Dana Point – The Most Beautiful Harbor in California! Dana Point, California is an exciting vacation destination situated in a natural cove surrounded by dramatic cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. Dana Port features two marinas, unique shops and restaurants, and five miles of beautiful beach for surfing, jetskiing fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, scuba diving, sun bathing and seaside strolling. From Dana Point Harbor, you can take a ferry or charter boat to Catalina Island or Newport Beach. [Top]

Dana Point Harbor. Nestled under soaring sandstone bluffs, Dana Point Harbor is one of the most spectacular harbors in the world, and a hot spot for fishing boats, whale watching excursions and trips to Catalina Island. Considered one of the most romantic spots in California, Dana Point Harbor houses two marinas inside a one-and-a-half mile jetty with guest slips, launch ramps, a fuel dock, a shipyard, boat rentals, yacht sales and instruction, fishing, harbor cruises, windsurfing, jet skiing, certified dive charters, two yacht clubs, a sailing association, picnicking and a baby beach for young swimmers.

Enjoy fine dining, intriguing shops, sport fishing, parasailing, boat rentals and spectacular whale watching and marine environment cruises. Enjoy a five-minute boat ride to “Sea Lion Penthouse,” where you can see playful California sea lions, gray whales, and schools of dolphin just off shore. Dana Point Harbor is the home of the tallships "Pilgrim" and the "Pride of Dana Point,” as well as the Ocean Institute. Call (949) 496-1094. [Top]

Dana Point Whale Watching Tours. Celebrate the return of the gray whales and get close to these majestic giants as they dive the blue Pacific waters, from December through March, along the Dana Point coast. Home of the "Festival of Whales,” Dana Point is a navigational landmark for the whales during their migration, so you can see the whales closer to shore. Dana Point Harbor offers numerous whale watch cruises, and whale and dolphin encounters are common and always exciting. Listen to the boat captains as they educate you on the whales and dolphins. Call the Dana Point Harbor at (949) 496-5794. [Top]

Dana Point Harbor Sport Fishing. At the southern end of the Dana Point Wharf you'll find fishing vessels waiting to whisk you out for an exciting ocean fishing excursion. Everything you need for a day or evening of fishing is supplied – a rod and reel, bait and tackle, and expert assistance in catching and cleaning your fish. Go for a half or whole day, or enjoy a two day fishing trip. Try parasailing and enjoy a breathtaking tow outside the jetty, or rent a jet ski and stay closer to the water. The Harbor has four boat brokers, two yacht clubs and the Aventura Sailing Association, which offers sailing charters, and rents small powerboats, sailboats and jet skis for the day. Call (949) 496-5794. [Top]

Dana Point Beach/Dana Point Harbor. Dana Point’s five miles of beach is idyllic for swimming, surfing and skim boarding, but portions are closed as wave conditions dictate. Intermediate to advanced swimming and surfing ability is highly recommended here, even with lifeguards.

Dana Point features a scenic bike path, basketball courts, a boat launch, a marina, food stands, picnic tables, rentals, a pier, a playground, fishing, showers, and tide pools. Baby Beach, a sandy stretch next to the west harbor basin, is protected from waves by the jetty and appeals to young boogie boarders. The shopping area can be crowded on weekends, but that won’t stop the boating and water enthusiasts from flocking to the scenic harbor. You can rent boogie boards at the concession stand, and enjoy great food from snack bars, sandwich shops and restaurants along the beachfront. [Top]

Salt Creek Beach at Dana Point. Salt Creek Beach is a long, sandy beach that is a popular surfing spot. A paved path leads to the beautiful beach and to the grassy seven-acre Bluff Park, which has benches, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and restrooms. Just south, a pedestrian gate leads to a paved path along the bluff above the beach, and has numerous benches and overlooks providing views of gray whale migration routes, Catalina Island, and the coastline.

The path joins a paved multi-use trail leading north along the shoreline past Bluff Park. Several stairways and paths lead from the trail to the beach, changing rooms, showers, restrooms, snack bar, firepits, and a path along the seawall. Paths and trails lead north and east through a golf course and along Salt Creek, a scenic corridor with small parks and miles of trails. [Top]

Cruise Catalina Island from Dana Point. Take the ferry or your own boat or yacht to beautiful Catalina Island, a scenic wilderness of oak, cactus, and sage that looks like California did 200 years ago. The gorgeous island offers secluded coves and beaches surrounded by ocean with lush kelp forests and abundant sea life. You can take the Catalina Island Ferry from Newport Beach and Dana Point. [Top]