The Essential Guide to Dana Point, California

Just south of Laguna Beach on the Pacific Coast Highway, the small, oceanside town of Dana Point is set on steep bluffs above the Pacific Ocean that sweep down to sandy Doheny Beach, of “Surfin’ U.S.A.” fame. Dubbed the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World, Dana Point boasts both abundant marine life and a vibrant surfing culture. 

While most visitors come to Dana Point during the summer, I’ve lived nearby for over a decade and can share a relatively well-kept secret: the holiday season is actually the best time to take a trip to the beach. You don’t just have to take my word for it, though.

“During the holidays, Dana Point feels especially magical with harbor lights, festive events, and perfect weather for exploring,” Vickie McMurchie, president of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, tells Travel + Leisure. “And no matter the season, our location between Los Angeles and San Diego makes Dana Point an ideal home base. It’s one of those rare places where you truly get the best of both worlds—a relaxing, small-town coastal vibe with big opportunities for adventure.”

Beyond those adventures, Dana Point also has excellent stays and restaurants galore, ideal for a weekend trip to soak up some of that quintessential Southern California energy.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Dana Point, California.

Best Things to Do

Let’s start with the holiday happenings around Dana Point. Beginning in November, the shops, restaurants, and walking paths around the town’s marina light up with hundreds of thousands of twinkling bulbs for the annual Happy Harbor Days display. “Our harbor light displays illuminate the waterfront through early January, creating one of the most festive coastal experiences in Southern California,” says McMurchie. 

Beyond simply strolling around, you can admire the show aboard a holiday lights cruise, taking place on select dates during December. For more light displays, swing by Dana Point during the second weekend of the month to catch the yearly Boat Parade of Lights, a friendly competition between local boat owners to see who can deck the, well, boat decks the best—this year will mark the event’s 50th anniversary. And if you haven’t had enough holiday spirit already, you can bring the little ones out for a boat ride with Santa Claus himself.

As dazzling as Dana Point’s seasonal celebrations may be, the year-round activities here are nothing to sneeze at, either. If you haven’t gathered by now, a whale watching trip with either Captain Dave’s Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari or Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching is a must. You could spot pods of dolphins, humpbacks, fin whales, minke whales, and even the elusive blue whale in the typically calm waters off Dana Point. Just make sure to bring your coat, since it can get breezy beyond the jetties.

“Sightings here are incredibly reliable, and seeing marine life up close is an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages,” says McMurchie.

Back in the harbor, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of surfers riding the waves at Doheny Beach. Surfing is a particularly longstanding and beloved tradition here—once home to the famed “Killer Dana” break, Dana Point nurtured California surf culture as early as the 1930s, leading to the development of now-iconic brands like Hobie Surf Shop. 

Though Killer Dana disappeared in 1966 with the construction of the harbor, Dana Point remains a mecca for surfers worldwide. You can get out on the waves yourself with a surf lesson, stay on the sand and watch the locals shred, or read up on surfing history at the interpretive signs around the marina. “Dana Point is a surf town at heart,” says McMurchie. “It’s a great place to watch surfers at Doheny or dive into early surf history. It captures the adventurous, laid-back spirit that defines our community.”

Speaking of, visitors can catch some pretty stellar views of the harbor with just a little bit of legwork. Head up to the 0.2-mile Bluff Top Trail, or wander through Strand Vista Park and Pines Park for panoramic ocean views. All three options are “peaceful, scenic, and perfect for sunsets, photos, or picnics,” says McMurchie. You can also visit Dana Point’s hopping Lantern District for sightseeing and shopping.

Where to Eat and Drink

After enjoying some sun, sand, and surf, you won’t have to go far to find a great meal. Local standouts include Truly Pizza, known for its perfectly crispy crusts and unusual toppings—think cubes of roasted butternut squash, spiced chicken sausage, and swirls of herby ricotta. “Truly Pizza has earned major recognition, including the grand prize for best cheese pizza at the 2024 International Pizza Expo and a ranking as the No. 9 pizzeria in the U.S. on the 50 Top Pizza USA 2025 list,” says McMurchie. You may want to reserve a table in advance or order takeout, since the wait can get long.

Further down the coast, there’s also the Mexican eatery Olamendi’s, a local institution for more than 50 years. “This colorful, family-run restaurant has been part of Dana Point’s story for decades and was famously one of Richard Nixon’s favorite spots during his years in South Orange County,” says McMurchie. To dine like the former president, ask for the Pollo a la Veracruzana, Nixon’s favorite dish. Locals, on the other hand, swear by the Camarones al Mojo de Ajo and ceviche tacos.

To get your day started on the right foot, I recommend heading to Stacks Pancake House. Though Stacks can now be found throughout Orange County and south Los Angeles County, Dana Point has the first location of this Hawaiian-inspired breakfast eatery. Order a heaping plate of the island chilaquiles or try the coconut pineapple pancakes, and get your caffeine kick with an iced ube latte.

Where to Stay

There are a variety of places to stay in the Dana Point area. One of the most enchanting options in the area includes The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, with its eye-catching clifftop pools and a full-service spa. For those who want to stay close to the marina, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa has beachy, ocean-facing rooms with private balconies.

Outside of the resorts, one-of-a-kind boutiques add plenty of local flair to Dana Point’s hotel scene. Right in the Lantern District, the cottage-like Blue Lantern Inn enjoys fresh sea breezes and has stunning views, borrowable beach cruisers, and a complimentary afternoon wine hour. Nearby, El Caminante Bar & Bungalows has Spanish Colonial architecture and snug, cushy rooms just a short walk from the beach.