Things to Do in Dana Point

Things to Do in Dana Point, CA - Dana Point Attractions

Things to Do in Dana Point

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Dana Point Harbor, Catalina Express, Hiking Trails, Beaches.
 For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Powered by AI
BETA

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Dana Point.

Top Attractions in Dana Point

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Waterfront haven with dining and shopping, hosting activities like paddle boarding and whale watching. Enjoy wildlife sightings and a serene park setting by the marina.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
1


*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • lindsay0215
    Pittsburgh, PA1,158 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed our evening at the Dana Point Harbor. We ate at Jimmy’s right across the street and then walked all around the harbor. So much to see! Several cute souvenir shops and plenty of restaurants to chose from.
    Written July 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ELunk
    Las Vegas, NV181 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very professional staff and right on time both trips to and from Dana Point to Catalina. Thank you Marissa for your friendly and very professional treatment of us checking in! Nice to experience someone who is terrific at what they do!
    Written October 18, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chris R
    342 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited on a Monday. When we arrived (around 10:30-11:00) people were enjoying the beach but it wasn’t too crowded.

    The beach and the nearby park were both clean and beautiful.

    There is ample parking (it costs $). It’s a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the beach. Going to the beach wasn’t bad (downhill). Going back up the hill took some time. I wouldn’t recommend walking to the beach if you or anyone in your party has mobility issues.

    When we left around 3:30 the beach was much more crowded.

    Very beautiful. Would visit again.
    Written July 22, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • do_the_freddy
    Los Angeles, CA323 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This review happened in July 2024. My wife and I always take a day and go to the beach. We love going to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point California. It's a state beach so you do have to pay, they used to have a pay station's but now you use the state park app to pay. It's easy to use. You download it and you can pay by the hour or the whole day, I suggest you pay for the whole day. It's cheaper then by the hour. You only input the license plate for your car and make and model and select how many hours. The beach is clean and safe. They have plenty of lifeguards and park rangers in the area. It's a very family friendly location. The have a cafe called the Dono Cafe. It has a wide verity of food, drinks, and snacks. The bathrooms are clean and don't smell and they have plenty of natural light coming in. There are also covered picnic areas that you have to reserve if you want to use them. they have built in fire grills. There are also volleyball courts that you can use. Doheny State Beach is a clean safe beach that you can relax at and have fun with your family and friends. We suggest you stop by if visiting California and the OC.
    Written July 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Venture27383367279
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed our time at this beautiful, clean beach. Loved the breeze and nice waves. Just a perfect time. Highly recommend.
    Written August 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 1Advisor333
    Upland, CA72 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not to strenuous but parts you can take stairs and there are many. It is only open on Tue, The, and Sat. which we thought was strange. nice views and we were able to see lots of wild flowers. Worth the time if there on correct days
    Written February 6, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • john h
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What an amazing day. There are a lot of trails. Not very steep. Staff is super helpful and friendly. Free parking and entry. We got a bonus of a humpback being freed in the waters. The center had binoculars to borrow
    Written July 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lisa S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This bad rap review is from eight years ago. They replaced the filtration system and the water is fine. This is the PERFECT beach for families with little ones, paddle boarders, swimmers, etc. We are locals and we’re there all summer with our Grandkids!
    Written September 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carolyn Ferreira
    San Clemente, CA14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a must-do place when you’re in the area. I Frequently meet friends there, and we often bring a picnic lunch. Great picnic tables and benches, very clean.
    Written October 23, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • on_the_go_98765
    Tucson20,581 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tribute is at he highest point in Heritage Point. Stairs lead up to the compass and the benches and the sculpture book opened out of which characters from times past physically leap forth.

    Doris was a much loved iconic person in Dana Point history and she is given her "propers" here with this excellent spot. Hard to find a better spot in all of Dana Point! Trees shade the benches, visitors glimpse views down to the marina/harbor and out over the vast expanse of grassy knolls. Just sprinkle my ashes here, please!

    At the base of the small staircase leading up to her promontory is one of the Elephants on Parade sculptures with a personal message. Look for these gems all over Dana Point (and especially on Del Prado) and become a fan of these glorious animals and the perils they face for their continued existence.
    Written January 29, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CapHillTraveller
    Washington DC, DC4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    To celebrate my 50th birthday, I purchased a whale watching trip for my entire birthday party (ten people total). The staff here was attentive, professional, and made the three and a half hours a wonderful experience. Highly recommend.
    Written November 1, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MtnCritter
    14 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    I grew up going to this beach and was disappointed to see that a lot of the beach areas are gone and replaced with boulders. If you are visiting here, make sure you go at low tide.
    Written June 21, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
All Dana Point HotelsDana Point Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Dana Point
All things to do in Dana Point
Day Trips in Dana Point
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars