Planning a day at Doheny State Beach is easier when you know what to expect before reaching the entrance. Here’s what parking currently costs, when higher seasonal rates apply, and a few simple ways to make arrival smoother so you can spend more time by the Pacific.

How Much Is Regular Parking?

The standard vehicle day-use fee at Doheny State Beach is currently $15 per vehicle. For drivers age 62 and older, the senior rate is $14 per vehicle. Visitors with a valid California State Parks Disabled Discount Pass pay $7.50.

That day-use fee gives you access to the park’s parking areas while you enjoy the beach, picnic spaces, surfing, swimming, walking paths, and other day-use facilities. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., giving you plenty of time to turn the parking cost into a full coastal day.

You can currently pay the fee using cash or a credit or debit card. Prices can change, however, so checking the official California State Parks page shortly before your trip is always a smart move.

Does Parking Cost More During Summer?

Yes. Parking at Doheny State Beach costs more on summer weekends and holidays between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. During these peak periods, the regular vehicle day-use fee increases to $20 per vehicle, while seniors pay $19.

The disabled day-use rate during these periods is $10 with a valid discount pass. California State Parks also notes that fees may change on major event days or holidays, so do not automatically assume the standard rate will apply when visiting during a particularly busy weekend.

This seasonal difference is worth including in your beach budget. For a weekday outside the peak summer period, $15 is generally the figure to plan around. For a summer Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, budgeting $20 is safer.

What About RVs and Oversized Vehicles?

If your vehicle is 25 feet or longer, different parking rates apply. The standard oversized vehicle day-use fee is currently $30, with a $29 senior rate and a $22.50 rate for qualifying visitors with a Disabled Discount Pass.

During summer weekends and holidays, those prices rise to $40 for a regular oversized vehicle and $39 for seniors. The disabled oversized rate increases to $30 during the same peak period.

These charges apply to day use rather than overnight camping. If you are planning to camp at Doheny State Beach, campground fees and reservation charges are separate from ordinary day-use parking.

Several California State Parks passes are also accepted at Doheny, including the California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass, Golden Bear Pass, Disabled Discount Pass, Distinguished Veteran Pass, and California State Parks Library Pass. Some passes have seasonal restrictions, so review the conditions attached to yours before traveling.

Is It Easy to Find Parking?

Paying the fee does not guarantee that a space will always be available. California State Parks notes that day-use re-entry is allowed for the same day but remains subject to parking availability. If the park reaches full closure, only vehicles associated with campground reservations can enter until the closure is lifted.

That makes an early arrival worthwhile, particularly on warm weekends and holidays. Getting there closer to opening gives you more time to find your space, settle in, and enjoy the coastline before the busiest part of the day.

Accessible parking is available throughout the park as well. California State Parks says both standard accessible and van-accessible spaces can be found in all parking lots.

Plan Your Doheny State Beach Day

For most visitors, parking at Doheny State Beach currently costs $15 per vehicle, rising to $20 on summer weekends and holidays. Different rates apply for seniors, qualifying disabled visitors, and oversized vehicles, so checking your specific category before arriving can prevent surprises.

Bring what you need for the day, arrive early during busy periods, and leave plenty of room in your schedule to enjoy the surf, sand, and coastal atmosphere. Explore more Adventures Unbound destinations and start planning your next easygoing escape along the California coast.