ACTIVITIES
Dana Point is a fun California beach town with no shortage of activities. Due to the coastal location, many of the activities are water-based. So, if that’s what you’re looking for, check out some of the options below! ⛵🏄🐋
Captain Dave’s Whale Watching
Dana Point is known as the “whale watching capital of the world” and it’s not hard to see why. Dolphins, blue whales, gray whales, fin whales, and humpback whales are just some of the wildlife that you can see right off the coast of Dana Point. The best part? You can see these magnificent sea creatures year round!
This is where Captain Dave’s whale watching comes into play. With an assortment of boats and different adventures, no matter what you’re looking for there will be an option for you!
Their ocean adventures include things like glass underwater viewing pods so you can see the wildlife in their natural habitat. Or you can even hop on a speedy rigid hull inflatable boat to get up close and personal with these animals!
For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.dolphinsafari.com/
Dana Point Parasail
What better way to spend the day gliding among the clouds while you speed down the beautiful Dana Point coast. Parasailing requires no previous experience, and you are able to do 2-3 flights at a time - so bring your friends! If you don’t feel like parasailing but want to join in on the fun, Dana Point Parasail allow observers to come ride along as well.
For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.danapointparasail.com/
Water Sport Rentals
Dana Point Harbor is the perfect location for water sports due to its calm waters and circular pathway. Whether you’re looking to get a good workout in while kayaking or stand up paddleboarding, or looking for the high-speed thrill of riding a jet ski, Pure Watersports has got you covered.
• Stand up paddleboards
• Kayaks
• Jet Skis
For reservations and more information, visit: https://www.purewatersports.com/
Surfing Rentals & Lessons
Dana Point has a rich surfing history. All these years later, it still is a big surfing town today. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or want to try for the first time, Dana Point has beaches that will fit what you’re looking for.
Killer Dana Surf Shop
Rentals
An iconic Dana Point surf shop, Killer Dana has all of your rental needs covered. They have surfboards, wetsuits, stand up paddleboards, and even electric bicycles available for rent. Located at Del Prado & Violet Lantern in the Lantern District.
Girl in the Curl
Lessons • Rentals
Another amazing Dana Point surf shop, Girl in the Curl offers surfing lessons for everyone ages 5 and up. All surf lessons are held at Doheny State Beach which is the perfect beach to learn how to surf with smaller waves and a long ride. Girl in the Curl also has surfboard rentals available. Located at Pacific Coast Highway & Granada Dr in the Lantern District.
Catalina Express
Dana Point is 1 of only 3 locations that has a regular ferry to beautiful Catalina Island. Catalina is known for its wildlife and outdoor activities. Some of the outdoor activities include diving, ziplining, bison expeditions, golfing, camping, and more! After the outdoor fun you can sit back and relax at the Descanso Beach Club - a beachside restaurant and bar which is one of the few places in California where you can drink alcoholic beverages on the sand.
The Catalina Express out of Dana Point will take you to this beautiful island. The ferry runs daily year round so no matter when you want a perfect island getaway you can do it!
For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.catalinaexpress.com/
Fishing
Just off the coast from Dana Point, there is some exceptional fishing. Some of the types of fish that frequent the area are: bluefin tuna, halibut, calico bass, yellowfin tuna, and lots more! The Dana Point Harbor has many fishing charters available - anything from 1/2 day trips up to multi-day trips.
For tickets and more information, visit: https://danawharf.com/fishing-trips/
Downtown Shopping
Dana Point’s revitalized downtown area, the Lantern District, is a great place to take a stroll, do some shopping, and grab a bite to eat. It’s a beautiful area with a mix of Spanish style and modern architecture. There are over 30 dining options that include a wide variety of cuisines including American, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Italian, and more! Also at the Lantern District, you can find: clothing boutiques, surf shops, home goods shops, art galleries, and much more.
The downtown area in the Lantern District goes along Pacific Coast Highway and Del Prado. It is a relatively flat area with wide sidewalks so it’s perfect for walking or riding a bicycle.
Spots Worth Checking Out
Take a breather and enjoy the view at the Blue Lantern lookout point in the Lantern District. It can be found at the end of Blue Lantern and has amazing views of the Dana Point Harbor and Pacific Ocean.
There is also a scenic walk along the bluffs you can stop by while you’re in the Lantern District. The entrances/exits are at the end of Violet Lantern and Amber Lantern. You’ll have amazing ocean and cliff views during the walk.
Dana Point Trolley
The Dana Point Trolley is a free service from the city that runs through the summer. It stops in all the popular spots and is a fun way to commute within the city.
The trolley typically runs from Memorial Day weekend in late May until Labor Day weekend - then continues on weekends until the end of September.
Looking to explore further out? The Dana Point Trolley connects with both the Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel Trolleys at the Salt Creek trolley stop.
For more information, please visit: https://www.danapoint.org/department/public-works-engineering/summer-trolley-service