Dana Point is situated on the beautiful Southern California coast, halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. It prides itself with nearly seven miles of coastal bluffs and rolling hills along the Pacific Ocean with its charming beaches and wild surfs. Most noteworthy of these bluffs is a unique promontory known as the “Headlands”, which overlooks Dana Point Harbor, one of the most significant man-made alterations of the Orange County coastline. Dana Point encompasses 6.5 square miles and is home to 35,110 people and numerous businesses, all working together as one community. You can see this collaboration in action during some of the City's annual festivals and events such as the Turkey Trot in November, Festival of Whales in March, and its 4th of July fireworks show. The City is home to the Dana Point Harbor, the newly opened Ocean Institute presenting a wide array of marine life, to several beautiful lodging facilities and restaurants to accommodate your special needs.

Dana Point is named after Richard Henry Dana, Jr., a Harvard-trained lawyer, seaman, and author of the classic sea journal, Two Years Before the Mast. His writings document the voyage from Boston around Cape Horn to California on the merchant ship, Pilgrim, and describe the area once known as Capistrano Bay, as “the most romantic spot on the California Coast”. Today, Capistrano Bay is known as Dana Point. Another fascinating area commonly known to many as Monarch Bay, is also known as 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.
After you have enjoyed the harbor at Dana Point, you can experience  other exotic harbors around the world with nearby cruises leaving from San Diego or Los Angeles  

Thirty (30) intriguing shops are loaded with unexpected treasures. Visitors discover custom-designed jewelry and Indian artifacts, art collectibles, hand-formed chocolates, unique gifts, toiletries, fragrant oils, designer perfumes and sunglasses, ecologically “sound” gifts, leisure clothing for men and women, full service hair salon & art gallery, unique cards & tee shirts, international coffees and teas and quality ice cream. Seventeen different restaurants are at the Harbor to please every palate.

Dana Point is the home of the popular sportfishing vessels owned and operated by Dana Wharf Sportfishing. They are available for charter and/or a day of fishing. The Ocean Institute offers a variety of programs for the whole family as well. Enjoy sea adventure cruises day and evening and summer programs on the Brig “Pilgrim”. The Dana Point Youth and Group facility attracts hundreds each week for its wide variety of programs for all ages. Their Summer Beach Camp is very popular for kids who want to spend supervised time at the beach. Catalina Island is just a boat ride away. Catalina Express and Catalina Explorer offer many departures / arrivals times.

For Harbor Information:
(949) 496-1094

Imagine how fun and memorable your vacation would be if you make any of the Top beachfront hotels in San Diego your home for a week or two.