EVEREST June, 2013 - California Department of Boating and ...

Orange County Coastal Regional Sediment Management Plan
wave created when swells bounce off the southern headland and combine with the shore break.
Parking is available on Pacific Coast Highway and up 9 th Street but is extremely limited,
especially during the summertime. In the winter, the general beachgoers largely disperse and
the more committed skimboarders remain.
# 66, Three Arch Bay/Mussel Cove: Three Arch Bay is a private beach community accessed
at the intersection of Vista del Sol and Pacific Coast Highway, immediately north of Monarch
Bay. The coast is characterized by a large southern cove and two northern coves. Unlike the
other private beach communities, sheer cliffs descend to the beach and there are no amenities
apart from a seasonal lifeguard. The beach is popular year-round with community residents for
surfing, swimming, and snorkeling/diving. There is also a renowned cliff diving jump on the
south face of the northern headland than can be reached by hiking along the shoreline from Salt
Creek Beach.
# 67, Monarch Beach: Monarch Beach is a high-end private beach community that limits direct
access to homeowners, beach club members, and guests of the St. Regis Resort, which is
connected through an underground tunnel and tram. However, the beach is an easy walk north
from Salt Creek Beach. At the beach there is a restaurant that and seasonal lifeguard service is
provided by the community. The beach is very popular with local families in addition to the few
who chose to make the walk from Salt Creek in search of lesser crowds. Surfing is only popular
during very large swells and the beach is generally used for swimming, kayaking, and
snorkeling/diving.
# 68-69, Salt Creek Beach/Dana Strands: Salt Creek includes the beaches of Salt Creek
County Beach Park and Dana Strands. This is a popular year-round beach. It is located west
of Pacific Coast Highway at the foot of Niguel Road and receives the majority of South Orange
County residents pouring to the nearest beach from inland communities. It has over 1,000
parking spots and a variety of amenities are there to accommodate visitors. The beach includes
a seasonal snack bar and lifeguards, bathrooms and showers, a large grassy area with picnic
areas, volleyball courts and a basketball court. Salt Creek is also an important beach for surfing
and bodyboarding. The majority of visitors are from Orange County communities but the beach
also has a consistent flow of overnight tourists; the Ritz Carlton is located just above the beach
and the St. Regis just across the street. The southern portion of the beach, known as Dana
Strands, has a funicular elevator to shuttle patrons down the steep bluff to the beach.
# 70, Dana Point/Three Caves Beach: West of Dana Point Harbor just outside the breakwater
is Three Caves Beach, named for the small caves embedded in the cliff. Parking is available in
a nearby lot of about 200 spots and the beach is accessible via a concrete stairway at the foot
of the jetty. The beach is narrow and rocky and often submerged. Restrooms and a snack bar
are available near the parking lot.
# 71, Baby Beach/Dana Cove /Mother’s Beach: At the northern end of Dana Point Harbor,
southwest of Dana Point Harbor Drive, is a small sandy beach circumvented by a series of
Everest International Consultants, Inc. 2.11