El Caminante Bar & Bungalows

Beachfront hotel with restaurant, near Dana Point Harbor

Choose dates to view prices

Wed, Mar 25
Thu, Mar 26
March 2026
11
April 2026
Unwind at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows, an upscale beachside haven in Capistrano Beach. With a coffee shop, bar, and restaurant on site, you'll have everything you need to relax. Stay active with hiking/biking trails nearby or try bodyboarding with equipment available on site.
VIP Access
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • On the beach
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Breakfast available
  • Free use of bicycles
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Coffee shop/cafe
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Hiking/biking trails

Feel at home (6)

  • Microwave
  • Television
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Premium bedding
  • Bathrobes

Why we love this property

Beachside bliss
Steps from a pristine white sand beach, this motel offers beach towels, umbrellas, and loungers. Guests can bodyboard on-site or explore nearby kayaking.
Dine your way
The motel boasts a restaurant with cooked-to-order breakfast, a cafe for quick bites, and a bar for evening unwinding.
Luxurious sleep setup
This motel elevates rest with pillowtop mattresses and premium bedding. Guests can luxuriate in bathrobes and indulge in rejuvenating in-room massages.

Room options

Ocean View King with Balcony

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Ocean View King ADA Accessible with Patio & Chiminea

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Ocean View King

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Hacienda Suite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

El Camino Suite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
2 bedrooms
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Pillowtop bed
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

Beach/ocean view
  • Free breakfast
  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
8.2
Very Good
1,046 reviews
$139 nightly
$155 total
Mar 12 - Mar 13
Total with taxes and fees
Beachfront Inn and Suites at Dana Point
2 bars/lounges, rooftop bar, lobby lounge
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
8.0
Very Good
1,000 reviews
$143 nightly
$160 total
Mar 25 - Mar 26
Total with taxes and fees
Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point Doheny Beach
Restaurant
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking available
8.8
Excellent
1,001 reviews
$306 nightly
$341 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Total with taxes and fees
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa
Free daily full breakfast
  • Free breakfast
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
9.6
Exceptional
649 reviews
$367 nightly
$404 total
Mar 24 - Mar 25
Total with taxes and fees
Blue Lantern Inn, A Four Sisters Inn
Aerial view
  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking available
8.0
Very Good
1,880 reviews
$118 nightly
$131 total
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Total with taxes and fees
Dana Point Marina Inn
Peaceful Ocean View King Room with Balcony | Terrace/patio
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking available
  • Non-smoking
9.4
Exceptional
358 reviews
$292 nightly
$334 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Total with taxes and fees
Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels
Beach nearby, beach umbrellas, beach towels
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
9.4
Exceptional
1,026 reviews
$243 nightly
$277 total
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Total with taxes and fees
Laguna Beach House
View from room
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking available
  • Restaurant
7.4
Good
1,395 reviews
$208 nightly
$237 total
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Total with taxes and fees
Pacific Edge Hotel
Banquet hall
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
9.2
Wonderful
375 reviews
$321 nightly
$353 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Total with taxes and fees
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection by Marriott
Room, 1 King Bed, Fireplace, Beachfront | Terrace/patio
  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Pet friendly
  • Free parking
9.2
Wonderful
1,006 reviews
$248 nightly
$284 total
Mar 12 - Mar 13
Total with taxes and fees
Capri Laguna on the Beach
Compare similar properties
Mod logo
Earn OneKeyCash on thousands of hotels when you sign in and book. More rewards for more adventures!

About the neighborhood

Map
34862 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA, 92624

What's nearby

  • South Day Use Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Pines Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Poche Beach - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Capistrano Beach Park - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Doheny State Beach - 18 min walk - 1.6 km

Getting around

  • John Wayne Airport (SNA) - 35 min drive
  • San Juan Capistrano Depot - 14 min drive
  • San Clemente Pier Station - 15 min drive
  • Irvine Transportation Center - 20 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
  • ‪The Habit Burger Grill - ‬5 min drive

About this property

El Caminante Bar & Bungalows

When you stay at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Dana Point Harbor and Mission San Juan Capistrano. Guests looking for a bite to eat can check out the coffee shop/cafe, and the bar/lounge is the perfect spot to grab a drink at the end of the day. Also, this hotel is within a short drive of San Clemente Pier.

At a glance

Hotel size

    • 28 rooms
    • Arranged over 2 floors

Arriving/Leaving

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

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 21

Children

    • No cribs (infant beds)

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
    • Service animals welcome

Internet

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

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
    • Free 24-hour offsite parking within 20 ft
    • Street parking available

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge) each morning 7:00 AM–11:30 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Coffee shop

Traveling with children

  • Bodyboard on site

What to do

  • On the beach
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Bodyboard on site
  • Beach nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Whale-watching nearby

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free bicycle rentals
  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Bodyboard on site

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • 2 on-site accessible parking spaces
  • Assistive listening devices available
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Toilet grab bar height (inches): 33
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Tile flooring in room

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • 47-inch flat-screen TV
  • Digital TV channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • Iron/ironing board

Sleep well

  • Premium bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress

What to enjoy

  • In-room massage

Freshen up

  • Shower only
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

Stay connected

  • Free WiFi (speed of 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices))
  • Free local calls

Food and drink

  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Guidebooks/recommendations

Special features

Dining

El Caminante Bar - Onsite café.

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • Resort fee: USD 35.00 per accommodation, per night
  • Resort fee inclusions:
    • Additional inclusions
    • Beach access
    • Concierge service
    • In-room coffee

Optional extras

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately USD 10.00 to 25.00 per person

Policies

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.
This property does not have elevators.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.

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

Frequently asked questions

Does El Caminante Bar & Bungalows offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, El Caminante Bar & Bungalows does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Are pets allowed at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.

Is parking offered on site at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows?

Yes, there's free self parking.

What are the check-in and check-out times at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Is there an onsite casino at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows?

No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Casino San Clemente (5-min drive) is nearby.

What is there to do at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows and nearby?

Have fun with onsite activities like cycling and hiking.

Are there restaurants at or near El Caminante Bar & Bungalows?

Yes, there's an onsite restaurant, El Caminante Bar.

What's the area around El Caminante Bar & Bungalows like?

El Caminante Bar & Bungalows is a short 17-minute walk from Doheny State Beach and 7 minutes' walk from Capistrano Beach Park.

Have a question?

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

El Caminante Bar & Bungalows Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

9.0

Amenities

9.6

Staff & service

9.6

Property conditions & facilities

What guests liked

  • The property offers a convenient and beautiful beach location with stunning views and easy access to the shore. (25 reviews)
  • Breakfast was delicious and plentiful with tasty options such as croissants and quiche. (6 reviews)
  • Parking was convenient and easily accessible with some reviewers noting it as a highlight of their stay. (5 reviews)
AI Sparkle IconFrom real guest reviews summarized by AI.

8/10 Very good

Room was beautiful, staff were friendly, and property was charming.
Anita, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Room was nice and we loved the out door fire pits they had. Right across the beach and a great location
Pamela, 4-night trip

4/10 Fair

I've spent some time contemplating what to say about this "boutique" hotel experience.
Lyda, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The property and the staff were EXCELLENT!
Rick, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Loved the room, it had a nice vibe with the fireplace. Staff was friendly and the bar is a nice quaint place to have have a drink before you explore the local area. Will be staying here again!
Chad, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Room and bathroom were great, loads of space and a great view of the beach from the balcony. Staff all polite and friendly and the valet parking works like a dream. Breakfast was quality and plentiful. Would prefer a proper bean to cup machine for coffee rather than gas station filter coffee, but apart from that 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Daniel, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Very unique! Great staff!
Matthew, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great stay
Bryant, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Really cute spot. Great location. Staff is amazing.
David, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Everything was wonderful
Stephanie, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Staff was great very helpful
Kristen, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely room and great comfortable room!
Kimberly, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Super relaxing, great cocktails, gorgeos rooms. Would absolutely book it again.
Holly, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beach view in the morning and evening was lovely. Excellent breeze flowing through with dutch doors to room entrance and porch.
Hannah, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

A hidden gem at the base of Capo Beach. Chill vibe, “glamping” at its best. The bar is terrific and the staff are wonderful.
Peter, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great find

Location, style, comfort and excellent staff You won’t want to ever leave
Private patio
Relaxing lounges at sunset
Norma, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Was ok hotel Nice bar
Jean Marc, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Clean room and loved the bed and pillows. Ocean view was great
Rene, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Jason, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Such a charming little boutique hotel. The room we stayed in was immaculately clean & comfortable (nice mattress & crisp linens). The Spanish colonial decor is so charming and so fitting for SoCal... and the view from our ocean facing patio room was amazing. Our patio was perfect for enjoying the ocean at sunset, and the chiminea kept us cozy and warm so we could continue to enjoy the patio as the temperature dropped into the evening. The staff was very friendly and helpful as well. This was the perfect place for us to stay for a quick 2-day anniversary getaway from San Diego. We can't wait to come back!
Marigress, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Room was great.parking was a bit of an issue but not too bad.
Eytan, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastic!

Fantastic place. Absolutely loved it. Very classy. Service incredible. Lovely beachside bar, too!
Stephen, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Like that it’s only a few rooms, parking is very convenient, the view is amazing. Felt so relaxed would definitely book again.
Irma, 1-night trip

6/10 Good

Good location. Older and not updated in years.
Roxanne, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Retro-chic beach bungalow hotel with beautiful view of the ocean. Well maintained and clean property. Staff were friendly and accommodating.
Gary, 2-night trip