Monarch Beach Travel Guide

Name: Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG
Price range: £79
Rating: 8.8

Dana Point

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.

Visit Monarch Beach

Things to do

Hotels

Where to stay

Dana Point travel guide

Popular places to visit

Having a wonderful time at Salt Creek beach.

Salt Creek Beach Park

Salt Creek Beach Park is just one of the places to see in Dana Point, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the area's beautiful sunsets and top-notch restaurants.

Aerial view of marina and the city of Dana Point, southern Orange County, California, U.S.A.; Shutterstock ID 52888921

Dana Point Harbor

Explore the waterfront of Dana Point Harbor and enjoy other activities such as surfing in Dana Point. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Doheny State Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Doheny State Beach during your travels in Dana Point? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Salt Creek Dana Point - California Coast

Salt Creek Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Salt Creek Beach during your trip to Dana Point? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Ocean Institute

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Ocean Institute during your trip to Dana Point. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

a colorful smooth footpath along the beach with palm trees, vast blue ocean water and lush green plants and trees with blue sky at Dana Strands Beach in Dana Point California

Dana Strands Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Dana Strands Beach during your trip to Dana Point? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Things to do

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

£52

per adult

High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

£73

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Dolphin & Whale Watching Eco-Safari with Underwater Viewing

£73

per adult

98% of travellers recommend

Small-Group Best Beaches in Orange County Day Tour

£65

per adult

Whale-Watching and Orange County Beach Bus Tour from Anaheim

Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim

£72

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings

£69

per adult

88% of travellers recommend

See all activities in Dana Point

Top hotels in Monarch Beach

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

1 Monarch Beach Resort Dana Point CA

£713

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. ...

9.2/10 Wonderful! (663 reviews)

Not worth the price. Ritz Carlton is far a better option.

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa/Newport Beach

325 Bristol Street Costa Mesa CA

£115

26 Feb - 27 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 ...

9/10 Wonderful! (3,114 reviews)

Clean room, nice pool

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel

4500 Macarthur Blvd Newport Beach CA

£144

27 Feb - 28 Feb

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 ...

9/10 Wonderful! (1,018 reviews)

The safe was so warm and welcoming!! Love it here so much! Made me feel at home

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport

2120 Main St Irvine CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

£127

8 Mar - 9 Mar

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! (1,531 reviews)

the staff was very nice. Good accommodation, breakfast, amenities and location.

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

Laguna Beach House

475 N Pacific Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA

£176

1 Mar - 2 Mar

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! (1,016 reviews)

The room was very spacious and we had 2 Queen beds which were super comfortable. The mini bar was stocked and great variety. Loved the little balcony where we could sit and have our coffee. Our arrival time worked out that it was "happy hour" and we got a glass of wine at check-in! Then later it ...

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport by IHG

2726 S Grand Ave Santa Ana CA

Fully refundable

£79

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! (1,241 reviews)

The door to my room didn’t close unless I locked the deadbolt, and I didn’t realize it until the next day. Without the key card, you were able to just push open the door. However, the room was very clean.

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

See all 3,806 properties in Monarch Beach

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.

Other neighbourhoods around Monarch Beach

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.

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.