El Caminante Bar & Bungalows

4.0 star property

Photo gallery for El Caminante Bar & Bungalows

Beach/ocean view
Exterior
Interior entrance
Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Restaurant

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Parking included
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View map
34862 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA, 92624
  • Doheny State Beach
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • The Coach House
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Dana Point Harbor
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Patio

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Patio

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Presidential Suite

  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Dana Point

With a stay at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows in Dana Point (Capistrano Beach), you'll be a 3-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 (7.3 km) from San Clemente Pier.

What's nearby

  • Capistrano Beach Park - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Doheny State Beach - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • The Coach House - 3 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Dana Point Harbor - 4 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Salt Creek Beach Park - 5 min drive - 4.9 km

Getting around

  • San Juan Capistrano Depot - 11 min drive
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪A's Burgers - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Denny's - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Del Taco - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Kawamata Seafood - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬4 min drive

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.

Languages

English

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 transport

  • Free 24-hour offsite parking within 6 metres
  • 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 (84 centimetre 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
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • 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

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

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

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 172 out of 205 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 205 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 205 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 205 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 205 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

David

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Staff was great but the bed and pillows were very uncomfortable. Also they need to let you know when you check in that room cleaning has to be set up day before if you want it.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deanna

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

Hidden Gem

From the moment we arrived, the bungalow exuded warmth and character. The interior was spotless and well-appointed with a super comfy bed, soft linens, a small bar area loaded with a variety of snacks and drinks. Although the room is small, we enjoyed most of our time on the charming patio with its own small sofa, chair and chimenea. The staff is incredibly gracious and attentive without being intrusive. The bar was a place to retreat in the morning for a great cup of coffee or in the evening for a cocktail. They have a limited menu but enough to entice you to indulge! Although right on the Pacific Coast Highway, the noise was not an issue as we were also able to hear the crashing of the waves with the ocean being just across the street. Do yourself a favor, and book this location for your next getaway, you will be so glad you did! We are already planning our next visit!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sheila

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

Birthday getaway

One day was not enough!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Pefect getaway bungalow

This is a quaint vintage hotel that has been updated perfectly. Lush grounds, private patios, ocean view.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

tamara

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful property. The attention to detail is impeccable and the staff was kind, efficient and helpful. The remodel was very well done and makes this an Instagram worthy spot. Beautiful little bar and seating area with delicious breakfast options and drinks. Nice view of the beach, close to San Clemente, Laguna and Dana Point for great food and shopping. Would 100% recommend and stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chantal Alysia

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a little hotel with ocean views, small rooms with simple luxuries and antique decor.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathlyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Trevor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great spot. 20 minute walk to the harbor... High end amenities and the shower were all amazing.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lucy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet and amazing view!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very friendly and helpful especially the hotel manager. The design of the hotel was fun and charming. My husband and I enjoyed the use of the electric bikes that were free to use. The bar and interior lobby space was very inviting.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

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

Great for a short stay

Wonderful hotel -- renovation of an historic property done right. The rooms are small, with no closets, but furnished well, beautiful tile in the lovely bathrooms, excellent bed linens, towels and the soap/shampoo/lotions are all from Le Labo which is very impressive and classy! Everyone is friendly, it's comfortable for a short stay and location was perfect for what we wanted to do.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kellie

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

Beautiful little get away

First time stay at this beautiful little boutique place with an ocean view. Small room and road noise, but such a quaint little place with tons of detail. Super clean, extremely comfortable bed, and lots of character. Record player in the room with some choices of vinyl in the bar.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jesse

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

Romantic weekend

We stayed here for the weekend for my wife’s 40th birthday. It was amazing. We rode the e-bikes up and down PCH, relaxed on the beach, and by the fireplace on our patio. We had a wonderful time!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Leslie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Betty A

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
The rooms are small and the coffee was terrible. The bed took up the whole room, and there was no table to use my computer. For two days, loud music was playing. I wanted to enjoy the sun but didn't want to listen to the music. One good thing: the workers were very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This place was neat with its architecture. Perfect location for a weekend getaway with your lady.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Love the atmosphere and the proximity to all the locations I like.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

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

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Rooms are small but perfect for a short stay. We booked the patio suite and loved it since we were only staying for 1 night. The bar/lobby and whole aesthetics of the entire property were really cool. The bartender was really into crafting his cocktails which made them taste even better! Not to mention the great music selection which also helped set the vibe, highly recommend. Morning was great since they have an espresso machine onsite! For beach path access, you can take a short walk to the street light or j-walk across PCH.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Good if you need a place in town for a night

Like the title says, I wouldn’t stay here more than a night but I see the appeal if you want to drink at their bar / there is an event on property maybe ur going to. No room service, no pool, no hotel phone for concierge- think bed and breakfast almost. Rooms are tiny tiny but that’s the charm. They said a text would be sent to my phone for a chat concierge but I never got it. Room key is cute. Record player cute, super cute! The bathroom and interior design EATS but having lived by the beach I just hope their new crown molding in each room doesn’t get too dusty over time!! Le labo is always a good sign in a hotel. Coffee was yummy. Fire pits are a nice touch with the ocean view rooms. You can hear everything ur next door neighbor is saying tho so not sure how romantic that was haha Great for locals but expect to walk over to poche beach if you want the water. We were celebrating a birthday as included in my notes and a comped drink would’ve been nice esp since it’s a new hotel. 4 pm check in is a little later than most. 11am check out is fine but there isn’t much to linger around on your last day so we went to montage and le petit pali to see other options for future anniversaries. I hope the bungalows it do well - I think with the right local activations and events it could!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Veronica

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent customer service, especially from Paul. We loved the property and would love to stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

jeff

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025