Location: Dana Point
Top Things to do in Dana Point
Top 10 Things to do in Dana Point, California (CA)
Dana Point is a city located in southern Orange County, California. The population was 33,351 at the 2010 census. It has one of the few harbors along the Orange County coast, and with ready access via State Route 1, it is a popular local destination for surfing.
Restaurants in Dana Point
1. Dana Strands Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By Z4886QWannev - Monterey, United States
If you are looking for a beautiful beach for a walk, surfing, tide pools and to watch surfer Strands beach is the to go to. I moved away from Orange County four years ago and when I visit this is the first beach I want to visit.
2. The Pilgrim
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Bandonman
Built in 1945, the "new" brig Pilgrim is a replica of the original Pilgrim sailed by Richard Henry Dana, Jr. in 1834-35 on his historic cruise from Boston the coast of California, which he chronicled in his literary classic Two Years Before The Mast. It's a great educational and fun experience to board this tall ship, hear how old-time sailors lived, and learn about Dana Point in the 1830s. Highly recommended.
3. Dana Point Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,069 reviews
Known as the “Dolphin & Whale Capital of the World” Dana Point Harbor offers a variety of recreational amenities, boater facilities, dockside dining, and unique shopping experiences that cater to visitors, locals and boating enthusiasts. Activities abound both in and out of the water from watching migratory gray whales that frequent the coastline to enjoying the stunning sunsets and picturesque harbor views. Discover Dana Point Harbor and set sail on a historic and unforgettable seaside adventure.
Reviewed By JerseyDi - Huntington Beach, United States
This area is beautiful. There are shops with clothes, moccasins, souvenirs, jewelry and a variety of items. There are a few good restaurants, coffee shops and cafes. There is a walking trail along the harbor. You can walk past baby beach, rent kayaks and paddle boards, visit the Ocean Institute and museum, learn about the area from the friendly volunteers, take a tour on the ship docked there or just relax. You can walk to the end of the trail that follows the harbor and sit and watch the ocean waves crash over the rocks. It is beautiful to just relax and eat a picnic lunch. I recommend taking plenty of photos. Later go up the hill and there is an overview of the harbor. Again, take plenty of photos.
4. Catalina Express
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Catalina Island is just an hour away aboard our fast and sleek boats out of Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. We are committed to offering the most advanced, state-of-the-art watercraft available while maintaining a high level of dedication to safety, customer satisfaction, and quality of service. Today, the fleet consists of 8 high-speed vessels. More than one million passengers set sail to Catalina Island each year on board Catalina Express, and with year round service and up to 30 departures daily, you can easily join them.
Reviewed By tLynn18 - Boise, United States
We took this ride out to Catalina Island and back. My husband and I sat in the top of the boat where there are fewer seats and a nice view. Inside the bottom deck there are many more seats and a bar that serves drinks and snacks. The ride was maybe an hour and 10 minutes there and the same back. Our trip was a rainy one but we still took a look out on the deck for a moment. The seating reminds me of airplane seats and they were fine for this trip.
5. Pines Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By laurarL9844KX - San Clemente, United States
This picturesque park has something for everyone ...Amazing views to the Pacific , pine tree that mimic art , play ground for the little ones , foot paths winding around , benches if you just want to chill out and take in the beautiful So Cal day .
6. Salt Creek Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 344 reviews
Reviewed By LnS2004 - Cypress, United States
An impromptu visit to this beautiful beach park was the perfect excuse to get out of the house on a lazy Sunday afternoon. We easily parked in the empty big lot; paid at a nearby automated station ($1 /hour; cash/credit card accepted); and found the path to the beach (located adjacent to the tidy restroom hut). Our leisurely stroll led us past a clean, open grass area with picnic tables and gorgeous homes with panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, to the quiet, practically deserted beach. A lone sailboat in the distant glistening blue water provided a picture-perfect backdrop to this soul-soothing serene environment. So glad we came!
7. Bluff Top Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By karenhB3777MW
We were so excited to walk the Bluff Top Trail and we were not disappointed. It is so beautiful and a photographers dream as you can see all of the harbor and beyond. There are some steps but it is an easy walk. I would recommend it if you are in Dana Point.
8. Baby Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By 925caseyc
There are no waves at this beach but sometimes it can be a bit polluted. I recommend going to the beach at the end of the road by the ocean institute. Down the stairs....
9. Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Trails are open everyday from 7:00 AM to Sunset. The Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area is managed by two different entities, the City of Dana Point and the Center for Natural Lands Management. It is atop the Dana Point Promontory and is comprised of 4 parks (in total approximately 60 acres) that contain native Coastal Sage and Coastal Bluff Scrub plant communities. Up to 16 rare plant and 2 Federally Listed species call this area home! Approximately 3 miles of different types of trails wind through coastal bluff tops, mesas, and beaches.
10. Doheny State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 502 reviews
Located adjacent to a popular campsite, this scenic beach provides a peaceful outdoor experience.
Reviewed By citronjimmerz - Irvine, United States
If the correct facing swell comes in, that is. This afternoon as we walked a short distance it was poor with 1-2 maybe. A couple of guys out in the mush. Known for its Summer Weekend Music Festivals, very large gatherings of people come to enjoy the music of old rockers and surf music from afternoon, well into the night.
