Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
Dana Point, CA, United StatesCoastal luxury with ocean-view golf in Dana Point
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
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.
- Robert Trent Jones Jr. oceanfront layout (1983, par 70) on Dana Point bluffs — 18 holes with multiple Pacific-facing vistas
- 30,000 sqft spa with treatments drawing on California coastal botanicals, overlooking the resort's private beach
- Private beach access via the resort's bluff terrace — one of the few stretch of private Pacific sand in Orange County
- Surfing instruction and water sports directly from the beach, alongside the resort's dedicated surf concierge
- Dana Point's position between Laguna Beach and San Clemente puts the resort at the center of the most concentrated stretch of coastal access in Southern California
The Course
- Monarch Beach Golf Links — 18 holes, par 70, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Monarch Beach Golf Links · 3rd (Par 4)
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.
Restaurants & Bars
- Aveo Table + Bar
- Bourbon Steak
- 33 North
On Property
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.
Joining Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
Resort club membership — Wellness, Golf, and Elite tiers (open to non-guests). Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club offers three membership tiers (Wellness, Golf, Elite) providing year-round access to the resort's amenities including the Monarch Bay Beach Club, spa, oceanfront golf course, dining, and member events. No fees are publicly listed; the Elite tier has limited availability.
Membership Categories
- Wellness Membership
- Golf Membership
- Elite Membership (limited availability)
Member Benefits
- Monarch Bay Beach Club access
- Waldorf Astoria Spa access
- Unlimited green fees on 18-hole oceanfront golf course (Golf/Elite)
- Golf Boards or cart choice
- Entry into competitive golf events
- Three resort pools
- Athletic Club with modern fitness equipment
- Weekly fitness, yoga, and meditation classes
- Seven on-site dining venues including Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak
- Exclusive social events (Wine Down Wednesday, holiday parties, wine tastings)
- Dedicated Membership Concierge (text/phone/email)
- Complimentary overnight stays
- Discounted dining and resort services
- Preferred access to Monarch Bay Beach Club (Elite)
- Initiation: Not publicly listed
- Annual Dues: Not publicly listed
- How to Join: Contact membership team at [email protected], call 949-234-3494, text 949-288-2667, or submit online inquiry form at waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com/join.
Membership details → · [email protected] | 949-234-3494 | text 949-288-2667
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
Features &
Amenities
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.
Monarch Beach Golf Links
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 Magazine awarded it Gold Medal Resort status. The combination of ocean exposure and target-oriented architecture makes it play differently in morning marine layer versus afternoon wind.
Waldorf Astoria Spa
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 salon and nail studio are on-site. The Athletic Club, recently renovated, provides Precor-equipped fitness facilities adjacent to the spa floor.
Monarch Bay Beach Club and Bourbon Steak
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, domestic and imported seafood, and an extensive whiskey program; it operates Wednesday through Sunday evenings. AVEO Table and Bar handles all-day coastal dining with a Latin American-influenced menu and unobstructed ocean views.
One Membership.
Dozens of Destinations.
Your visit to Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is coordinated by the LXV concierge — preferred tee times, dining reservations, room upgrades, and personalized welcome amenities, arranged before you arrive. One of more than 55 properties in the LXV network.
Getting
Here
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach1 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point, CA 92629
Tel: +1 949-234-3200
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Approximately 21 miles, 25 minutes north; the closest commercial gateway, with direct routes down Pacific Coast Highway or the 73 toll road.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Approximately 60 miles, 60 minutes north under typical conditions; the broadest international and domestic hub for the region.
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Approximately 67 miles, 65 minutes south; an alternative for travelers arriving from the Pacific corridor or connecting through San Diego.
John Wayne (SNA) handles private jet and charter traffic through on-airport FBOs; the resort is a direct 25-minute transfer by car service.