Dana Point Harbor: A Seaside Adventure
Explore Dana Point Harbor: where maritime history meets dolphin and whale watching adventures in a charming California coastal setting.
Dana Point Harbor, nestled in Southern California, offers a blend of maritime history and modern recreation. Named after Richard Henry Dana Jr., it's known as the 'Dolphin & Whale Capital of the World,' offering boat slips, dining, shopping, and water activities with scenic views.
A brief summary to Dana Point Harbor
- Dana Point, California, US
Local tips
- Visit during the annual Festival of Whales in March to celebrate the gray whale migration with special events and excursions.
- Check the event calendar for live music, wine cruises, and other harbor activities.
- Take advantage of the free Dana Point Trolley during the summer months for easy access to harbor attractions.
- Arrive early for whale watching tours, as they are popular and can sell out.
- Consider bringing a jacket or sweater, as the harbor can be breezy, especially in the evening.
Getting There
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Walking
From the intersection of Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive, walk south along Dana Point Harbor Drive. Turn left onto Embarcadero Place, and continue to the harbor. The walk is approximately 0.5 miles and takes about 10 minutes. There are no fees for walking into the harbor.
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Public Transport
From the San Juan Capistrano Metrolink station, take the Line 91 bus to Pacific Coast Highway and Dana Point Harbor Drive. From there, it is a short walk to the harbor. A single ride on the bus costs $2. Alternatively, during the summer, the free Dana Point Trolley provides service to the harbor.
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Driving
From Interstate 5, exit at Pacific Coast Highway and follow the signs to Dana Point Harbor. Turn onto Dana Point Harbor Drive and follow it to the harbor area. Parking is available in several lots, including the new structure at Golden Lantern. The first 4 hours of parking are free in the new parking structure. Paid parking is available at the Embarcadero for a flat rate of $15.
Discover more about Dana Point Harbor
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Dana Point Arches
0.7 km
Discover the Dana Point Arches, a stunning coastal landmark that blends breathtaking views with rich historical significance in California.
Dana Point Lantern District Sign
1.1 km
Discover the Dana Point Lantern District Sign, a historic landmark that captures the coastal charm and vibrant spirit of this beautiful seaside town.
PCH Monument
1.2 km
Discover the PCH Monument in Dana Point, a historical landmark marking the start of the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, offering stunning ocean views and a glimpse into California's rich past.
Laguna Beach Cliff Hike
6.8 km
Discover breathtaking ocean views and scenic trails at Laguna Beach Cliff Hike, a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Treasure Island Park
8.2 km
Experience the beauty of Treasure Island Park, a hidden gem in Laguna Beach, where stunning ocean views and lush gardens await.
Montage Laguna Beach
8.4 km
Experience unparalleled luxury and breathtaking ocean views at Montage Laguna Beach, your ultimate coastal getaway in California.
Landmarks on Del Mar
8.5 km
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Treasure Island Beach
8.5 km
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Victoria Beach
8.8 km
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Mermaid Beach
9.2 km
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Pirate Tower
9.3 km
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Bluebird Park
10.8 km
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Cress Street Beach
11.0 km
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La Casa Del Camino
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Hoffy Tours
11.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
0.3 km
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Catalina Express
0.3 km
Experience the breathtaking ferry ride to Catalina Island with Catalina Express, the gateway to adventure and stunning coastal beauty.
Capt. Dave's Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
0.7 km
Join Capt. Dave's Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari for an unforgettable marine adventure along California's stunning coast.
Dana Point
0.9 km
Explore Dana Point, California – a stunning coastal paradise with beautiful beaches, vibrant marine life, and rich maritime history.
Doheny State Beach
1.0 km
Experience the serene beauty of Doheny State Beach, a coastal paradise offering sun, surf, and endless outdoor adventures in Dana Point, California.
Beach Stairs
1.1 km
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Salt Creek Beach Bluff Park
3.0 km
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Los Rios Park
5.3 km
Discover the serene beauty of Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano, a perfect retreat for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Los Rios Street Historic District
5.4 km
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Historic Town Center Park
5.5 km
Discover the serene beauty and cultural heritage of Historic Town Center Park in San Juan Capistrano, a perfect retreat for all visitors.
San Juan Capistrano
5.6 km
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Mission San Juan Capistrano
5.6 km
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Badlands Park
5.9 km
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1000 Steps Beach
6.0 km
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Table Rock Beach
6.7 km
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Essential places to dine
Coyote Grill - Laguna Beach
6.7 km
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NEApolitan Pizzeria & Birreria
6.8 km
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Lost Pier Cafe
7.5 km
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Harvest
7.7 km
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Mosaic Bar & Grille
8.4 km
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The Loft
8.4 km
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Starfish Laguna Beach
8.4 km
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The Drake in Laguna Beach
9.1 km
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Dizz's As Is
9.2 km
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Maro Wood Grill
10.3 km
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Rumari
10.4 km
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Mozambique
10.5 km
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Selanne Steak Tavern
10.8 km
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Avila's El Ranchito - Laguna Beach
11.0 km
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Rooftop Lounge
11.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cactus Jane Emporium
10.7 km
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Ocean Laguna
11.0 km
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The Garage Collective
11.1 km
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Ligne Blanche
11.1 km
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Village Faire Shoppes
11.2 km
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Lala
11.2 km
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Twig
11.3 km
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The Shop. laguna beach
11.3 km
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Soulshine Laguna - By Confetti Gift Company
11.3 km
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Mimi & Rae
11.7 km
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Sun and Sand Boutique
11.8 km
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Cherry Moon Shoppe
11.8 km
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Laguna Village Shops
11.9 km
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Russian Traditions
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Luna
12.1 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Helen’s Cocktails
6.5 km
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Lobby Lounge at Montage Laguna Beach
8.4 km
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Wine Gallery
10.4 km
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The Sandpiper Lounge
11.1 km
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Saloon
12.1 km
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Hennessey's Tavern
12.3 km
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Breeze & Brew
12.3 km
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Marine Room Tavern
12.3 km
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The IRV Bar
21.2 km
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Dave & Buster's Irvine
21.7 km
Experience the ultimate blend of gaming and dining at Dave & Buster's Irvine, where fun meets flavor in an electrifying atmosphere.
Hive and Honey Rooftop Bar
22.5 km
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Bacchus Bar and Bistro
23.0 km
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Anthill Pub & Grille
25.0 km
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AC Lounge
27.3 km
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Pie Society Bar
27.8 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Cubana Cigars
10.9 km
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Irvine Nights
24.4 km
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The O Lounge
27.8 km
Experience the luxurious ambiance and vibrant nightlife at The O Lounge in Newport Beach, where unforgettable moments await.
Legacy Nightclub and Lounge
28.2 km
Discover Newport Beach's vibrant nightlife at Legacy Nightclub and Lounge, where affordable drinks and an exciting dance floor await.
Plush Karaoke Lounge
28.4 km
Unleash your inner star at Plush Karaoke Lounge, the ultimate destination for karaoke enthusiasts in vibrant Irvine, California.
Time Nightclub
28.9 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Time Nightclub, Costa Mesa's premier venue for music, dancing, and unforgettable experiences.
Sevilla Nightclub of Costa Mesa
29.0 km
Experience the pulse of Costa Mesa's nightlife at Sevilla Nightclub, where music, dance, and vibrant energy come together for an unforgettable evening.
STRUT Bar & Club
29.7 km
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Tin Lizzie Saloon
30.1 km
Discover the inclusive nightlife at Tin Lizzie Saloon, a vibrant gay bar in Costa Mesa, offering cocktails, entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Arena OC
30.2 km
Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Costa Mesa at Arena OC, where unforgettable nights of music and dancing await you!
Access
31.3 km
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SULTANA Ultra HOOKAH LOUNGE
36.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Huntington Beach at SULTANA Ultra HOOKAH LOUNGE, the ultimate destination for premium hookah and lively entertainment.
The Cliffs Bar
37.1 km
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Surf City Hookah Lounge
37.2 km
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3AM
37.4 km
Unleash your nightlife spirit at 3AM Night Club in Huntington Beach - where unforgettable parties and vibrant music collide.
