Things to do in Dana Point

Things to do in  Dana Point

Sophistication on the sea

Famously boasting some of the best beaches in Southern California, Dana Point is an upscale coastal community tucked just south of Los Angeles’ urban sprawl. Luxury resorts overlook nearly 7 miles (11 kilometers) of unspoiled coastline, with enclaves that range from kid-friendly beaches to world-class surf breaks. Offshore, migrating whales and dolphins make whale watching one of the top things to do in this seaside paradise, but after a day in the sand and sun, Dana Point Harbor is a hub for boutique shopping and oceanview dining.

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Top 1 attractions in Dana Point

#1

Dana Point Harbor

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The town of Dana Point is called the “Whale Capital of the West” because whales are said to use its geographical location to guide their seasonal migrations. While you're not likely to encounter whales or dolphins in Dana Point Harbor, set off from here on some of the best whale-watching excursions in Southern California.More
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Top activities in Dana Point

Whale Watching Excursion in Dana Point

Whale Watching Excursion in Dana Point

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605
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$59.00
Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari

Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari

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619
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$100.00
Family and Private Group Whale and Dolphin Watching

Family and Private Group Whale and Dolphin Watching

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17
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$150.00
The Temecula Wine Tour from Orange County

The Temecula Wine Tour from Orange County

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20
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$200.00
High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point

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277
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$89.00
Orange County Coastal Sightseeing Tour

Orange County Coastal Sightseeing Tour

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28
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$154.00
Hollywood Tour
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Hollywood Tour

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185
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$199.00
Temecula Wine Tasting Tour

Temecula Wine Tasting Tour

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10
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$199.00
Whale Watching and Fishing Combination Excursions

Whale Watching and Fishing Combination Excursions

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11
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$150.00
Hollywood PRIVATE Tour
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Hollywood PRIVATE Tour

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7
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$1,200.00
per group
The OC Coastal Tour

The OC Coastal Tour

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5
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$1,300.00
per group
The South Orange County Craft Brewery Tour

The South Orange County Craft Brewery Tour

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$109.54
Laguna Niguel Electric MTB Tour Salt Creek to Colina Ridge (Beginner)

Laguna Niguel Electric MTB Tour Salt Creek to Colina Ridge (Beginner)

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1
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$249.00
Pirate Sea Cave Tide Pool Walk at Dana Point

Pirate Sea Cave Tide Pool Walk at Dana Point

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4
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$384.63
per group
Dana Point Dash Scavenger Hunt

Dana Point Dash Scavenger Hunt

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$27.00
Electric Bike Rentals in Dana Point

Electric Bike Rentals in Dana Point

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5
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$59.99
NEW: French-Californian Cooking Class in Gorgeous Dana Point Home

NEW: French-Californian Cooking Class in Gorgeous Dana Point Home

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$279.00
Private Hollywood To Beverly Hills sightseeing tour from Orange County

Private Hollywood To Beverly Hills sightseeing tour from Orange County

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7
From
$800.00
per group
Luxury Catamaran Sunset and Wine Cruise from Dana Point

Luxury Catamaran Sunset and Wine Cruise from Dana Point

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42
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$59.00
Cataclysmic Capistrano Scavenger Hunt

Cataclysmic Capistrano Scavenger Hunt

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$27.00
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All about Dana Point

When to visit

With its mild and sunny climate, Dana Point is easily a year-round destination. The same goes for its marine life. You can spot dolphins or whales 12 months a year, but which species you see depends on the month. The gray whale migration lasts from November to April, and then blue whale season picks up from May to November. Early September is when the Ocean Institute hosts the yearly three-day Tall Ships Festival.

Getting around

In summer, you can easily make your way around town with a free trolley service that runs through Labor Day. Local Amtrak and Metrolink trains connect you to other cities in southern California, and even further afield. Rideshare options also abound, allowing you to visit other nearby beach communities such as hip and glitzy Laguna Beach.

Traveler tips

Don’t miss the Ocean Institute for a hands-on immersion in marine science—it’s both an educational and entertaining option for families with children. Top it off with a fried Brie or ahi tuna salad from locals’ favorite Coastal Kitchen, which is just a five-minute drive or taxi ride away. Or soak up harbor views with an oceanfront walk down the historical Bluff Top Trail.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
PST (UTC -8)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
1
Tours
21
Reviews
1,529
EN
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People Also Ask

How do I spend a day in Dana Point?

Perched on the Orange County coast, a day in Dana Point will most certainly revolve around the water. Start the morning out on a whale-watching tour—after all this is the self-proclaimed Whale Watching Capital of the World. Then head to one of the city’s great beaches to swim, surf, fish, parasail, or kayak.

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What is Dana Point known for?

Dubbed the Whale Watching Capital of the World, Dana Point is a hub for viewing spectacular marine mammals that live just beyond the shoreline. Situated between San Diego and Los Angeles, the town also offers a laid-back beach town vibe, a large harbor, luxury hotels, and a wide array of water activities.

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Does Dana Point have a downtown area?

Dana Point has a small but lively downtown area with boutiques, restaurants, and public art. The town also features a sizable harbor, catering to the thousands of boats and yachts that dock there. Explore the area along the boardwalk to the harbor via the Bluff Top Trail, a 0.2-mile (0.3-kilometer) trip.

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What are the best outdoor activities in Dana Point?

With plenty of sunny weather and easy access to the Pacific Ocean, Dana Point has plenty of possibilities for outdoor adventure. Surfing, boating, and whale watching are obvious places to start, but parasailing and kayaking are popular, too. Hiking and beach camping are also possible right along the water.

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Which is better: Laguna Beach or Dana Point?

Laguna Beach and Dana Point are both popular destinations with great beaches, surfing, boating, and upscale boutiques. Laguna Beach has a focus on the arts along with a quaint, walkable downtown, while Dana Point offers a large harbor and spectacular whale-watching excursions. Both towns exude classic Orange County beach vibes.

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What are the top attractions to visit in Dana Point?

Dana Point is the Whale Watching Capital of the World, with daily tours that get you up close to a wide array of marine life. Surfing, boating, kayaking, and other water sports are similarly popular activities. The city’s abundance of luxury resorts means that spa services, oceanfront golfing, and fine dining are also available.

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