Steller: Create Beautiful Social Media Stories

Dana Point

Located along South Orange County’s extraordinary Coastal region, halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Dana Point is a year-round destination with a historically deep connection to the ocean and endless opportunities to explore. Always comfortable and inviting, Dana Point is home to pristine beaches, cliffside eateries, renowned whale watching, world-class boating, and endless opportunities to catch a wave or explore the city’s strong surf heritage.

From the Community

Featured Trip Itineraries

A Day in Dana Point

Family Guide to Dana Point, California

The Best Experiences in Dana Point, California

Recommendations

Landmark4.6/5

Doheny State Beach

Welcome to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California! Dive into the crystal-clear waters for some epic surfing, paddleboarding, or just lounging by the shore. With picnic areas, volleyball courts, and stunning sunsets, this beach has it all. Don't forget your sunscreen and sense of adventure!

Landmark4.8/5

Salt Creek Beach

Dana Point beach with a grassy bluff above the sand. Palms frame the Ritz-Carlton above the Pacific.

Culture4.6/5

Ocean Institute

Whale-watching tours leave this Dana Point marine science center, alongside hands-on exhibits and a historic ship. Children handle marine life up close.

Landmark4.8/5

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point

Experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing and witness the majestic beauty of whales at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. Located on the breathtaking shores of Dana Point, California, this place offers unforgettable adventures for both seasoned anglers and curious travelers. With experienced guides, top-of-the-line equipment, and a whole lot of fun, get ready to cast your line and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Landmark4.8/5

Dana Point Caves

Dana Point's caves cut into coastal cliffs above a rocky shore, with tide pools along the way. One opens through an arch to the ocean.

Landmark4.7/5

Dana Point Harbor

Nestled along California's stunning coastline, Dana Point Harbor is iconic for its picturesque marina, vibrant shops, and delicious dining options, making it a must-visit destination for unforgettable seaside experiences and breathtaking ocean views.

Landmark4.3/5

Watermen's Plaza

Surfer statues and a mosaic fill this roadside plaza, tracing Dana Point's surf history. The mosaic is Mia Tavonatti's The Endless Summer.

Culture4.8/5

Art Sea

Art and sculpture gift shop with jewelry, local cork coasters, T-shirts and souvenirs.

Landmark4.5/5

Doheny State Beach

Dana Point's sandy beach has grassy picnic areas, barbecue grills and surfers out on the water. Rocks interrupt the sandy shoreline underfoot.

Outdoor4.9/5

Strands Beach

Walkers and surfers share the long stretch of sand at this Dana Point beach. Benches and rocks offer places to stop and watch the surf.

Outdoor

Capistrano Beach

Neighborhood in Dana Point, California.

Landmark4.7/5

Baby Beach

Dana Point's sheltered sandy beach has a shallow swimming area protected from larger waves. Kids can borrow toys from a take-one, leave-one box.

Outdoor4.7/5

Monarch Beach Golf Links

Ocean-view golf course with sand traps across the fairways, where the resort’s beach shuttle rolls past during play.

Landmark4.7/5

Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center

A sandy trail circles this Dana Point nature center, with ocean views and wildlife information boards. Inside, exhibits introduce local animals.

Outdoor4.6/5

Sea Terrace Community Park

This oceanfront park's grassy slope runs down to the beach, while trails cross Pacific Coast Highway and loop around Salt Creek Beach.

Landmark4.8/5

CNLM's Dana Point Preserve

Coastal preserve with a trail down through a tunnel to the rocky shore. At low tide, pools behind the Ocean Institute reveal crabs and anemones.

Shop5/5

Vintage Yacht Club

Dana Point home-goods shop with vintage decor, clothing and gifts.

Outdoor4.8/5

Las Ramblas Trailhead

San Juan Capistrano trail climbs coastal hills on wide paths, with narrower tracks branching across the ridges. From the ridgelines, you can see the ocean.

Landmark4.4/5

Dana Point Harbor

This Southern California harbor gathers boats, restaurants and a beach around a sheltered inlet. A path follows the water, where sea lions surface beside the boats.

Stays

Stay$$$4.55/5

Blue Lantern Inn

Blue Lantern Inn, A Four Sisters Inn in Dana Point offers 4-star comfort with air-conditioning, balconies, and private bathrooms. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and free WiFi. Guests enjoy a fitness centre, sun terrace, and lush garden. Additional amenities include a hot tub, outdoor seating area, and picnic spots. Free on-site private parking is available. Located 37 km from John Wayne Airport, the hotel is a short walk from Baby Beach and near attractions such as Art Sea and The Coach House Concert Hall. Guests appreciate the scenic views and excellent service.

Stay$$$$4.65/5

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach

Located in Dana Point on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this resort offers 2 restaurants and 5 bars/lounges, in room dining, 3 swimming pools including a children’s pool, a championship golf course and an on-site spa and blow dry bar. Private beach access is featured. A private balcony or terrace, premium down duvets and a 50-inch LCD TV is included in each guest room at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club. A luxurious en suite bathroom with marble tile, over-sized bathtub and separate shower is also provided. Guests can enjoy oceanfront dining at 33°North. The restaurant features locally sourced, natural, and organic sea food, meats, poultry and produce. The bar serves premium champagne and cognac from France and an extensive Single Malt Scotch Whisky menu. Bourbon Steak boasts panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and serves creative, yet-refined dishes showcasing locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients from land and seas. For coffee and quick to go meals guests can stop by Part & Parcel Market. The full-service spa features massage therapy, facials and body treatments. The full-service spa offers hair and nail services, yoga and a sea to spa package. An outdoor pool with fully-outfitted cabanas and a children's pool and lagoon pool are available for guest relaxation. The Monarch Beach Kids Club offers a children's program and babysitting services. This resort is 82 km from Los Angeles International Airport and 30 minutes’ drive from John Wayne Airport. Mission San Juan Capistrano is 10 minutes’ drive away from Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club.

Stay$3.95/5

Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel

Located off coastal Highway 1, this Dana Point hotel features a year round outdoor pool and guest rooms with free Wi-Fi. It serves a daily hot American breakfast featuring eggs, pancakes and yogurt. Dana Point Harbor is 4 minutes’ drive away. A relaxing spa bath is provided in each air-conditioned guest room at Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel. A flat-screen cable TV, an iPod docking station, a refrigerator and a coffee maker are included in all of the traditionally decorated rooms. A 24-hour reception is offered to guests of Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel Guests can workout in the on-site fitness centre. For convenience, a business centre featuring fax and photocopying services is available. San Juan Capistrano is 4 miles away from this hotel. Aliso Creek Golf Course is 10 minutes’ drive away. Laguna Beach is 8 miles away from this Best Western Plus.

Stay$$3.65/5

Dana Point Marina Inn

Dana Point Marina Inn in Dana Point offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and free WiFi. Each room includes a balcony with garden or pool views, a work desk, and a TV. Guests can enjoy a fitness centre, year-round outdoor swimming pool, and hot tub. Additional amenities include a lift, 24-hour front desk, and paid on-site private parking. Located less than 1 km from Doheny State Beach and a 2-minute walk to Art Sea, the hotel is 36 km from John Wayne Airport. Nearby attractions include Heisler Park and The Coach House Concert Hall. The property staff provide excellent service support, ensuring a pleasant stay. Guests appreciate the convenient location, excellent service, and nearby options for food and drinks.

Stay$$$$4.25/5

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

This luxury hotel is located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and offers beach access. The hotel features a full-service spa, 2 outdoor pools, multiple dining options and a tennis court. Each guest accommodation offers free WiFi. Offering ocean-inspired décor, rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel are equipped with 42-inch flat-screen TVs and larger but size may vary by room category, a work desk and a DVD player. Rooms also feature bottled water and a coffee machine. Room service is also available. First floor ocean view rooms offer outdoor pits. Dining options at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel include KAHANI, a modern approach to authentic Indian food. RAYA which features sustainable seafood, local product, and coastal Latin cuisine. And TAIKUN Omakase, a 16-course omakase with designated seating times. The resort also has 180 BLU, a cliffside lounge featuring handcrafted cocktails and small plates, the RITZ Lobby Bar, The Market Place and the Dana Pool Cade. Guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Nigel can work out in the gym or enjoy a game of table tennis. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is within 6 minutes’ drive of Dana Point Harbor, which features a marina. Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano is 13 minutes’ drive away.

Stay$$3.8/5

Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point Doheny Beach

Steps from beautiful beaches and Doheny Beach State Park, this Dana Point, California hotel offers variety room type of accommodation, delicious on-site dining options and signature Sweet Dreams beds. Every stay at Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point Doheny Beach is sure to be relaxing with thoughtful amenities including modern fitness facilities and an outdoor pool. The hotel also features California-inspired cuisine at the on-site Doheny Surf restaurant. Guests can also enjoy ocean views over drinks and appetisers at the Longboard Rooftop Bar Guests can enjoy boating and fishing at Dana Point Harbor and top-rated golf at Monarch Bay Golf Course, both only minutes from the Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point Doheny Beach. Disneyland and ferries to Catalina Island are also within driving distance.

Stay$$$3.4/5

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa

Welcome to Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa! This oceanfront oasis in Dana Point, CA offers stunning views, luxurious accommodations, and top-notch amenities. Relax by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or explore nearby attractions like Dana Point Harbor. With fantastic dining options and friendly staff, this resort is a perfect getaway destination.

Things To Do
Provided by

5/5

2 h

Up-Close Dolphin & Whale Watching Zodiac Adventure in Dana Point

A fast and fun wildlife adventure awaits your family aboard our zodiac-style vessels (rigid inflatable boats). This cruise of up to 20 passengers gives you a thrilling 2-hour look at Southern California’s year-round whales and dolphins. With speeds of 30 knots or more, you’ll spend less time looking for animals and more time enjoying them! Your zodiac adventure will have you incredibly close to the ocean’s surface and within arm’s reach of wildlife. At the conclusion of your cruise, you'll receive one of Mrs. Capt. Dave's famously delicious Triple Fudge Brownies. (Some folks love the brownies more than the whales!) We are a certified Responsible Whale Watching partner with the World Cetacean Alliance located in Dana Point, CA, the Dolphin and Whale Capital of the World®, and the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas.

$105.99

4.8/5

3 h

Dana Point 3 Hour Kayak and Hike with Wildlife Viewing

The activity includes an expert local guide that connects adventurers with nature and the local culture, history and unique geographical sites of the location. In a friendly and chill setting, adventurers are able to experience a stress free and reflective activity in a beautiful setting complete with wildlife viewing and healthy activity.

$99.00

5/5

3 h

Pirate Sea Cave Tide Pool Walk at Dana Point

Join Captain Will Radford on a pirate sea cave adventure! Participants are encouraged to DRESS AND TALK LIKE A PIRATE while hiking along the rocky shore, exploring tide pools, viewing of steep cliffs and visiting a giant sea cave. Sing sea shanties and hear tall tales of buccaneers, sea monsters and buried treasure. Bring full meal in a backpack to enjoy at the cave. UNEVEN/WET TERRAIN, LOOSE ROCKS, SUN EXPOSURE AND CHANCE OF GETTING FEET WET. ROUGHLY 1 MILE ROUND-TRIP. DATE & TIME ARE DETERMINED BY LOW TIDE & WEATHER CONDITIONS.

$538.47

4.8/5

Electric Bike Rentals in Dana Point

E-bike rental to explore Dana Point, San Clemente, Laguna Beach and it's beautiful surroundings. Get exercise or just go for fun!

$59.99

2 h

Cataclysmic Capistrano Scavenger Hunt

Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website’s international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don’t have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!

$23.20

5/5

3 h

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

We will kick off the tour from the Salt Creek Trail which is a pleasant paved path on a gentle descent through suburban Laguna Niguel. Along the way, well-built underpasses ensure you never have to deal with crossing traffic, making this a great choice for families. Although a large section of the trail is paved, there are dirt sections that run parallel to the pavement to help create a pure dirt trail biking experience. We will further connect to the Colinas Ridge Trail which is a mix of fire road and single track which is optional for the more experienced riders in the group. The Colinas Ridge Trail is a fun out-and-back trail perched above the Pacific Ocean.

$249.00

5/5

3 h 30 mins

Easy and Elegant French Cooking Class with Wine near Laguna Beach

Experience a unique French-Californian cooking class in a stunning Southern California coastal home with Ann and Rick. This warm, food-loving couple brings a wealth of culinary knowledge from travels and training, blending classic French techniques with fresh Californian produce. Savor the joy of cooking and dining with locals who love to entertain in style, just minutes from the Ritz Carlton and Waldorf Astoria in Dana Point.

$159.00

2 h

Dana Point Dash Scavenger Hunt

Our unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website's international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don't have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!

$21.60

4 h 30 mins

The South Orange County Craft Brewery Tour

Bring your friends and enjoy an evening sampling a variety of award-winning craft beers made by local Orange County breweries without having to drive! Beer flights are included at each stop so you can enjoy the variety of brews that each has to offer. Hotel pick-up can be arranged from the Orange County area.

$109.54

4.7/5

2 h

Whale Watching Excursion in Dana Point

Delight in the exciting sights and sounds of the magnificent ocean creatures off Dana Point in Orange County. Known as a landmark for marine life sightings, Dana Wharf’s ocean adventure cruises offer rare glimpses into a huge variety of underwater wildlife and gorgeous scenic views you’ll never forget. Search for whales, dolphins, sea lions and other exciting marine life! All cruises are narrated by expert captains who will educate you on the abundant ocean life on the coast. Trips are 2 hours long, plenty of time to discover the world that lies beneath. Remember that sightings of marine life are guaranteed.

$68.00

4.9/5

2 h 30 mins

Dana Point Dolphin and Whale Watching with Underwater Viewing

Gather the family, kids, and friends to join Dana Point's highest-rated whale watching activity, featuring exclusive Underwater Viewing Pods. For over 25 years we have provided the most unique and eco-friendly dolphin and whale watching trips to view magnificent Blue Whales, Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, occasionally Orcas, and more. Five species of wild dolphins are also seen throughout the year, including mega-pods with up to 10,000 dolphins! Plus sea lions, marine birds, and even sharks. You'll depart from Dana Point, the Dolphin and Whale Capital of the World®. We're a certified Responsible Whale Watching partner with the World Cetacean Alliance. Aboard our uncrowded high-tech catamaran you will enjoy up close and personal dolphin and whale watching with expert narration, complimentary triple fudge brownies, and more.

$105.99

5/5

7 h 30 mins

Full-Day Private Orange County Coastal Tour from Anaheim

Come enjoy all the highlights of ORANGE COUNTY’S BEACH CITIES with our local and experienced guides. Our adventure starts with a drive from your hotel to SEAL BEACH, where we pass by the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, Sunset Beach, The Bolsa Chica Wetlands, and down the coast to our first stop the world famous HUNTINGTON BEACH! From Huntington Beach, we make our way down the coast to NEWPORT BEACH to check out and explore the quaint community of BALBOA ISLAND. From Balboa Island, we’ll take you on through CORONA DEL MAR, for some wonderful views and on past CRYSTAL COVE. Next stop, grab some lunch in LAGUNA BEACH. After Laguna, our guests explore some spectacular views of all Orange County from a super secret spot. Next, we head into DANA POINT, A sight not to be missed as we explore its majestic cliffs and beautiful harbor. Last stop of the day - SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO! Our guests will also have the chance to visit THE MISSION IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO.

$157.98

4.8/5

3 h 30 mins

Wine Country Half-Day Bike Tour from Solvang - w/o Lunch

Daily guided wine country bicycle tours include local professional cycling tour guide, wine & olive oil tasting, as well as bike rentals. Our guests have been enjoying the personal touches and first class service of a European cycling excursion without the hassle of international travel since 2005.

$200.00

4/5

San Francisco Self Guided Audio Experience

Experience San Francisco like never before with complete freedom to explore at your own rhythm while uncovering exclusive historical insights and hidden stories that even locals don't know. Our meticulously crafted audio experience delivers authentic local perspectives through masterful storytelling that transforms ordinary sightseeing into an extraordinary journey of discovery. Unlike traditional guided tours that rush you through crowds and predetermined schedules, you'll have the flexibility to linger at attractions that captivate you, skip those that don't, and create your own perfect San Francisco adventure. Our professional narration features an engaging, crystal-clear voice that brings each location to life with fascinating details. superior audio quality and expertly paced content ensure you'll be completely immersed in San Francisco's rich tapestry of culture, architecture, and stories while maintaining the spontaneity and personal connection that makes travel truly memorable.

$6.00

5/5

Nojoqui Canyon Wine Country Tour with Optional Lunch

Guided Electric-Assist Bike Tour through the Nojoqui Falls Canyon in Santa Barbara Wine Country. Guided tour includes a stop at Folded Hills Tasting Room & Vineyard to enjoy a hosted guided wine flight. Optional stop at café in Solvang for an exquisite locally-sourced sandwich & side salad. Please note, bike tour doesn't include a hike to the waterfalls. Enjoy pedaling on easy-to-ride electric assist bicycles!

$100.00

4.8/5

Half Day Tour to Faery Waterfalls, Castle Lake and Mount Shasta

This exciting tour really shows off what Mount Shasta has to offer. Spend half the tour on the west side, the Klamath Mountain Range. This includes going to Ney Springs and Faery Falls. This area is known as one of the Sacred Sites in this area. We next visit spectacular Castle Lake. Learn about Limnology, the study of the crystal clear water. We spend the second half of the tour on the mountain. We will explore the lower slopes of Mt. Shasta by driving Everitt Memorial Highway, the only paved road on Mt. Shasta. We'll take short side trips to unique sites. We will continue and stop at Red Fir Flat. Learn about the Shasta Red Firs and visit Ascension Rock. We will continue to Bunny Flat, the main trailhead. If the road is open, we'll go to the Old Ski Bowl.

$425.00

5/5

2 h 30 mins

Mt. Shasta Snowshoeing Tours

Snowshoeing is easy to learn, simple and a low-impact activity that most people can pick up quickly. Snowshoeing is a fantastic winter activity that offers a wide range of health benefits, both physical and mental. Mt. Shasta offers easy-to-moderate terrain, making it a great location for those new to snowshoeing. “Step into winter wonderland at Mt. Shasta and create memories that’ll last a lifetime.”

$195.00

4.6/5

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Sequoia and Kings Canyon

Download the GuideAlong self-guided audio tour and you'll discover more on your Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks road trip. Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions play automatically, all based on your location. You'll be guided to all of the area's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including the largest tree in the world, a car-sized tunnel through a naturally fallen sequoia tree, and a meadow perfect for wildlife spotting. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you, and bypass any that don’t. - Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location. - Travel at your own pace - Tour offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed - Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use - Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates - Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

$21.24

5/5

2 h

Soar Over Ventura Zipline and Ropes Course Adventure

OPEN SATURDAYS !!! Navigate through the stunning treetops of Ventura County at SOAR Over Ventura. This thrilling zipline experience features two exhilarating courses: the Family Adventure Course with 8 zip lines and a 12-section Ropes Course, and the Eagle's Nest with 4 adrenaline-pumping zip lines. As you glide above the lush California lemon groves, take in panoramic views of Topa Topa Mountain. Your ticket also grants access to the Ventura Ranch KOA, where you can enjoy additional fun like a massive 2,000 sqft. Jumping Pillow, a seasonal resort pool, access to one of the world's largest boulder labyrinths, and the beautiful Santa Paula Creek. Perfect adventure seekers, this experience promises unforgettable moments in nature.

$89.00

5/5

3 h

Crenshaw / South LA Sightseeing & Black History Driving Tour

Explore the rich history of South Los Angeles on a 3-hour guided car tour through the Crenshaw District. Enjoy sightseeing along palm tree–lined streets while viewing iconic murals, historic homes, and well-known landmarks throughout neighborhoods such as Crenshaw Blvd, Leimert Park Village, View Park, and Hyde Park. This fun and educational experience highlights important stories of Black Los Angeles that are often left out of traditional tours. Guests of all ages will enjoy a mix of history, culture, and sightseeing, while supporting local businesses and community initiatives. Join us for a meaningful outing that brings South LA’s stories, art, and neighborhoods to life. We can accommodate 4 people, please reach out to book the 4th person.