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El Caminante Bar & Bungalows

4.0 star property

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On the beach, white sand, sun loungers, beach umbrellas
Lobby lounge
Ocean View King with Balcony | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Lobby lounge
Ocean View King with Balcony | Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar

Explore the area

View in a map
34862 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA, 92624
  • Place, South Day Use Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Capistrano Beach Park
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Doheny State Beach
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Airport, Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne)
    ‪24 min drive‬

Room options

Ocean View King with Balcony

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Ocean View King ADA Accessible with Patio & Chiminea

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Ocean View King

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Hacienda Suite

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

El Camino Suite

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Patio (Ocean, chiminea)

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Dana Point

With a stay at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows in Dana Point (Capistrano Beach), you'll be a 4-minute drive from Dana Point Harbor and 6 minutes from Mission San Juan Capistrano. .This beach hotel is 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Doheny State Beach and 4.6 mi (7.4 km) from San Clemente Pier.

What's nearby

  • South Day Use Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Pines Park - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Poche Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Capistrano Beach Park - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Doheny State Beach - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • San Juan Capistrano Depot - 14 min drive
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Doho Cafe - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Better Buzz - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪A's Burgers - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Sunsets Bar & Grill - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Rosetta Coffee Brewing Company - ‬18 min walk

About this property

El Caminante Bar & Bungalows

Fun on the beach, near Dana Point Harbor
El Caminante Bar & Bungalows offers 28 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and bathrobes. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include showers, slippers, and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)). 47-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and ceiling fans. In-room massages and hair dryers can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Recreational amenities at the hotel include complimentary bicycles.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Make yourself at home in one of the 28 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms feature showers, complimentary toiletries, and bathrobes.
This smoke-free hotel features complimentary parking nearby, bodyboards on site, and complimentary bicycles on site. Recreational activities include hiking/biking trails on site, boat tours nearby, and snorkeling nearby.
Enjoy a meal at El Caminante Bar or snacks in the hotel's coffee shop/cafe. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM for a fee.
Free self parking is available onsite.
Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:00 AM and 11:30 AM.
El Caminante Bar - Onsite café.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free 24-hour offsite parking
  • Street parking available
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM for a fee: USD 10 to 25 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • El Caminante Bar

Things to do

  • Bodyboard
  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Hiking/biking trails

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Guidebooks

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • In a nature reserve
  • On the beach

Spa

  • In-room massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 accessible parking spaces
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Grab bar near toilet (33 inches high)
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 2 floors
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 47-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Resort fee: USD 35.00 per accommodation, per night
The resort fee includes:
  • Additional inclusions
  • Beach access
  • Concierge service
  • In-room coffee

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 10.00 to 25.00 per person

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Capistrano Seaside
Capistrano Seaside Dana Point
Capistrano Seaside Inn
Capistrano Seaside Inn Dana Point
Capistrano Seaside Hotel Capistrano Beach
El Caminante
El Caminante Bar Bungalows
El Caminante Bar & Bungalows Motel
El Caminante Bar & Bungalows Dana Point
El Caminante Bar & Bungalows Motel Dana Point

El Caminante Bar & Bungalows Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 241 out of 299 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 299 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 18 out of 299 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 299 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 299 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

James

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay - cute rooms, comfy beds, conveniently located, friendly staff. Had no problems with parking or staff availability for questions or help. (Contrary to some karen reviews) The little bar had great service and decent food, breakfast in the am and tapas later. It's a quick walk to the beach, just you just have to walk to a crosswalk. Manage your expectations - look at pics and remember this is a beach hotel on the PCH. I always bring my sound machine to drown out train and hwy sounds. I had a great stay and everything I needed for vacation. Loved the grounds and took a nap on the cozy lounge in the sun. Probably won't stay in the same room for a business trip since there's no desk, but would totally recommend this hotel overall. Will stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really cute spot. Great location. Staff is amazing.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jordan

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was great very helpful
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Cory

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

Beware…bait and switch!

The reservation was for 3 people. But they said after we arrived that while they allow reservations for 3, they only can sleep 2. So where does the 3rd person sleep? Boo rollaway beds. So then they try to sell you a second room at a discount. BEWARE… it’s a bait and switch. Also, the hotel sits in the 1 right across from the train tracks. Very noisy.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic!

Fantastic place. Absolutely loved it. Very classy. Service incredible. Lovely beachside bar, too!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A hidden gem at the base of Capo Beach. Chill vibe, “glamping” at its best. The bar is terrific and the staff are wonderful.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Deborah

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The good: great location, friendly staff, good value, good service The bad: loud trains, internet kept going down, faulty wiring The ugly: dirty floors
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely room and great comfortable room!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessie

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful stay here. The view of the pacific ocean from our upper floor room was perfect. We loved how the decor, fixtures and style of the place felt original and charming. Check-in and out was extremely easy, parking was easy, and everyone was very friendly and helpful. It was exactly what we were hoping for and we will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Korina

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Not worth the higher than usual cost. Had to park across the street because they have more rooms than their lot can accommodate. No pool or hot tub. Also had to keep the blinds down the whole stay because they were really tangled & broken. One of the bed posts broke because it had been poorly repaired with wood glue (see pic). Like 5 staff had to come into our tiny room to assess it and they said it had broke in the same place in the past. We were relieved they didn't blame us. Other than that the bed/pillows were very comfy, staff was friendly, and breakfast croissant & quiche were tasty (although a bit overpriced).
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hector

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Eytan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Room was great.parking was a bit of an issue but not too bad.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rick

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property and the staff were EXCELLENT!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Theresa

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel was small but stunning. The attention to detail was exquisite. Hand carved doors, tile murals in shower. Just lovely. We had such a quiet stay although the bar was below our room. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room and loved the bed and pillows. Ocean view was great
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Norma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great find

Location, style, comfort and excellent staff You won’t want to ever leave
Private patio
Relaxing lounges at sunset
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

greg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Courtney

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is all around amazing. The room was so nice and the bed was very comfortable. I loved the outdoor seating area with chimnea. The staff was very friendly, and service at the bar was wonderful. The food was delicious, and so were the drinks. We walked across the street to the beach in the morning. This place is great value for the money, and I definitely recommend it. We'll be returning for sure.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We were especially impressed by the service and most notably Aldo. He made us feel like we were at home. A very special place!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025