Things to Do in Dana Point: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Dana Point is an Orange County harbor town that calls itself the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World. Between Laguna Beach and San Clemente, it offers year-round whale watching, a lively harbor, surf at Doheny and Salt Creek, coastal trails on the Headlands and the historic mission of San Juan Capistrano next door.
This guide covers the best things to do in Dana Point, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Dana Point
Whale watching
Gray, blue and humpback whales plus dolphin stampedes.
Dana Point Harbor
Shops, restaurants and boat rentals.
Doheny State Beach
Gentle surf and picnic areas.
Salt Creek Beach
Surf spot below the bluffs.
Ocean Institute
Marine science center with labs, touch tanks and educational cruises.
Dana Point Headlands
Conservation trails with ocean views.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Historic mission, 10 minutes away.
Laguna Beach
Art galleries and coves, 15 minutes north.
Dana Point in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Harbor and whales
Start with a morning whale-watching cruise from Dana Point Harbor, looking for gray whales in winter and blue whales in summer, as well as the famous dolphin stampedes. Lunch on the harbor with fish tacos. In the afternoon visit the Ocean Institute with its labs and touch tanks, then walk along the harbor and Baby Beach. Dinner overlooking the boats.
2Day 2 · Beaches and surf
Spend the morning at Doheny State Beach, taking a beginner surf lesson or paddleboarding in the calm water. Lunch at a beach café. In the afternoon hike the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area and watch sunset from Salt Creek Beach. Dinner in Lantern District.
3Day 3 · Mission and history
Visit Mission San Juan Capistrano, famous for its returning swallows, and the historic Los Rios district. Lunch in San Juan Capistrano. Afternoon tea at a historic café and dinner back in Dana Point.
Dana Point in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Laguna Beach
Drive 15 minutes north to Laguna Beach to browse its art galleries, explore the tide pools at Crystal Cove State Park and walk the coves around Victoria Beach and Thousand Steps. Lunch in downtown Laguna. Sunset from Heisler Park and dinner with ocean views.
5Day 5 · Catalina Island
Day trip by ferry from Dana Point Harbor to Catalina Island, about 90 minutes: explore Avalon, snorkel at Lover's Cove, see the Casino building and ride a golf cart around the hills. Lunch in Avalon. Return with the evening ferry.
Dana Point in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · San Clemente
Visit San Clemente, ten minutes south, with its pier, Spanish-style Casa Romantica cultural center and gardens, and surf at Trestles for experienced surfers. Lunch on Avenida Del Mar. Return to Dana Point for sunset at Salt Creek.
7Day 7 · Last day
Morning kayak or paddleboard in the calm harbor, final shopping in the Lantern District and a walk on the Headlands trails. Farewell dinner with fresh seafood and a glass of California wine overlooking the Pacific.
What to do in Dana Point on a weekend
What to do in Dana Point on a weekend? Saturday: whale watching and the harbor. Sunday: Doheny and the Headlands.
The Festival of Whales in March and the Doheny Blues Festival are highlights.
What to do in Dana Point in the evening
Evenings mean harbor restaurants and Lantern District bars.
Sunsets at Salt Creek.
Dana Point for couples
For couples, a sunset sail, a resort spa and dinner with ocean views.
Dana Point with kids
With kids, whale watching, the Ocean Institute and Baby Beach.
What to eat in Dana Point
Fish tacos
Southern California favorite.
Seafood
Fresh from the harbor.
California burritos
Local classic.
Craft beer
Local breweries.
Brunch
Ocean-view cafés.
Where to stay in Dana Point: best areas
Harbor
Close to boats.
Lantern District
Walkable.
Resort area
Luxury on the bluffs.
Capistrano Beach
Quieter.
What to do in Dana Point when it rains
What to do in Dana Point when it rains? Ocean Institute, the Mission and galleries in Laguna Beach.
How much does a trip to Dana Point cost?
Expect 250 to 500 dollars per night and 50 to 70 dollars for whale watching.
Practical tips for Dana Point
Best time to visit
All year; December to April for gray whales.
Getting around
Car needed. John Wayne Airport is 30 minutes away.
Our practical tips
- Book whale cruises early.
- Bring a jacket on the boat.
- Visit tide pools at low tide.
- Try a surf lesson.
- Park at the harbor.
- Visit the Mission.
Mistakes to avoid
- Freeway traffic at rush hour.
- Touching tide pool life.
- Skipping sunscreen.
- Summer weekends without plans.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Dana Point with kids?
Whale watching and Ocean Institute.
When is whale season?
Year-round, peaks in winter.
What to do in Dana Point on a weekend?
Whales and beaches.
How far is Laguna Beach?
About 15 minutes.