Top rated State parks in Dana Point, United States to elevate your visit (Updated April, 2024)

Top rated State parks in Dana Point

Experience the best that Dana Point has to offer with our curated list of top-rated places. Sorted by average review scores from venues boasting over 30 reviews, these establishments promise exceptional quality and experiences to elevate your visit in the city. This list contains 63 places from State park category.

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Within Dana Point

Carlsbad State Beach

State park

👍👍 Loved this wide pale sand beach, with rolling waves that occasionally connect for long stretches. It's like dancing waters, when shore breakers are sizable. The foam jumps & dances, before plummeting back down. Surfing this beach, looked challenging...at least it did for the guy we watched. The...

4.90 (62 reviews) (~48.68 km from centre)

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Nature preserve

Acres of oceanside trails for exploring or exercising while spotting occasional dolphins or bobcats.

4.80 (14.3K reviews) (~72.62 km from centre)

Crystal Cove State Park

State park

Park has 3.2-mile beach with sandy coves & tide pools, plus 2,400 acres of land for hiking & biking.

4.80 (6.5K reviews) (~16.02 km from centre)

Mount San Jacinto State Park

State park

Trails wind through this park at the peak of Mount San Jacinto, accessible by tram via Palm Springs.

4.80 (2.6K reviews) (~96.27 km from centre)

Torrey Pines State Beach

Park

This wide, sandy beach with a picnic area is popular spot for swimming, surfing & fishing.

4.80 (1.6K reviews) (~72.98 km from centre)

Crystal Cove State Beach

Public beach

👍👍 This is a great little beach. The times I have been there, it has not been crowded. The sea life in the rocky areas are cool to explore. There is a fee to get in and a little walk to the edge of the bluff, which you will then need to walk down either stairs or a ramp, depending on where you enter fr...

4.80 (941 reviews) (~17.96 km from centre)

Palomar Mountain State Park

State park

1,862-acre forested area featuring hiking trails, campsites, a fishing pond & scenic coastal vistas.

4.80 (874 reviews) (~74.82 km from centre)

Crystal Cove Trail

Hiking area

Scenic backcountry area of Crystal Cove State Park offering 18 miles & 2,400 acres of trails.

4.80 (370 reviews) (~19.08 km from centre)

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area

Off roading area

Vast desert area for off-road exploration, with sand dunes, bubbling mud pools & campsites.

4.80 (292 reviews) (~146.37 km from centre)

Chino Hills State Park - Chino Hills Entrance

State park

👍👍 I arrived an hour before close, so just did the drive instead of any hiking. Stunning views! Stopped at all the lookouts to take in the massive rolling hills. Loved my brief time here! Definitely plan to return for a hike.

4.80 (138 reviews) (~54.22 km from centre)

California Citrus

State park

👍👍 Super cool, totally stooping for the experience and history.

4.80 (102 reviews) (~54.08 km from centre)

Pelican Point Picnic Area #4

State park

👍👍 Great spot for a picnic! Several tables and amazing views! This trail to the beach although it is paved is very steep. If you park at the west parking areas 1 or 2, the walk down to the beach isn't as steep. Such a beautiful walk on the trails and beach! It does cost to park but it's well worth it....

4.80 (85 reviews) (~18.53 km from centre)