thumb|monarch beach thumb|monarch beach dana point california monarch beach is a small neighborhood in orange county, california located within the city of dana point. its distinction is two luxury hotels st. regis and the ritz carlton-laguna niguel (both located within dana point) which are beachside resorts located within the area of monarch beach. monarch beach is close to the city-boundary between dana point and laguna niguel, which are both included in orange county's "beach cities" area (although laguna niguel does not have any coastline). it consists of some residences, but is also a tourist attraction for travelers. the name "monarch beach" is often incorrectly referenced as the name of the city. right|thumb|monarch beach, dana point, monarch beach is named after its most prominent geological feature "monarch bay" aptly named as its rolling hills of sagebrush and manzanita were once a breeding ground for the monarch butterfly. the butterflies were once seen there in large masses, but have disappeared from the area because their habitat has been replaced, almost entirely, by the large houses that can be found in the monarch beach neighborhood. like the rest of dana point, monarch beach residents enjoy close proximity to the beach, a relatively low-crime rate, top-rated competitive public schools, and a relaxed, comfortable and athletic atmosphere that proliferates within the entire dana point community. they are also close to the dana point harbor and the nearby shopping center. the links â an 18-hole golf course designed by robert trent jones, jr. â is considered one of the best golf courses in southern california. in addition, the st. regis monarch beach resort & links course offers visitors some of the best amenities in the area. monarch beach is about a five-minute walk to salt creek beach. it has straight access to strands beach and a picnic area. monarch beach is located to the east from catalina island. historically, monarch beach could become a part of laguna niguel. the group responsible for incorporation of dana point submitted documents on december 31, 1986, a week behind laguna niguel's submission. at a local agency formation commission (lafco) meeting in may 1987, commissioners outraged laguna niguel by proposing the coastal subdivisions of monarch beach be a part of dana point. this was based on a poll of residents in the area, which showed approximately 90 percent wanting to be a part of dana point. the commission suggested the matter be put to a vote in november, but the 
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