Chasing the Light: Where to Watch Dana Point Glow from Dawn to Dusk
There’s something magical about the light in Dana Point. Maybe it’s how it dances on the waves or how the cliffs turn to gold just before dusk, but it’s truly special, and something that I personally, cannot get enough of. If you’re a fan of photography, beautiful light and the way it dances over the ocean come sunrise or sunset, Dana Point delivers.
Whether you’re up early with your coffee or catching that golden-hour glow after work, our little beach town delivers some of the most breathtaking views anywhere along the coast. Here’s where to go when the sun paints the sky just right.
Best Sunrise Spots
Please note, in Dana Point, the sun rises over the hills behind us (think San Juan Capistrano area), so mornings are a time to watch the sun rise and reflect its morning glow across the ocean (see first three pictures in the carousel above).
Capistrano Beach
Start your morning at Capo Beach, where the ocean feels endless and the colors come alive before the day begins. Ride your bike along the beach trail that goes up to San Clemente and watch as the soft pastels of the morning sunrise starts—it’s the kind of calm that reminds you why living by the coast never gets old — the sound of the waves, the occasional train passing by and the call of the seagulls overhead makes for a soothing morning start.
Doheny State Beach
Beloved by locals and early surfers, Doheny is a sunrise classic. Watch the sky shift from lavender to peach while the first waves of the day roll in. When you’re done gazing and watching the surfers do their thing, head over to Doho Cafe — a casual beach restaurant that’s perched on the sand. Dive into the “Dawn Patrol” portion of their menu; sit back and relax while enjoying a breakfast burrito, avocado toast or a some chilaquiles, — it’s pure morning perfection.
Heritage Park
Overlooking the harbor, Heritage Park (pictured second above), offers a wide view of the sun rising behind the hills of San Juan and San Clemente. Bring a blanket or towel, spread out on the grass, and watch the golden light reflect off the ocean (south) and harbor (west). Bring a journal or book if you want to stay a little longer and linger, it’s one of the most peaceful spots in town to start the day.
Bluff Top Trail
The Bluff Top Trail is one of my FAVORITE spots for taking in the sunrise views over the ocean south of us. It’s a short walking path between Amber Lantern and Violet Lantern (pictured in the picture above, along the cliffs) and offers beautiful views of the harbor below. It also features the original arches of the Dana Point Inn, (a dream of S.H. Woodruff, which was never completed due to the Great Depression), but makes for fun pictures. Bring your coffee from Bear Coast, just down the street, take in the calm, and watch as the harbor slowly wakes up beneath you.
Lantern Bay Park
Just above the harbor, Lantern Bay Park is a favorite for sunrise. Get there early and bring your yoga mat to get in some morning stretches in the quiet of the park, while breathing in the ocean air as the light spills across the boats and rooftops. If you choose to linger awhile you can always join the daily morning yoga class with iHeart Yoga at 10am, a beautiful and unique setting for sun salutations and movement.
Blue Lantern Inn
Perched high above the cliffs, the Blue Lantern Inn is a charming and peaceful spot, offering one of the most elevated views in town at the end of their cul-de-sac overlooking the harbor below. The early light stretches across the ocean, often with a pink haze that feels almost dreamlike. After taking it all in, stroll over to JC Beans for a warm cup of coffee or tea or Maison Café + Market and Giana Bakery + Provisions for a well-earned breakfast.
Best Golden Hour & Sunset Spots
Strands Beach Overlook
For that classic Dana Point glow, head to the overlook above Strands Beach. This is one of my favorite spots for catching some golden light and the walking path that stretches along the parking lot offers a top-down view that can’t be beat. It’s a favorite for locals, who often set up shop after work, open the trunk and pop out chairs and blankets to enjoy the views. Pick up burritos or tacos to-go from Carmelita’s and make it a sunset picnic you won’t forget.
Salt Creek Beach
Another one of my absolute faves for golden hour, Salt Creek Beach is unbeatable. Watch surfers carve their last waves of the day while the sun turns everything to liquid gold. Take a long stroll along the beach from south to north and then back again, and head over to Young’s Beach Shack. Grab a stool at the “bar” seating overlooking the ocean or a table, and nosh on shrimp tacos, lobster rolls, salads, bowls and more. Order up a glass of wine, or a cold beer and you really can’t go wrong. Just steps from the sand, it’s a great spot to settle in as you watch the sky fade from orange to pink and purple. Be on the lookout for that elusive Green Flash here too! I’ve seen it several times from this spot.
For non-locals:
A green flash happens when the Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight and separates it into different colors. The flash appears green because of how light is refracted, or bent, at sunset or sunrise. There are a few different kinds of green flashes, and some types happen more often than others.
The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
High above the waves, the views from the Ritz are absolutely unmatched. Enjoy a cocktail at 180blu, the open-air lounge with sweeping ocean views. Whether you’re toasting to the day or simply soaking in the view, it’s always a sunset to remember. Trust me on this one.
Dana Point Headlands
If you want to see both sunrise and sunset magic, the Headlands are your place and the peace and beauty is unmatched with this top down view of the harbor on one side, the ocean out to the west, and Strands and Salt Creek Beach looking north. Early mornings here feel calm and full of promise; evenings turn dramatic as the cliffs blaze with color. Walk the Headlands Loop Trail to get in your steps while catching every angle of these unbeatable views.
Best Time of Year for Spectacular Sunsets
Many locals believe—and meteorological patterns tend to support—that the richest, most dramatic sunsets in Dana Point happen in the fall and winter months. During these seasons, the sun’s lower angle and clearer, drier air help sunlight pass through more atmosphere, producing deeper reds, pinks, and purples. In neighboring coastal regions like San Diego, meteorologists highlight the role of high-altitude cirrus clouds and subtropical moisture layers in refracting and diffusing light in visually striking ways.
That said, beautiful sunsets still grace the skies year-round—just expect softer tones in spring and summer, sometimes muted by coastal marine layer or haze.
Tips for Catching the Light
Arrive 15–20 minutes early—some of the best light happens before the sun breaks the horizon and stay a bit longer after the sun goes down behind the ocean too.
Sometimes the sky starts to light up in magically different ways once that happens.Bring a light jacket; coastal mornings and evenings can get breezy.
Pack some coffee or a picnic for the perfect slow moment.
Keep your phone or camera handy—the light changes fast and you are going to want to keep snapping as it does.
