Dana Point Harbor

Discover Dana Point

Where the harbor meets the Pacific

Thousands of boats, tall ships and whale-watch charters — all a short stroll from the Lantern District.

Your local guide to Dana Point, California

LOCAL DanaPoint is an independent guide to the South Orange County harbor town between Laguna Beach and San Clemente. Find the best beaches from Doheny to Salt Creek, whale-watching charters, harbor seafood, Lantern District cafés, clifftop trails and the events that bring the coast to life.

Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital

Giants of the Pacific, minutes from shore.

Gray whales migrate past December through April, blue whales arrive in summer, and dolphin pods show up year-round.

Plan a whale-watch trip

Choose Your Path

However you're experiencing Dana Point

Pick a lane and we'll point you to the good stuff.

For Visitors

Harbor cruises, beach days and sunset spots you can't miss.

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For Locals

Hidden coves, early-morning surf and the best taco runs.

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For Families

Baby Beach, tide pools, the Ocean Institute and campfires.

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For Movers

Neighborhoods from the Lantern District to Monarch Beach.

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Things to Do & See

Iconic spots, curated for you

From harbor strolls to clifftop trails — the essentials to hit in Dana Point.

Waterfront

Harbor

Dana Point Harbor

Shops, seafood, paddleboard rentals and sportfishing boats around one of SoCal's prettiest marinas.

Get directions

Wildlife

Harbor

Whale Watching

The self-proclaimed Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World — gray whales pass December to April.

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Family

Harbor

Ocean Institute & Brig Pilgrim

Hands-on marine science labs and a full-size replica of the 1830s tall ship Pilgrim.

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Hiking

Headlands

Dana Point Headlands

Clifftop trails, the Nature Interpretive Center and sweeping views from Dana Strand to San Clemente.

Get directions

See all things to do

Sand, surf & sunsets

Seven miles of coastline

Surf & camping

Doheny State Beach

Surf

Salt Creek Beach

Dana Point coastline and cove from above

Hidden gem

Strands Beach

Calm water

Baby Beach

Neighborhoods

Find your corner of the coast

Every part of Dana Point has its own rhythm.

Panorama of Dana Point and its coastline

Lantern District

Walkable village core with restaurants, galleries and lantern-lit streets.

Dana Point Harbor

Marina life, fish tacos, sailing schools and sunset strolls.

Monarch Beach

Resort living above Salt Creek, with golf and bluff-top trails.

Capistrano Beach

Laid-back surf neighborhood stretching along Doheny and Beach Road.

The Headlands

Cliffside homes, Strands Beach and the nature preserve.

Niguel Shores

Gated, family-friendly coastal enclave with its own beach access.

Eat & Drink

Fresh catch & ocean views

Harbor seafood

Fish & chips, poke and lobster rolls on the water.

PCH cafés

Morning coffee and açaí bowls in the Lantern District.

Sunset dining

Ocean-view patios for golden hour cocktails.

Tacos & surf grub

Post-session burritos near Doheny and Capo Beach.

Where to eat

All year in Dana Point

Festivals worth planning around

From the Festival of Whales to the Boat Parade of Lights, the harbor always has something on.

See the events calendar

Festival of Whales

Harbor · Late February & early March

Doheny Blues Festival

Doheny State Beach · May

Tall Ships Festival

Ocean Institute · September

Harbor Boat Parade of Lights

Dana Point Harbor · December