Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is a luxury oceanfront resort set on a 172-foot bluff overlooking the Pacific in Dana Point. The Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Monarch Beach Golf Links offers stunning ocean views from every hole, and the resort's private beach, Forbes Five-Star spa, and refined dining make it one of Orange County's premier destinations.
400 rooms · 1 course · North America
At 315 yards, this short downhill par-4 descends to the cliff edge — the only hole on the course that reaches the Pacific shoreline. The green is dramatically undulated and tucked behind a sharp dogleg left, discouraging any attempt to drive the blind target. Tee shots must thread a careful line with ocean air already affecting ball flight off the elevated tee.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach occupies a 150-foot bluff above the Pacific in Dana Point, organized around Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s links-style course, a 30,000-square-foot oceanfront spa, and the Monarch Bay Beach Club with direct beach access.
The 6,645-yard, par-70 Robert Trent Jones Jr. design dates to 1983 and delivers ocean views from all 18 holes, structured in a traditional Scottish links style with nearly 100 bunkers, mounding, and nine water-involved holes. Golf Digest has named it one of the Best Places to Play, and GOLF…
The 30,000-square-foot spa houses 20 treatment rooms alongside eucalyptus steam rooms, dry saunas, a secluded outdoor lap pool reserved exclusively for spa guests, and both indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis. The Tranquility Lounge and quiet rooms allow for extended day use beyond treatments, and a full…
The Monarch Bay Beach Club provides direct access to a private stretch of the Southern California coastline, with water sports including surfing and stand-up paddleboarding available on-site. Chef Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak anchors the resort's fine dining program, focusing on prime beef…
Aveo Table + Bar · Bourbon Steak · 33 North
Spa (30,000 sqft) · Private Beach · Pool · Tennis · Surfing · Fitness Center
Year-round
Dana Point's coastal microclimate keeps temperatures steady through the year; spring and fall offer the calmest wind conditions on the Robert Trent Jones Jr. layout while the private beach remains uncrowded.
The 3rd hole is the only point on the course that actually reaches the Pacific shoreline — play it early before afternoon thermal winds arrive off the water. Ask about the resort's private beach funicular, which drops directly to the sand from the bluff terrace.
Resort club membership — Wellness, Golf, and Elite tiers (open to non-guests)
Start the full applicationJohn Wayne (SNA) handles private jet and charter traffic through on-airport FBOs; the resort is a direct 25-minute transfer by car service.
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