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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: USD
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Climate: Mediterranean
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Population: Approximately 34,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is from May to October for warm, dry weather.
- Visa Requirements Visitors to Dana Point, located in the United States, generally require a valid visa unless they are from visa-exempt countries under the Visa Waiver Program. Citizens from the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and several other countries can enter visa-free for tourism up to 90 days. Others may apply for an e-visa or a tourist visa in advance. US citizens do not need a visa. Visitors should have a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds. Visa on arrival is not available for the US.
About Dana Point
Dana Point is a charming coastal city in Southern California known for its stunning ocean views, beautiful beaches, and vibrant harbor. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking a blend of relaxation and outdoor adventure. The city’s unique appeal lies in its rich maritime heritage, scenic cliffs, and the Dana Point Harbor, which serves as a hub for boating, fishing, and whale watching. Visitors are drawn to its laid-back atmosphere, excellent dining options, and opportunities for water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding, and sailing. Dana Point also offers picturesque hiking trails along the coast and cultural events that celebrate its history and community spirit. Its mild Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal year-round destination for travelers looking to enjoy Southern California’s natural beauty and coastal lifestyle.
Top Attractions
1. Dana Point Harbor – A bustling marina with shops, restaurants, and boat tours, perfect for whale watching and water activities. 2. Doheny State Beach – A popular beach for swimming, surfing, and picnicking with family-friendly facilities. 3. Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area – Scenic coastal trails offering panoramic views and opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. 4. Ocean Institute – An educational marine science center with interactive exhibits and programs about ocean life and maritime history. 5. Salt Creek Beach Park – Known for its excellent surfing conditions and sandy beach, ideal for sunbathing and beach volleyball.
Popular Activities
Dana Point offers a variety of activities including whale watching tours, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Visitors can explore coastal hiking trails, enjoy fishing excursions, or take scenic boat rides. Cultural experiences include visiting the Ocean Institute and attending local festivals. Recreational options also include biking along the coast, beach volleyball, and dining at waterfront restaurants. The city’s harbor area is lively with shopping and entertainment, making it perfect for leisurely strolls and sunset watching.
Dana Point Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of California
- Duration Range: Dana Point offers a variety of activities including whale watching tours, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Visitors can explore coastal hiking trails, enjoy fishing excursions, or take scenic boat rides. Cultural experiences include visiting the Ocean Institute and attending local festivals. Recreational options also include biking along the coast, beach volleyball, and dining at waterfront restaurants. The city’s harbor area is lively with shopping and entertainment, making it perfect for leisurely strolls and sunset watching.
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is from May to October for warm, dry weather. Pack light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for walking or hiking. Respect local wildlife and natural areas by following posted guidelines. Dana Point is generally safe, but standard precautions apply, especially near water. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash is useful for small purchases or tips. Be mindful of parking regulations and beach rules to avoid fines.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $250
24 Available Tour Excursions in Dana Point
On this guided California wine tasting tour, join BEST COAST TOURS as we visit four different local wineries. Savor the hundreds of award-winning wines offered by the local wineries and vineyards while enjoying the irresistible charm of their friendly tasting rooms. During the tour, enjoy complementary tastings at three wineries, a charcuterie board, and a picnic stop (lunch not included). Complementary pickups offered throughout Old Town Temecula and the Wine Valley. Complementary pickups offered throughout South Orange County. For parties larger than 6 people, accommodations can be made from Irvine, Newport beach, and Anaheim.
Price: $200.00
Duration: 8 hours
At HAVE FUN TOURS, we create fun-filled trips for our guests. As native Californians, we have extensive knowledge of local tourist spots and hidden gems. We tap into our network of reputable wineries and influential people in Temecula to help create unforgettable memories. Join us and we'll give you the VIP treatment as you immerse yourself in the region's history and culture.
Price: $199.00
Duration: 8 hours
This private tour can be modified to the guests requests as long as within distance of original tour destinations. We are able to stay at a pacific location longer if requested or shorter per guests request. This tour is flexible to accommodate our guests interests. we suggest doing our private tours for possibly a slower moving guests that may need more time moving about during the tour.
Price: $800.00
Duration: 8 hours
Have Fun Tours has been in business for over 15 years with a 5 Star Rating on Trip Advisor. As native Californians, we have extensive knowledge of local tourist spots and hidden gems. We leverage our familiarity with the area and tap into our network of influential people in Hollywood to create a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your loved ones. Occasionally, if time permits, we can offer a meet and greet with Mario Lopez. At Have Fun Tours, we always design tours that match your thirst for adventure.
Price: $1,400.00
Duration: 8 hours
Come enjoy all the highlights of ORANGE COUNTY’S BEACH CITIES with our local and experienced guides. Our adventure starts with a drive from your hotel to SEAL BEACH, where we pass by the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, Sunset Beach, The Bolsa Chica Wetlands, and down the coast to our first stop the world famous HUNTINGTON BEACH! From Huntington Beach, we make our way down the coast to NEWPORT BEACH to check out and explore the quaint community of BALBOA ISLAND. From Balboa Island, we’ll take you on through CORONA DEL MAR, for some wonderful views and on past CRYSTAL COVE. Next stop, grab some lunch in LAGUNA BEACH. After Laguna, our guests explore some spectacular views of all Orange County from a super secret spot. Next, we head into DANA POINT, A sight not to be missed as we explore its majestic cliffs and beautiful harbor. Last stop of the day - SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO! Our guests will also have the chance to visit THE MISSION IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO.
Price: $1,300.00
Duration: 6-8 hours
Join Captain Will Radford on a pirate sea cave adventure! Participants are encouraged to DRESS AND TALK LIKE A PIRATE while hiking along the rocky shore, exploring tide pools, viewing of steep cliffs and visiting a giant sea cave. Sing sea shanties and hear tall tales of buccaneers, sea monsters and buried treasure. Bring full meal in a backpack to enjoy at the cave. UNEVEN/WET TERRAIN, LOOSE ROCKS, SUN EXPOSURE AND CHANCE OF GETTING FEET WET. ROUGHLY 1 MILE ROUND-TRIP. DATE & TIME ARE DETERMINED BY LOW TIDE & WEATHER CONDITIONS.
Price: $384.63
Duration: 3 hours
The activity includes an expert local guide that connects adventurers with nature and the local culture, history and unique geographical sites of the location. In a friendly and chill setting, adventurers are able to experience a stress free and reflective activity in a beautiful setting complete with wildlife viewing and healthy activity.
Price: $80.00
Duration: 3 hours
We will kick off the tour from the Salt Creek Trail which is a pleasant paved path on a gentle descent through suburban Laguna Niguel. Along the way, well-built underpasses ensure you never have to deal with crossing traffic, making this a great choice for families. Although a large section of the trail is paved, there are dirt sections that run parallel to the pavement to help create a pure dirt trail biking experience. We will further connect to the Colinas Ridge Trail which is a mix of fire road and single track which is optional for the more experienced riders in the group. The Colinas Ridge Trail is a fun out-and-back trail perched above the Pacific Ocean.
Price: $249.00
Duration: 3 hours
Experience a unique, private, French-Californian cooking class in a stunning Southern California coastal home with Ann and Rick. This warm, food-loving couple brings a wealth of culinary knowledge from travels and training, blending classic French techniques with fresh Californian produce. Savor the joy of cooking and dining with locals who love to entertain in style, just minutes from the Ritz Carlton and Waldorf Astoria in Dana Point.
Price: $199.00
Duration: 3 hours
Have Fun Tours has been in business for over 15 years. As native Californians, we have extensive knowledge of local tourist spots and hidden gems. We leverage our familiarity with the places we tour and tap into our network of influential people in Hollywood and surrounding areas to create a one-of-a-kind VIP experience for you and your loved ones. Aside from public tours, we offer special PRIVATE trips that feature once-in-a-lifetime opportunities designed to match your thirst for adventure. SPANISH speaking tours available.
Price: $199.00
Duration: 8 hours
A fast and fun wildlife adventure awaits your family aboard our zodiac-style vessels (rigid inflatable boats). This cruise of up to 20 passengers gives you a thrilling 2-hour look at Southern California’s year-round whales and dolphins. With speeds of 30 knots or more, you’ll spend less time looking for animals and more time enjoying them! Your zodiac adventure will have you incredibly close to the ocean’s surface and within arm’s reach of wildlife. At the conclusion of your cruise, you'll receive one of Mrs. Capt. Dave's famously delicious Triple Fudge Brownies. (Some folks love the brownies more than the whales!) We are a certified Responsible Whale Watching partner with the World Cetacean Alliance located in Dana Point, CA, the Dolphin and Whale Capital of the World®, and the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas.
Price: $95.00
Duration: 2 hours
This Coastal Adventure Tour includes Hotel pickup and return. Orange County's best Coastal Sightseeing Tour and photo locations and activities along PCH including the OC House wife's ,The Quite Woman and the Oppenheimer Real Estate office . We also visit Dana Point Harbor and the rich history Henry Dana, Edward Doheny and the Ocean Institute. Next is top of the world in Laguna Beach, Heisler Park for photo opportunity's. Cross the Balboa Ferry crossing. Tour includes hands on locale tour guide during the duration of this 6-7 hour tour. Great chances to catch a Whale, Dolphins or even a Sea Lion lounging on a boat dock. This tour may also be booked a private!
Price: $154.00
Duration: 6-7 hours
Gather the family, kids, and friends to join Dana Point's highest-rated whale watching activity, featuring exclusive Underwater Viewing Pods. For over 25 years we have provided the most unique and eco-friendly dolphin and whale watching trips to view magnificent Blue Whales, Gray Whales, Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, occasionally Orcas, and more. Five species of wild dolphins are also seen throughout the year, including mega-pods with up to 10,000 dolphins! Plus sea lions, marine birds, and even sharks. You'll depart from Dana Point, the Dolphin and Whale Capital of the World®. We're a certified Responsible Whale Watching partner with the World Cetacean Alliance. Aboard our uncrowded high-tech catamaran you will enjoy up close and personal dolphin and whale watching with expert narration, complimentary triple fudge brownies, and more.
Price: $95.00
Duration: 2 hours
E-bike rental to explore Dana Point, San Clemente, Laguna Beach and it's beautiful surroundings. Get exercise or just go for fun!
Price: $59.99
Duration: 2-7 hours
Hop on board our new super fast RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). It's an exhilarating ride out to wherever the mammals are! We will cruise the majestic California coastline in search of pods of dolphins and migrating whales. Get up close and personal with these ocean mammals in their natural environment with chances of seeing other animals such as sea lions, sharks, sunfish and on rare occasions, Orcas! Learn about their behaviors, environment and ecology. Many times we see them feeding, mating and interacting for those 'National Geographic' moments! d This is a three hour tour and is either a private or semi-private experience as there are only six spots per trip. For PRIVATE groups the price will be $800 for the boat and no one else but your group will be on the trip. Water and simple snacks are available. Feel free to bring your own beverages (alcohol is permitted) and food.
Price: $150.00
Duration: 3 hours
Delight in the exciting sights and sounds of the magnificent ocean creatures off Dana Point in Orange County. Known as a landmark for marine life sightings, Dana Wharf’s ocean adventure cruises offer rare glimpses into a huge variety of underwater wildlife and gorgeous scenic views you’ll never forget. Search for whales, dolphins, sea lions and other exciting marine life! All cruises are narrated by expert captains who will educate you on the abundant ocean life on the coast. Trips are 2 hours long, plenty of time to discover the world that lies beneath. Remember that sightings of marine life are guaranteed.
Price: $59.00
Duration: 2 hours
Did you know the southern California coast boasts the largest population of dolphins in the world? Come experience the California coast line on a private boat with your family, friends or intimate group. We are the only charter that offers both whale / dolphin watching with fishing. This trip is great for beginner fishermen and / or kids alike! We will not make it too difficult and will provide all the tackle and equipment necessary to make it a great day for all to enjoy!
Price: $170.00
Duration: 3 hours
Our unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to assist and encourage you along through your phone. We are an Austin, TX-based global custom event design company offering scavenger hunts and other events in 300+ cities in North America and beyond. Our specially hand-crafted adventures are equal parts tour, creative challenge, detective hunt, and social experiment! Guests get to discover in an alternate reality our favorite hidden gems off the beaten trail and creatively interpret fun art, history, and culture clues - for points! They get to enjoy fame and glory while appearing on our website's international leaderboard, no matter what their score. They get to essentially race other teams in other cities, even if they don't have competitors who have signed up in their city that day. Get ready to discover unusual oddities, laugh out loud, and make the experience your own!
Price: $27.00
Duration: 2 hours
1. Choose Your Tour
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2. Check Details
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3. Book Online
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Dana Point.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Dana Point’s food culture features fresh seafood prominently, with signature dishes like fish tacos, clam chowder, and grilled local fish. The dining scene includes casual beachside cafes and upscale restaurants offering Californian and international cuisine. Must-try foods include shrimp cocktails, ceviche, and artisan sandwiches. Noteworthy restaurants include The Harbor Grill for seafood and The Shwack Beach Grill for a casual, vibrant atmosphere. Dining customs are relaxed, often with outdoor seating to enjoy ocean views.
Getting Around
Dana Point is accessible by car via Interstate 5 and State Route 1. The nearest major airport is John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, about 20 miles away. Local transportation includes buses and taxis, but public transit options are limited. Many visitors prefer renting a car for convenience. Walking and biking are popular within the harbor and beach areas. Parking is available but can be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early is advisable. Costs for local transit are moderate, but car rental is recommended for exploring surrounding areas.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is from May to October for warm, dry weather. Pack light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for walking or hiking. Respect local wildlife and natural areas by following posted guidelines. Dana Point is generally safe, but standard precautions apply, especially near water. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash is useful for small purchases or tips. Be mindful of parking regulations and beach rules to avoid fines.
Culture & Customs
Dana Point reflects Southern California’s relaxed coastal culture with a focus on outdoor living and environmental appreciation. Social customs are informal and friendly. Important local events include the Dana Point Festival of Whales and the Tall Ships Festival, celebrating maritime heritage. Visitors should respect beach etiquette, such as no littering and respecting wildlife habitats. Tipping in restaurants and for services is customary, typically 15-20%. Greeting with a smile and casual conversation is common.
