El Caminante Bar & Bungalows
Guest capacity
Up to 120 seated guests
15% off Guestrooms for Wedding Groups
Use the code "AMORE" when booking a room on our website to receive 15% off for you and your guests. Feel free to share on your wedding website! Call the hotel to set up a tour today!
About this venue
A hidden gem in Capistrano Beach, El Caminante Bar & Bungalows blends coastal California charm with vintage motor-court nostalgia. Originally opened in the 1940s and lovingly reimagined in 2024, this adults-only boutique hotel offers 30 beautifully designed bungalows just steps from the sand. Couples love the laid-back luxury of our ocean-view patios, twinkling chimineas, and Spanish-inspired architecture that feels both timeless and new. Whether you’re hosting an intimate ceremony, a welcome party under the stars, or a full-property buyout, our versatile patios, rooftop suites, and open-air bar create the perfect setting for celebration. Guests can sip craft cocktails at the bar, unwind by the firepits, and wake up to sea breezes and Le Labo amenities—all part of the relaxed, coastal magic that defines El Caminante.
Our event spaces
The Sundeck
A breathtaking ocean-view lawn for golden-hour celebrations by the Pacific Ocean.
Perched above the Pacific in Capistrano Beach, the Sun Deck at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows offers breathtaking ocean-view weddings for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and private receptions. With Spanish-inspired charm, fire pits, signature cocktails, and sea breezes, it accommodates up to 130 guests with a full-property buyout (80 without), just steps from the sand, creating a romantic, coastal setting for Southern California beach weddings.
Guest capacity
10-100 Seated
10-120 Standing
Square footage
4,974
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement, Other
Guests often feel this space is
“Luxurious and chic”
Included in this room:
Ocean-view lawn with built-in bar access Coastal, authentic Spanish décor accents, fire pits and lounge seating options. Access to guestrooms nearby. Complimentary Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
The Courtyard
An intimate coastal courtyard perfect for golden-hour gatherings under the twinkle lights.
Tucked behind El Caminante Bar & Bungalows, the courtyard and back patio provides a relaxed, elegant setting for welcome parties, dinners, and celebrations. With string lights, lush greenery, and Spanish accents, this coastal venue accommodates up to 65 guests (100 with bar/lounge overflow) just steps from the sand, offering a warm, intimate backdrop for Dana Point weddings.
Guest capacity
5-50 Seated
5-100 Standing
Square footage
670
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement, Other
Guests often feel this space is
“Warm and cozy”
Included in this room:
Built-in bar access and outdoor lounge furniture seating for 32 Standing heaters and café lighting Option to add heaters, DJ setup, or catering stations Easy flow to adjoining patios and guest bungalows
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
The Hacienda Suite + Private Rooftop
An elegant Hacienda suite with its own rooftop retreat—your private oasis above the celebration.
Experience Spanish-inspired luxury in the Hacienda Suite at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows. Featuring panoramic ocean views, vaulted ceilings, artisan finishes, and a private rooftop patio, it’s perfect for bridal prep, micro weddings, cocktail hours, or private events. The rooftop offers a Spanish fireplace, ambient lighting, and intimate space for up to 25 guests, creating a romantic coastal setting in Dana Point.
Guest capacity
2-20 Seated
2-30 Standing
Square footage
700
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, Elopement, Other
Guests often feel this space is
“Surprised and delighted”
Included in this room:
En-suite bathroom(s) & spacious dressing area Rooftop patio with lounge seating and a fireplace Record, CD, Cassette, and Bluetooth Player Mini Bar (for purchase) Convenient access to the main event spaces and bar
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
Pines Park
A sweeping bluff-top ceremony space with panoramic ocean views.
Pines Park is a stunning bluff-top ceremony location with panoramic ocean views, just a short drive from El Caminante. With space for up to 120 seated guests, it offers a large lawn, mature pine trees, and endless coastline scenery. You rent the park directly through the City of Dana Point for $200–$450, making it an affordable, breathtaking setting for coastal ceremonies before celebrating at El Caminante.
Guest capacity
Up to 120 Seated
Up to 120 Standing
Square footage
3,000
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony
Guests often feel this space is
“Surprised and delighted”
Included in this room:
Exclusive use of the designated ceremony lawn Posted event signage by the City of Dana Point Permission for chairs, arches, and light décor Large lawn area for custom aisle and layouts Public parking adjacent to the park City guidelines and oversight for permitted events
Room cost
$200 – $450 (rented directly through the City of Dana Point; varies by day and residency)
Palisades Gazebo Park
A stunning ocean-view ceremony space just steps above El Caminante.
Palisades Gazebo Park is a beautiful ocean-view ceremony site located just above El Caminante Bar & Bungalows. This intimate bluff-top park features a charming gazebo, sweeping coastline views, and space for up to 30 seated guests. Rented through the City of Dana Point for $150–$300, it’s an affordable, scenic option steps from the hotel — perfect for a simple, unforgettable ceremony before celebrating at El Caminante.
Guest capacity
Up to 30 Seated
Up to 40 Standing
Square footage
1,000
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony
Guests often feel this space is
“Surprised and delighted”
Included in this room:
Exclusive use of the gazebo and surrounding lawn area for the duration of your permit Designated event time block (typically 2 hours for ceremonies) Public access signage (the city will post notice of a permitted event) Permission for ceremony seating (chairs may be brought in by your vendor) Permission for light décor (florals, aisle markers, etc.—no staking into the ground) Use of nearby public parking for guests City oversight/coordination regarding park rules and approved setups
Room cost
$200 – $400 (rented directly through the City of Dana Point; pricing varies by resident vs. non-resident and day of week)
The Sundeck
A breathtaking ocean-view lawn for golden-hour celebrations by the Pacific Ocean.
Perched above the Pacific in Capistrano Beach, the Sun Deck at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows offers breathtaking ocean-view weddings for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and private receptions. With Spanish-inspired charm, fire pits, signature cocktails, and sea breezes, it accommodates up to 130 guests with a full-property buyout (80 without), just steps from the sand, creating a romantic, coastal setting for Southern California beach weddings.
Guest capacity
10-100 Seated
10-120 Standing
Square footage
4,974
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement, Other
Guests often feel this space is
“Luxurious and chic”
Included in this room:
Ocean-view lawn with built-in bar access Coastal, authentic Spanish décor accents, fire pits and lounge seating options. Access to guestrooms nearby. Complimentary Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
The Courtyard
An intimate coastal courtyard perfect for golden-hour gatherings under the twinkle lights.
Tucked behind El Caminante Bar & Bungalows, the courtyard and back patio provides a relaxed, elegant setting for welcome parties, dinners, and celebrations. With string lights, lush greenery, and Spanish accents, this coastal venue accommodates up to 65 guests (100 with bar/lounge overflow) just steps from the sand, offering a warm, intimate backdrop for Dana Point weddings.
Guest capacity
5-50 Seated
5-100 Standing
Square footage
670
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement, Other
Guests often feel this space is
“Warm and cozy”
Included in this room:
Built-in bar access and outdoor lounge furniture seating for 32 Standing heaters and café lighting Option to add heaters, DJ setup, or catering stations Easy flow to adjoining patios and guest bungalows
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
The Hacienda Suite + Private Rooftop
An elegant Hacienda suite with its own rooftop retreat—your private oasis above the celebration.
Experience Spanish-inspired luxury in the Hacienda Suite at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows. Featuring panoramic ocean views, vaulted ceilings, artisan finishes, and a private rooftop patio, it’s perfect for bridal prep, micro weddings, cocktail hours, or private events. The rooftop offers a Spanish fireplace, ambient lighting, and intimate space for up to 25 guests, creating a romantic coastal setting in Dana Point.
Guest capacity
2-20 Seated
2-30 Standing
Square footage
700
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, Elopement, Other
Guests often feel this space is
“Surprised and delighted”
Included in this room:
En-suite bathroom(s) & spacious dressing area Rooftop patio with lounge seating and a fireplace Record, CD, Cassette, and Bluetooth Player Mini Bar (for purchase) Convenient access to the main event spaces and bar
Room cost
Included in total venue pricing
Pines Park
A sweeping bluff-top ceremony space with panoramic ocean views.
Pines Park is a stunning bluff-top ceremony location with panoramic ocean views, just a short drive from El Caminante. With space for up to 120 seated guests, it offers a large lawn, mature pine trees, and endless coastline scenery. You rent the park directly through the City of Dana Point for $200–$450, making it an affordable, breathtaking setting for coastal ceremonies before celebrating at El Caminante.
Guest capacity
Up to 120 Seated
Up to 120 Standing
Square footage
3,000
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony
Guests often feel this space is
“Surprised and delighted”
Included in this room:
Exclusive use of the designated ceremony lawn Posted event signage by the City of Dana Point Permission for chairs, arches, and light décor Large lawn area for custom aisle and layouts Public parking adjacent to the park City guidelines and oversight for permitted events
Room cost
$200 – $450 (rented directly through the City of Dana Point; varies by day and residency)
Palisades Gazebo Park
A stunning ocean-view ceremony space just steps above El Caminante.
Palisades Gazebo Park is a beautiful ocean-view ceremony site located just above El Caminante Bar & Bungalows. This intimate bluff-top park features a charming gazebo, sweeping coastline views, and space for up to 30 seated guests. Rented through the City of Dana Point for $150–$300, it’s an affordable, scenic option steps from the hotel — perfect for a simple, unforgettable ceremony before celebrating at El Caminante.
Guest capacity
Up to 30 Seated
Up to 40 Standing
Square footage
1,000
Ideal for
Wedding ceremony
Guests often feel this space is
“Surprised and delighted”
Included in this room:
Exclusive use of the gazebo and surrounding lawn area for the duration of your permit Designated event time block (typically 2 hours for ceremonies) Public access signage (the city will post notice of a permitted event) Permission for ceremony seating (chairs may be brought in by your vendor) Permission for light décor (florals, aisle markers, etc.—no staking into the ground) Use of nearby public parking for guests City oversight/coordination regarding park rules and approved setups
Room cost
$200 – $400 (rented directly through the City of Dana Point; pricing varies by resident vs. non-resident and day of week)
Available services that can be provided by El Caminante Bar & Bungalows
Services & amenities
- Bar services
- Catering services
- Clean up
- Dance floor
- Dressing room / Bridal Suite
- Event coordinator
- Event rentals
- Event staff
- Liability insurance
- Lighting/Sound
- On-site accommodations
- Service staff
- Set up
- Transportation
- Wedding cake services
- Wheelchair accessible
- Wifi
Reviews
Write a review5.0 out of 5
3 reviews
The Most Magical Wedding Weekend of Our Lives
I’m still floating from the magic of our wedding at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows. We had our ceremony on the lawn and sundeck with a view of the ocean, surrounded by the property’s beautiful Spanish-style architecture and lush gardens. After the ceremony we wandered around the tile pathways, bougainvillea vines, and charming garden courtyards for photos, then walked down to the beach in front of the hotel for sunset portraits. It felt like a scene from a romantic movie. We invited 50 of our closest friends and family and wanted a day that felt intimate, cozy, and personal — and El Caminante gave us exactly that. We rented our own chairs, tables and décor, brought in outside catering, hired a DJ, and held our reception in the courtyard. It felt warm, relaxed, and completely us. As the night unfolded, we moved to the bar area for our after-party and danced and laughed until 2 a.m. Everyone was so happy, and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. What blows me away is that everything for the weekend — event space rental, catering, décor rentals, drinks, and even the Hacienda Suite — came out to just under 10,000. Booking both rooms in the main building was absolutely worth it. We started with a 10-room guest block, and by the end it had grown to 20 rooms. Seeing all our friends gather in one place, staying under the same roof, really made the weekend feel personal and special. From beginning to end the staff was warm and attentive, the vibe was effortlessly romantic, and the location — just steps from the sand — added a touch of coastal magic. We couldn’t have imagined a better way to start our marriage. I can’t recommend El Caminante Bar & Bungalows enough to anyone dreaming of an intimate, beautiful, joy-filled wedding. We are already looking forward to returning for our anniversary trip.
A Hidden Gem in Dana Point
Such a cool spot! El Caminante Bar & Bungalows has the perfect mix of laid-back beach vibes and great service. The bungalows are super cute, clean, and comfortable—perfect for a weekend getaway. The location is amazing, just a short walk to the beach and everything in Dana Point. The bar is definitely a highlight. The drinks are top-notch, and the staff is super friendly and welcoming. It’s one of those places that instantly makes you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re local. Highly recommend staying here or just stopping by for a drink. Can’t wait to come back!
Sunsets & Stars at El Caminante
We’re from Texas and when my son in law’s family (who live in San Clemente) discovered El Caminante, we knew we had found something special. My daughter and her husband got married there in July with about 65 guests, and it was absolutely perfect. We held the ceremony at the Palisades Gazebo above the hotel, and then everyone walked down the hill together to the reception in the back courtyard. With twinkly lights overhead, a dreamy sunset backdrop and the gorgeous architecture all around, every photo looked like a postcard. The food onsite was incredible: fresh, flavorful and beautifully presented. We also treated our guests to a food truck one night, which was such a fun surprise. The hotel helped us find an excellent DJ and lighting team to set the perfect vibe and production. All of our guests stayed 2 to 3 nights, and I booked the Hacienda Suite for my daughter which was not only the most gorgeous room I've ever seen but absolutely huge and perfect for getting ready. We loved riding e-bikes, having beach days and relaxing in the luxurious rooms. The Le Labo Santal 33 bath products were divine. We also had late night bonfires on the sundeck and roasted marshmallows under the stars. The next morning many of us joined a yoga class on the property, which was a calm, beautiful way to wind down. The staff was incredible. The sales team always answered our questions, and the general manager and assistant manager checked in regularly to make sure everything was going smoothly. Their attentiveness made a huge difference. The layout and flow of the property made everything feel natural and effortless from ceremony to reception to lodging. I only wish that we had bought out the entire property as it sold out before we had the chance. All-in all we had about 20 of the 30 rooms and it felt like our own private hotel. Anyone that wasn't with our group soon became friends as everyone here was wonderful from the guests to the innkeepers to the gardeners. I loved our experience so much I have already booked a getaway for me and my husband to return and soak it all in again. If you’re looking for a beach wedding that feels intimate, elegant and downright magical, El Caminante is truly it.
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