Doheny State Beach is two parks in one - with camping in the southern area (with some campsites only steps away from the beach) and day use in the northern area, where there is a five-acre lawn with picnic facilities and volleyball courts. Surfing is popular, but is restricted to the north end of the beach. Surf fishing is also popular.

The beach is on Del Obispo/Dana Harbor Drive, approximately one mile north of I-5 and about three miles from San Juan Capistrano Mission.