Things to do in Dana Point

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Dana Point
Aerial Panoramic View of Dana Point Harbor and Jetty with Many Boats
Sunset over luxury homes, yachts, and boats in Dana Point harbor, Orange County in Southern California on a cloudy day
Dana Point, California. Aerial view of beautiful coastline
Family of five walking at the beach
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Most popular activities in Dana Point

Tours & day trips

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Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 7 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥16,024 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 14 activities
Orange County Coastal Private Tour - optional biking experience

Orange County Coastal Private Tour - optional biking experience

Activity duration is 6 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥24,036 per adult
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Water activities

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Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
7.8 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥11,957 per adult
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What to do in Dana Point

Stay near popular Dana Point attractions

Sunset over luxury homes, yachts, and boats in Dana Point harbor, Orange County in Southern California on a cloudy day

Dana Point Harbor

4.7/5 (1,299 reviews)
This vibrant maritime hub offers whale watching tours that earned Dana Point its title as the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World. Explore the harbor's upscale shops and restaurants between ocean adventures.
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Where to stay in Dana Point

Find the best Dana Point areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Dana Point
Learn more about Dana Point
Photo by Ruth Rieckehoff
Open Photo by Ruth Rieckehoff

Lantern District

If you're spending some time in Lantern District, Dana Point Preserve and Heritage Park are top sights worth seeing.

Aerial Dana Point taken from Capistrano Beach

Capistrano Beach

Capistrano Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Doheny State Beach and South Day Use Beach.

A coastal resort with a beachfront, a golf course, and a large pool area.

Monarch Beach

Travelers come to Monarch Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Monarch Beach Golf Links and Salt Creek Beach while you're in town.

Aerial view looking out over Dana Point Harbor and Baby Beach

Dana Hills

Though Dana Hills might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Monarch Beach Golf Links and Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas.

Sunset over luxury homes, yachts, and boats in Dana Point harbor, Orange County in Southern California on a cloudy day

Dana Point Harbor

While visiting Dana Point Harbor, you might make a stop by sights like Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach.

Popular day trips from Dana Point

San Clemente Pier taken From Misty Ridge

San Clemente

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach

San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano

a breathtaking aerial panoramic shot of the vast green lake water and majestic mountain ranges filled with yellow flowers and luxury homes at Laguna Niguel Regional Park in Laguna Niguel California

Laguna Niguel

Frequently asked questions

Is Dana Point worth visiting?
Whether you want to experience the local charm and cultural highlights or try unique foods and go on outdoor adventures, there are many things to do in Dana Point.
How do I spend a day in Dana Point?
After you've visited top attractions like Mission San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente Pier, spend some time enjoying the food and retail options in Dana Point.
What is the top tourist attraction in Dana Point?
Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of the top tourist attractions in Dana Point and should feature high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Dana Point?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Mission San Juan Capistrano, Thousand Steps Beach and Victoria Beach with a three-day getaway in Dana Point. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so linger longer and head to Anaheim.
Is Dana Point a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Dana Point is a great place to explore on foot. Wander between Salt Creek Beach Park and Capistrano Beach Park. Then take a stroll around Capistrano Beach, located 3 kilometers from downtown, and Del Obispo, which is about 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Dana Point with kids?
Planning what to do in Dana Point with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're getting away with little ones or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Dana Point for adults?
San Clemente Wine Company and Avenida del Mar are just a couple of the things to do in Dana Point. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Dana Point?
In Dana Point, Thousand Steps Beach is a popular spot for anyone wishing to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a good way to explore the best free things to do in Dana Point.