Utopia Along the Pacific

Posted on April 21, 2012 by lesleycarter

If you’re looking for a picturesque beach in Southern California that would make Sir Thomas More‘s Utopia look like a slum, make sure you check out Strands Beach in Dana Point. It’s not seen from the Pacific Coast Highway; rather, it’s nestled beneath a bluff bordering the Ritz Carlton on one side and a mountain of brand new, multi-million dollar homes on the other.

Getting to the sand is a picturesque journey down dozens of paved steps. If you’re not up to the short hike, jump inside the tram, which runs up and down the hill all day, giving weary, water-logged beach goers a break. Other amenities include free parking, bathrooms, showers, and unlimited photo opportunities.

On any given day, the beach is filled with both locals and tourists looking for a chance to catch some waves, sun, and relaxation.

Strands is the essence of southern California; it’s majestic, awe-inspiring, natural seascape is a little piece of paradise.

41 thoughts on “Utopia Along the Pacific”

Chris Hall on April 21, 2012 at 7:40 pm said:

I use to live in San Diego 20 years ago. I miss Southern California.

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- Grown and Flown on April 22, 2012 at 5:52 am said:
  
  Went to UCSD, miss it too!
  
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anaslense on April 21, 2012 at 7:42 pm said:

Gorgeous!

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Let's CUT the Crap! on April 21, 2012 at 7:51 pm said:

Essence is the magic word here. Love it.

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wordsfromanneli on April 21, 2012 at 7:52 pm said:

California is sure beautiful!

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ahilanraman on April 21, 2012 at 8:19 pm said:

Beautiful photos and a well written article.

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cynthia on April 21, 2012 at 8:24 pm said:

Beautiful

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allinthedayofme on April 21, 2012 at 8:28 pm said:

Someday I’ll make it there… You make it so inviting!

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SKEdazzles ~ A Lifestyle/Photo/Travel Blog on April 21, 2012 at 8:57 pm said:

I’ve been to the Ritz there, really beautiful area.

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Vimal on April 21, 2012 at 9:51 pm said:

Awesome photos…:-)

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Valentina on April 21, 2012 at 11:09 pm said:

Lovely area. California coastline is so beautiful.

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ToggyOrderedChowder on April 21, 2012 at 11:20 pm said:

SoCal beaches take my breath away 🙂

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rnishi on April 21, 2012 at 11:59 pm said:

Lesley,
As a CA native, I completely appreciate the beauty of the coastline. Thanks so much highlighting a section that many might be aware of. Thanks also for visiting my site and the positive feedback on the Roberto Clemente piece I wrote. As an aside, I think the picture of little Roberto Jr. kissing the photo of his dad is one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever seen.

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Find Focus on April 22, 2012 at 12:11 am said:

Beautiful!

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Andrew Petcher on April 22, 2012 at 12:13 am said:

I love the concept of making Utopia look like a slum!

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nenskei on April 22, 2012 at 3:12 am said:

Everytime I stop by…. Epic fail !!!

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Kate on April 22, 2012 at 4:25 am said:

Beautiful photos. I’m definitely in need of some beach time,

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Sheila T Illustrated on April 22, 2012 at 5:12 am said:

I am in much need of a utopian setting like this! All sights along the California coast are high on my bucket list.

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puretextuality on April 22, 2012 at 5:26 am said:

That first picture is AMAZING. 🙂

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Jim Austin, Jimages on April 22, 2012 at 5:43 am said:

well -written, and thanks for your visits Leslie. Jim

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Dana Cristina on April 22, 2012 at 5:49 am said:

Wow!!! I’d move to S California right away! It’s paradise to me. I love the ocean & the sun… such a lovely post XX

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Stacy Dymalski on April 22, 2012 at 8:07 am said:

One of the few pristine beaches left in California. I’ve been going there for years. I love it!

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Personal Endeavors on April 22, 2012 at 10:59 am said:

Beautiful! Great article. 🙂

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bohemianspiritedmom on April 22, 2012 at 11:58 am said:

I have nominated you for the Beautiful Blogger award! Love your blog. Directions are on my blog

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bookzine on April 22, 2012 at 2:34 pm said:

Another great pictorial of Southern California

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themathteacheralsoreads on April 22, 2012 at 7:09 pm said:

Lovely pictures! Indeed a piece of paradise!

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Alaska Girl at Heart on April 22, 2012 at 7:56 pm said:

Sounds beautiful. I could go for a beach right now.

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senatorbrett on April 22, 2012 at 9:07 pm said:

LOVE Dana Point! During my travels I spent almost three months there. Beautiful.

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RC on April 22, 2012 at 10:38 pm said:

You know what … the next time you travel, look out for a stowaway 😉

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dhphotosite on April 23, 2012 at 5:59 am said:

Paradise is a great description!

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westsideluxeliving on April 23, 2012 at 9:48 am said:

Reblogged this on westsideluxeliving.

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shakenjake75 on April 23, 2012 at 9:50 am said:

I definitely need to get to California more often! There is so much to see.

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backyardprovence on April 23, 2012 at 11:05 am said:

I used to visit this place all the time when I lived in Southern California. It’s so nice and kick back.
Ashley

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designrevolver on April 23, 2012 at 9:38 pm said:

I would live in Dana Point in a heart beat. In fact I almost moved there 3 years ago.

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Ceramic Art and Design on April 24, 2012 at 1:56 pm said:

Just stunning!

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Shez on April 24, 2012 at 3:58 pm said:

Photos like these are about the only time I wish I were very rich. It would be paradise to actually live there overlooking the ocean. I’m sure ANY of the houses would be adequate. 😉

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Peauxetic Expressions on April 24, 2012 at 6:53 pm said:

You always have really nice pics and great blogs!

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granbee on May 1, 2012 at 11:04 am said:

A little bit of heaven on earth I have felt while enjoying this beautiful post featuring Strands Beach in SoCal! Thank you so much for this lovely sharing.

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René Allen ~ Author on May 8, 2012 at 10:48 am said:

Love that water! Nice photos.

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Russel Ray Photos on May 8, 2012 at 11:25 am said:

I was privileged to go to a New Year’s Eve party in Dana Point back in 1999 for Y2K. The house had awesome views, four floors, and an elevator! I had never been in a residential house with an elevator.

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