Looking for stunning coastal views and relaxed SoCal vibes? I always recommend Dana Point! Tucked between Laguna Beach and San Clemente, this charming seaside city is one of my favorite Southern California escapes. If you’re into whale watching, harbor strolls, or just soaking up the ocean breeze, I think you’ll love it here as much as I do. Whether I’m watching surfers ride the waves or catching sunset from the bluffs, Dana Point always leaves me feeling calm and recharged.
Best Time to Visit
In my experience, the best time to visit Dana Point is from March to October. I like spring for whale watching—it’s the perfect season to spot gray whales just off the coast. Summer is beach-perfect, and fall brings warm days with fewer crowds (which I always appreciate). Even winter has its charm with peaceful harbor views and cozy coastal weather—you’ll enjoy it no matter when you go.
How to Get There
- By Car: I usually drive in—it’s right off I-5, about an hour from both L.A. and San Diego. It makes for a beautiful coastal road trip either way.
- By Air: If you’re flying, I recommend John Wayne Airport (SNA). It’s just about 30 minutes away and super easy to navigate. I’ve also flown into LAX and San Diego International when I wanted more flight options.
- By Train: You can take Amtrak or Metrolink to nearby San Juan Capistrano. I’ve done this before and it’s a relaxing, scenic way to arrive—just grab a shuttle or rideshare from the station to Dana Point.
Where to Stay
- Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach: When I want to splurge, this is my go-to. You’ll get ocean views, a beautiful spa, golf, and even access to a private beach club—it feels like the ultimate luxury escape.
- Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa: I’ve stayed here and loved the location. It’s right above the harbor and gives you easy access to everything, with a touch of coastal chic comfort.
- Blue Lantern Inn: This is my pick for a romantic weekend. It’s perched on a bluff, super cozy, and the ocean views are incredible. Plus, who doesn’t love complimentary wine at sunset?
Best Things to Do in Dana Point, California
Salt Creek Beach
I wanted to head straight for the beach when I arrived in Dana Point. There are actually several amazing choice but I decided to start my visit here.
Salt Creek Beach is one of Orange County's loveliest beach parks, located in Dana Point adjacent to the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Laguna-Niguel hotel complex and the championship Monarch Beach Golf Links.
The beach takes its name from the creek of the same name, which flows along its northern end.
On its southern end, the Monarch Bay Beach Club offers exclusive members-only dining and drinks.
Come here to swim, surf, and bodyboard at this picturesque beach. It's also beloved as a family-friendly splashing and beachcombing spot for its many tide pools exposed at low tide.
On land, you can spread out and enjoy ample space for playing in the sand and sunbathing along the beach's shores.
Day-use picnic sites are offered at Salt Creek Beach Park, along with a number of beautiful walking trails.
11 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point Harbor is hailed as the "Whale Capital of the World" for its excellent vantage points for watching migrating gray and blue whales throughout the winter months.
The lively harborfront is home to a plethora of specialty shopping and dining experiences, as well as the beautiful Baby Beach, which offers excellent swimming conditions and stunning cliffside panoramic views.
Special events hosted at the harbor throughout the year include a Festival of Whales, a Tall Ships Festival, and a Holiday Boat Parade.
34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, CA 92629, Phone: 949-388-3663
Unique Attractions
Ocean Institute
The Ocean Institute is one of Dana Point Harbor's most unique natural attractions, offering a variety of hands-on marine and nature experiences for visitors of all ages.
The institute, which was founded in 1988, is located along 2.4 acres of beautiful beachfront within the harbor, which is home to tide pools and natural areas that are used in a wide variety of educational programming throughout the year.
More than 100,000 children enjoy the institute's natural programming each year, including its annual children's summer day camp programming.
You can participate in state-of-the-art learning lab programs or explore the institute's two historic ships, including its full-sized Pilgrim replica.
The Maddie James Seaside Learning Center is open to the public seven days a week, offering exhibits and information on the region's ecosystems and wildlife.
Special events hosted by the institute throughout the year include the Festival of Whales and the Tall Ships Festival.
24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629, Phone: 949-496-2274
Dana Point Parasail
Dana Point Parasail is the premiere parasailing company of Dana Point, operating out of the Dana Point Harbor's Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching company building.
The company, which has received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for its high-quality operations, is committed to providing all participants with safe, fun, memorable parasailing adventures along the beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline.
Participants five years of age and older can enjoy spectacular views from more than 800 feet above the coastline, traveling single-passenger or in tandem flights.
Trips last approximately one hour from boat launch to return, with all passengers enjoying approximately 10 minutes in the air aboard parasails.
All passengers are required to wear lifejackets, making the experience safe, smooth, and worry-free. Digital photo packages are offered as add-ons to parasailing packages, providing up to 30 photos so participants can remember their experiences forever.
34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629, Phone: 949-877-9822
Doheny State Beach
Doheny State Beach is a lovely beachfront park located near picturesque San Juan Bay, owned and overseen as a state beach park by the State of California.
The beachfront, which is accessible via Dana Point Harbor Drive and Park Lantern, is home to two separate public beach areas separated by the mouth of beautiful San Juan Creek.
You can enjoy excellent opportunities for swimming, beginner surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding at the beach, which receives gentle, low waves from the nearby bay.
Tide pools are often exposed along the shoreline during low tide conditions, making the beach a great choice for families looking to splash around and observe native marine life.
A visitor center at the beach showcases interpretive nature exhibits and an aquarium, while a large campground along its southern end provides opportunities for overnight tent and RV camping.
25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center
Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center is a delightful public exhibit center in Dana Point, offering nature-focused exhibits developed by the City of Dana Point and the Dana Point Historical Society.
The center, which is open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays during the afternoon hours, is home to lovely interactive exhibits showcasing the geology, ecology, and history of the spectacular Dana Point Headlands.
Interpretive panels detail the region's changes and development throughout ancient and modern history, providing information on geological changes and native flora and fauna over the years.
Recent restoration and conservation efforts are documented, elaborating on how area nature groups strive to keep the region's ecosystems preserved for future generations to enjoy.
34558 Scenic Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629, Phone: 949-248-3527
Attractions for Couples
Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safaris
Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safaris offer a unique opportunity to view the dolphins and whales of Dana Point up close throughout the migratory season each year.
You can take to the seas aboard the company's 49-passenger Lily catamaran or intimate 12-passenger Fast Cat vessels and enjoy up close and personal experiences with orcas, blue whales, and gray whales at select times throughout the year.
Year-round excursions are also offered for viewing wild dolphins, fin whales, Minke whales, and humpback whales, as well as native sea life such as sharks, sea lions, and endangered seabird species.
All excursions are led by knowledgeable marine life naturalists, who offer information on animal species and their daily lives.
You can also enjoy a special treat of the company's home-baked triple fudge brownies after returning to the Dana Point Harbor.
24440 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629, Phone: 949-518-0310
Stacks Pancake House
Stacks Pancake House is a delicious breakfast joint offering two locations in Southern California, including a location in downtown Dana Point. The restaurant, which is overseen by married duo Mixon and Ovita Tanuwidjaja, blends the couple's Japanese and Hawaiian cultural traditions into unique fusion fare options, including the restaurant's signature banana macadamia nut pancakes served with coconut syrup. Other creative breakfast fare includes options like Japanese fried rice omelettes, Portuguese-style sausage and eggs, Oreo cookies and cream waffles, and traditional Hawaiian-style Loco Moco, which pairs diners' choice of chicken katsu, kalua pork, or spam with steamed rice, two eggs, and brown gravy. At lunch, diners can enjoy chicken teriyaki plates, kalua pork and cabbage platters, or signature house cheeseburgers with thousand island dressing and double portions of American cheese.
34255 Pacific Coast Hwy Dana Point, CA 92629, Phone: 949-429-2222
Baby Beach
Baby Beach, officially known as Dana Point Harbor Beach, is the main beachfront area of lively Dana Point Harbor, one of the city's most popular recreational spots. The beach is a very popular recreational area for families throughout the warmer months, offering a protected swimming section for young and novice swimmers that is staffed by lifeguards during the summer at peak times.
You can enjoy excellent conditions for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming throughout the year or can fish at the beach's public fishing pier, which is located adjacent to the historic Pilgrim ship replica.
Boating opportunities are offered at the Dana Point Marina, which serves as the jumping-off point for a number of public walking trails. Above the beachfront, a blufftop public park area offers day-use picnic sites, barbecue grills, and group picnic pavilions.
24300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Pines Park
Pines Park is a charming public park in Dana Point, located atop a bluff directly overlooking Capistrano Beach Park.
The lovely park is one of the city's most popular spots for families to play throughout the summer months, offering a shaded play structure with a climbing wall and tunnel slide for young children to play on.
Four day-use picnic areas offer bench seating and barbecue grills, great for bringing picnics to enjoy with the entire family. Stunning ocean views are offered from a walking path in the park's wooded area, with sunset viewing benches offered for observing from the shoreline.
On clear days, you can see all the way to nearby Dana Point Harbor from the park. You should note that there are no public restrooms offered at the park and should plan trips with young ones accordingly.
34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624, Phone: 949-248-3530
Jump to a Spot...