El Caminante Bar & Bungalows

4.0 star property
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for El Caminante Bar & Bungalows

On the beach, white sand, sun loungers, beach umbrellas
Ocean View King with Balcony | Terrace/patio
Lobby lounge
Ocean View King with Balcony | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Lobby lounge

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar

Explore the area

View in a map
34862 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA, 92624
  • Place, South Day Use Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Capistrano Beach Park
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Doheny State Beach
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Airport, Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne)
    ‪36 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

Room options

Ocean View King with Balcony

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Ocean View King ADA Accessible with Patio & Chiminea

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Ocean View King

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Hacienda Suite

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

El Camino Suite

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Dana Point

Located in Capistrano Beach, El Caminante Bar & Bungalows is within a 10-minute stroll of sights such as Capistrano Beach Park and South Day Use Beach. This 28-room, 4-star hotel has a restaurant, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • South Day Use Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Pines Park - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Poche Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Capistrano Beach Park - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Doheny State Beach - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • San Juan Capistrano Depot - 14 min drive
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA) - 35 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

Guests staying at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows enjoy free WiFi in public areas and free use of bicycles. Free parking is available if you drive. Front-desk staff are standing by 24/7 to assist with any requests.
47-inch flat-screen TVs come with digital channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Pillowtop beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer free toiletries and slippers. Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers are also available.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include complimentary bicycles.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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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 transportation

  • Free 24-hour offsite parking
  • 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 (33 inches 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
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Resort fee: USD 35.00 per accommodation, per night
The resort fee includes:
  • Additional inclusions
  • Beach access
  • Concierge service
  • In-room coffee

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 10.00 to 25.00 per person

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • 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

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows?

El Caminante Bar & Bungalows offers free cancellation on some room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What is there to do within easy reach of El Caminante Bar & Bungalows?

This hotel is situated in Capistrano Beach within a 10-minute walk of Capistrano Beach Park and South Day Use Beach. You'll also find Dana Point Harbor and Mission San Juan Capistrano within a short drive.

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

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does El Caminante Bar & Bungalows have a casino on the premises?

No, El Caminante Bar & Bungalows doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows?

This beachfront hotel offers many amenities for couples, including in-room massages as well as a bar and a restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does El Caminante Bar & Bungalows feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, El Caminante Bar & Bungalows serves a cooked-to-order breakfast for a surcharge each morning at El Caminante Bar.

Will El Caminante Bar & Bungalows allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How close is the airport from El Caminante Bar & Bungalows?

The closest major airport to El Caminante Bar & Bungalows is John Wayne Airport (SNA), which is 26.5 mi away (35 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer either a balcony or a deck where guests can enjoy ocean views.

El Caminante Bar & Bungalows Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 241 out of 299 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 299 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 18 out of 299 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 299 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 299 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Pamela, San Diego

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was nice and we loved the out door fire pits they had. Right across the beach and a great location
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jodie

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was wonderful
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

carmen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
This is the 2nd time I stay here. The place is gorgeous and super comfortable. I had an ADA room and it was much roomier. I have a bad hip and the extra space made it easy to get around the room. Everything was clean and the room smelled great. I love the toiletries. Plush towels and perfect bedding. I put on my jammies and wrapped myself in the robe and sat by the chimney in the patio. I read for hours with the sound of the waves and the fire. El Caminante is a great getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katrina, ALPINE

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shawn

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Dat

Liked: Cleanliness
Not good experience
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Roxanne

Traveled with family
Good location. Older and not updated in years.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
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!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kendra

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hannah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Beach view in the morning and evening was lovely. Excellent breeze flowing through with dutch doors to room entrance and porch.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location was beautiful and convenient. The room had a view of the ocean and a porch to sit on (we were on second floor. The door to the room was a dutch door which was fun and let in the breeze. Great amenities including a record player and records. Very charming lobby with a fireplace and small bar and bookshelves - almost like a B&B. They serve food albeit limited. We just had a drink outside. I wish we could have stayed more days.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Carlos

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tonya

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

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

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay - cute rooms, comfy beds, conveniently located, friendly staff. Had no problems with parking or staff availability for questions or help. (Contrary to some karen reviews) The little bar had great service and decent food, breakfast in the am and tapas later. It's a quick walk to the beach, just you just have to walk to a crosswalk. Manage your expectations - look at pics and remember this is a beach hotel on the PCH. I always bring my sound machine to drown out train and hwy sounds. I had a great stay and everything I needed for vacation. Loved the grounds and took a nap on the cozy lounge in the sun. Probably won't stay in the same room for a business trip since there's no desk, but would totally recommend this hotel overall. Will stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really cute spot. Great location. Staff is amazing.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jordan

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was great very helpful
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Cory

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

Beware…bait and switch!

The reservation was for 3 people. But they said after we arrived that while they allow reservations for 3, they only can sleep 2. So where does the 3rd person sleep? Boo rollaway beds. So then they try to sell you a second room at a discount. BEWARE… it’s a bait and switch. Also, the hotel sits in the 1 right across from the train tracks. Very noisy.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

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

Fantastic!

Fantastic place. Absolutely loved it. Very classy. Service incredible. Lovely beachside bar, too!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A hidden gem at the base of Capo Beach. Chill vibe, “glamping” at its best. The bar is terrific and the staff are wonderful.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025