Credit Visit Dana Point

Dana Point is conveniently situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, just a 30-minute drive from Orange County's John Wayne Airport. Non-stop flights currently available include Calgary with WestJet and Vancouver with Air Canada. 

Dana Point is a year-round destination offering a variety of activities suitable for all types of travellers.

Activities

Dana Point is renowned for its whale and dolphin watching excursions and surfing!

During March, Dana Point holds its yearly Festival of Whales to honor the migration of the California Gray Whale. The area boasts a significant population of blue whales and dolphins, with various whale species using Dana Point as a navigational point during their migrations. To enhance the experience, certain boats provide underwater viewing pods for a close-up encounter with whales and dolphins.

Credit Dolphin Safari

The second most popular activity in Dana Point is surfing, reflecting the area's deep connection to California's surf culture. It is home to the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC), where you can see the world’s archives of surfing artifacts, surfboards, photography, video, and much more.

Credit Visit Dana Point

Continuing with the water sports theme, Data Point Harbor provides opportunities for stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, sailing, sunset wine cruises, and much more. Also, while still operational, the harbor broke ground on a $600 million renovation in the fall of 2021. The revitalization project involves rebuilding the commercial center and marinas, constructing two new hotels, and refurbishing the docks.

Credit Visit Dana Point

Road Trip

If you are planning a road trip, be sure to include Dana Point as a must-visit destination. Situated at the southern beginning of the renowned Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point serves as a connecting point between the San Diego (5) Freeway and the Pacific Coast Highway.

Accommodations

Dana Point boasts over 10 beach properties, each providing a unique experience for travellers and groups, such as:

• Beachfront Inn & Suites
• Best Western Plus – Dana Point Inn by the Sea
•  Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel
• Blue Lantern Inn
• Capistrano Surfside Inn
• Dana Point Marina Inn
• El Caminante Bar & Bungalows
• Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point - Doheny Beach
• Hilton Vacation Club Riviera Beach & Shores
• Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
• Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort
• The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

In recent years, numerous properties have undergone renovations, enhancing guestrooms and public areas with over $500 million in investments, including The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, and Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa.

Dining

Dana Point offers over 80 restaurants with a diverse range from casual beachside eateries and bars to acclaimed chef-owned establishments. These dining options feature enticing menus crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Notable celebrity chef-owned restaurants in the area include Chef Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak Orange County and Chef Sanjay Rawat's KAHANI, which are popular among both residents and visitors.

The restaurant scene continues to grow with the development of Del Prado, Dana Point locals flock to Coastal Kitchen, Maison Café & Market, Glasspar, RJ’s Café, Craft House, and more.

Events

Each year, Dana Point hosts famous annual events, ranging from multi-day music festivals with top performers to creative surf competitions, including the Festival of Whales, Maritime Festival, Ohana Music Festival, Holiday Lights in the Harbor, Surfing Santa and Stand-Up Paddleboard Contest.

Dana Point embodies Southern California charm, attracting over a million visitors annually with its promise of relaxed luxury along nearly seven miles of pristine beaches. Plan your next California escape today!

For more information, please visit visitdanapoint.com.

By Kateryna Ivchenko

Credits for photos below: Visit Dana Point