El Caminante Bar & Bungalows
Guest capacity
Up to 120 seated guests
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
Other, Cocktail hour, Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Welcome party, After party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat
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
Other, Cocktail hour, Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Welcome party, After party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat
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, Elopement, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Other, Cocktail hour
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
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
Other, Cocktail hour, Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Welcome party, After party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat
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
Other, Cocktail hour, Wedding ceremony, Elopement, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Welcome party, After party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Baraat
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, Elopement, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Engagement party, Farewell brunch, Couples luncheon, Other, Cocktail hour
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
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
1 review
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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