Things to do in Dana Point
Dana Point Harbor
The Harbor houses 2,500 yachts within its two marinas, inside a one-and-a-half mile jetty. Complete harbor facilities include guest slips, a fuel dock, shipyard, launch ramp, boat rentals, yacht sales, community class instruction for all ages, fishing, windsurfing, jetskiing, kataking, boat charters, two yacht clubs, sailing association, ocean classroom labs, shops, restaurants, picnicking and a baby beach for young swimmers.
Doheny State Beach
The 62 acre site features over one mile of sandy beach and some of the best swimming and surfing in California. During Low Tide, the tide pools attract young and old for exploring. At the entrance to Doheny there is a visitor center with five aquariums, an indoor tide pool, exhibits, displays, gift shop, and photo history of Doheny surfing days.
Nautical Heritage Society and Museum
You can spot the museum by the "Lighthouse" protruding from its rooftop and the one-ton cannon (taken from a Spanish galleon) outside. The museum is located between Amber and Violet Lantern Streets. This is the headquarters of the tall ship Californian which travels between Northern and Southern California throughout the year, Call 949-661-1001 for more information.
4532 Del Prado, Dana Point, CA
Ocean Institute
Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to ocean awareness and preservation through education. The Institute owns and operates the brig Pilgrim, the Spirit of Dana Point, and the Research Vessel Sea Explorer. The new Ocean Education Center, which has replaced the Institute’s old laboratories now has student capacity from 78,000 to 135,000 students annually.
Salt Creek Beach Park
The long, sandy beach is a popular surfing spot. Several stairways and paths lead from the multi-use trail to the beach, changing rooms, outdoor 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 featuring small parks and several miles of trails.