Table Rock Beach is tucked away at the eastern end in a part of San Juan Capistrano, just a few minutes drive from the historic downtown. It’s a great place for swimming in the ocean, surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There is also a pier for fishing and rock climbing (private property).
Table Rock Beach is one of San Juan Capistrano’s two main beaches. It’s a sandy half-mile strip of coastline tucked between the Pacific Coast Highway and the world-famous Mission San Juan Capistrano. The beach is popular with locals, surfers, and tourists alike, especially in summer.
The beach was named after the rock formation that juts into the sea at this end of town. This formation was used by ancient Chumash Indians as a lookout to spot whales, dolphins, porpoises, and other sea creatures that migrated along this part of the coast. When Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola led an expedition through California in 1769, he spotted the rock while traveling north to build a mission near present-day San Diego. He named it La Punta de la Ballena (Point of the Whale).
Table Rock Beach is about 1 mile south of downtown San Juan Capistrano and about 1/4 mile north of popular Doheny State Beach. It’s located directly on PCH (CA 1), so it’s easy to get to from anywhere in Orange County or Los Angeles County. Parking is available in a lot off CA 1 and there are public restrooms onsite.
The coves at Table Rock Beach are great for swimming, and the sand is fine for walking. The beach is located just south of San Juan Creek and north of Capistrano Beach, making it a popular place to spend a day.
Table Rock Beach, also known as San Juan Creek Beach, is a small beach along the Pacific Coast Highway in southern Orange County, California. The beach is located near San Juan Creek, approximately five miles south of Dana Point. The beach is accessible by a steep, 200-foot trail that descends from Del Obispo Street to the beach.
The beach itself is small, with limited amenities. There is a small parking area and picnic tables, but no lifeguard station or restrooms. There are trails down to the creek and picturesque views of the coastline. Visitors often camp nearby at El Moro Campground or San Juan Campground.
The parking lot has about 100 spaces available on weekdays and about 50 spaces on weekends. When you’re at the beach, be aware that there are dangerous riptides and currents along this part of the coast, so never swim alone. Put on your sunscreen because you’re going to get sunburned quickly. And watch out for occasional heavy rains or winter storms, which can make hair-raising walks back to your car in a downpour.
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