails, and historic beach cottages — a full day of active coastal exploration just south of Los Angeles.

Day 1 — Dana Point to Crystal Cove: Doheny State Beach tidepools, coastal bluff trails, and Crystal Cove sea caves

Day 1 — Doheny State Beach

🚗 3 hr 6 min driving📍 4 stops

🌅

Morning

🚗

Drive

Los Angeles, CA → Doheny State Beach

1 hr 3 min8:00 AM → 9:03 AM

Doheny State Beach

★ 4.6

Walk the wide sandy beach at the base of the Dana Point Headlands — great beginner surf, tide pools at the north end, and harbor seals hauled out on the breakwater rocks. Doheny is one of the most beloved surf breaks in Orange County and backed by a state campground with direct beach access.

9:03 AM📍 See location

🍽️

Lunch

Lost Pier Cafe

★ 4.6

A casual California café near the coast with a menu of fresh plates that reads like a farmers' market list. Low-key, consistent, and a good fit for any relaxed beach day.

10:03 AM📍 See location

☀️

Afternoon

🚗

Drive

Doheny State Beach → Crystal Cove State Park

32 min12:00 PM → 12:32 PM

Crystal Cove State Park

★ 4.8

Hike coastal bluffs on the Moro Canyon Trail, spotting sea caves and tide pools, then descend to the pristine sandy beach to explore historic beach cottages and swim in the turquoise Pacific waters.

12:32 PM📍 See location

🌙

Evening

🚗

Drive

Crystal Cove State Park → AhbA

22 min5:00 PM → 5:22 PM

🍽️ Dinner5:22 PM

AhbA

AhbA offers elevated coastal cuisine and intimate ambiance, perfect for a sophisticated evening escape from LA's bustling weekend scene.

★ 4.4$$Restaurant📍 Maps →

2 options · tap to switch

🚗

Drive

AhbA → Los Angeles, CA

1 hr 9 min6:22 PM → 7:31 PM

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