Location: Dana Point
Top Things to do in Dana Point
What to do and see in Dana Point, California (CA): The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
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. Capt. Dave's Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,127 reviews
Whale watch with Capt. Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari in Dana Point on our high-tech sailing catamaran year round, with two Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods. For 20 years Captain Dave's has provided daily trips to see dolphins, up to 10,000 strong, leap and play right off our bow, plus Gray Whales (December through April), Blue Whales (May through November), and year round Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, and so much more. Go underwater with whales and dolphins without getting wet during your whale watch in our Eye-to-Eye Underwater Viewing Pods aboard Manute'a. Listen to dolphins during your whale watching safari with our underwater Hydrophone. Celebrity and certified naturalists make this exciting Dana Point whale watching excursion educational and entertaining too. Mrs. Capt. Dave's famous triple-fudge brownies make this a one-of-a-kind dolphin and whale watching adventure unforgettable. We are a real Eco-tourism company providing only sustainable wildlife viewing. Ask about Fast Cat, our upscale Rigid Hull Inflatable Catamaran and the newest boat in our whale watching fleet.
2. Top Tier Luxury Excursions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Dubbed "the most romantic coastline in California" by one of Dana Point's founders, this area is now known as the "Orange Coast Riviera". This is THE PLACE to see everything above & below the water. Top Tier Luxury Excursions is THE EXPERIENCE that delivers a memorable & intimate outing. Sunset cruises or dolphin & marine life cruises, all with a personal touch.
3. 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.
4. Dana Point Parasail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 386 reviews
Welcome to Dana Point Parasailing! Want to parasail off Doheny State Beach? You've come to the right place! We're located in Dana Point Harbor right off the 5 freeway and Pacific Coast Highway
5. Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,437 reviews
Whale Watching Adventures, Charters , Fishing and more from Dana Point
6. 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.
7. 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!
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. 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.
