Dana Point, CA Things to Do
Dana Point, California — Whether visiting or living in this California destination, there are many things to see and do. Here are attractions, activities and events of interest:
Attractions- Dana Point Harbor & Marina, Doheny Beach, Salt Creek Beach, and downtown shops are some of the things you can explore and enjoy during a visit to Dana Point. Dana Point Parks and Recreation Wedding Venues, Picnics, Trails are well worth exploring and include some excellent wedding venues that you can reserve. Richard Henry Dana called it the only romantic place in California.
Dining- Dining often features ocean views in affordable restaurants in the Dana Point Harbor, or exclusive settings at the four & five diamond resorts.
Events- Events in Dana Point include many festivals, parades and annual events such as:
Dana Point Events include: Festival of Whales, Grand Prix of Cycling, Winter Festival, Blues Festival and 2 Egg Hunts, Bunny Visit
Dana Point Harbor Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
Festival of Whales in Dana Point, CA
Doheny State Beach in Dana Point has a five acre lawn with private picnic facilities rentals plus a sand beach and plenty of restrooms, volleyball courts, food concessions, showers, etc. It is located off Dana Point Harbor Drive, charges a parking fee of under $10, and has 121 tent sites for RV parking and tents.
The 62-acre park, administered by the California Department of Parks & Recreation, is at the mouth of San Juan Creek. With over a mile of whitewashed sandy beach and some of the warmest water and best swimming and surfing in California, it's no wonder that people return here year after year to vacation.
The Orange County Marine Institute, located at the far west end of Dana Point Harbor, is a unique educational experience for both children and adults. The facility provides classroom instruction, wet laboratory equipment, display tanks, and exhibits to study marine life. A 70 foot research vessel "Sea Explorer" provides daily cruises to study and observe marine life offshore. Just beyond the base of the breakwater lies the Marine Life Refuge, a protected area for observing marine life in the tidepools at the base of the majestic bluffs overlooking the ocean.
The Marine Institute also displays the brig "Pilgrim" which is a full-sized replica of the square rigged vessel on which Richard Henry Dana sailed into this cove. The Pilgrim is docked adjacent to the fishing pier and offers school children the experience of life aboard a sailing ship in the 19th century.
Festivals- Dana Point Festival of the Whales, Tall Ships Festival, Doheny Blues Festival, Turkey Trot and Dana Point Harbor Christmas Festival.
Shopping- Shops along the Marine Village offer souvenirs and great boutique clothing.
Sports- Surfing, swimming, volleyball, sailing, camping, jogging and much more!
Vacations- There are several types of vacations in Dana Point. You can rough it at Doheny State Beach with your RV or tent, or you can stay at affordable or top of the line hotels and resorts. Dana Point has every type of vacation available on the coast.