Visit Dana Point

Visit Dana Point Get inspired & explore beautiful Dana Point located in Southern California! ☀️ And thus, Capistrano Bay became known as Dana Point.

The beautiful seaside city of Dana Point is located in Orange County, Southern California, about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Dana Point is a favorite central point, bordered by the cities of Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach to the north, San Juan Capistrano to the east, and San Clemente to the south. Incorporated in 1989, the city of Dana Point is named after Richard Henry Dana Jr. (1

815-1882), best known as the author of his classic memoir, Two Years Before the Mast (1840). In his journal, Dana documents his voyage from Boston, around Cape Horn, to California on the merchant ship, Pilgrim. Dana describes the area, then known as Capistrano Bay, as "the most romantic spot in California." The area’s residents were so enamored with his portrayal of their special place that they renamed their city after the author. Dana Point attracts visitors from around the world, and enchants them with seven miles of coastal bluffs, pristine beaches and the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Whale watching, golfing, surfing, deep-sea fishing, paddle boarding, and many more activities are more awe-inspiring in Dana Point than any other California destination. It’s likely because of the natural and beautiful harmony of the cliffs, the beaches, the harbor and the world-class resorts. Throughout Dana Point, accommodations range from economy and budget to world-class, five-star resorts. Diverse dining and shopping give visitors options from affordable to elegant. For meeting planners, Dana Point offers a centrally located coastal city with state-of-the-art facilities, capable of hosting intimate meetings and black tie galas. Plus, access to multiple nearby airports making Dana Point so easy to get to, yet with its beauty, so hard to leave.

“Breathtaking … that’s the Point.” One visit to Dana Point, and you’ll know why.

09/02/2026

The best part of sunset on the beach? Knowing you don’t have to leave when the sun goes down. ✨

Stay a while

09/02/2026

Golden hour hits different from up here. 🌅✨

The Pacific showing off with those cotton candy skies over the coast.

Nothing beats a California sunset. 🌴🌊

Save this spot for your next coastal getaway! 📌

09/02/2026

Looking for the best waves in Southern California? 🏄‍♂️

Here are top surf spots in Orange County broken down by board style

Best Shortboard Spots:

Lower Trestles – World-class performance wave with high-performance walls.

Uppers – Great alternative right up the coast with consistent sectiony waves.

Best Longboard & Hybrid Spots:

3. San Onofre – The ultimate classic longboard wave with mellow rolling rides.

4. Trail 6 – A solid sand-bottom option that works great for both longboards and shortboards if you want fewer crowds.

Save this post for your next Orange County surf trip!

What’s your go-to spot in OC? Drop it in the comments below. 👇

08/29/2026

California is known for world famous whale watching

This is a bucket list activity 🪣🫍🐋

Dana Point, California sits between LA and San Diego, about an hour from either

It is the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas. Boats leave Dana Point Harbor year round

THE TRIP: 2 hours. Morning, midday, and sunset departures, daily

WHAT YOU'LL SEE:

Gray whales migrate past from November through May, often with calves alongside.

Blue whales, the largest animal on earth, come through May through November.

Fin, humpback, and minke whales are here year round, along with common and bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, and pelicans.

In 2024, Dana Wharf logged 579 fin whales, 402 gray whales, and 251 humpbacks.

Dolphin pods here run into the thousands and they race the boat.

THE GUARANTEE: a whale or a good showing of dolphins on every 2 hour trip, or you get a Whale Check for a free return. No expiration date.

WHAT TO WEAR: layers. It is always colder on the water than on shore. Sunglasses, a hat, shoes that grip. If you get seasick, take medication before you board and book the earliest departure, when the water is calmest.

GOOD TO KNOW: indoor and outdoor seating, shade, a snack bar, and stroller friendly. Boats fill in summer, so book ahead.

Save this for your California trip.

📍 Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, CA

Address

Dana Point, CA
92624, 92629

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