Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point Harbor
4.5
About
Known as the “Dolphin & Whale Capital of the World” Dana Point Harbor offers a variety of recreational amenities, boater facilities, dockside dining, and unique shopping experiences that cater to visitors, locals and boating enthusiasts. Activities abound both in and out of the water from watching migratory gray whales that frequent the coastline to enjoying the stunning sunsets and picturesque harbor views. Discover Dana Point Harbor and set sail on a historic and unforgettable seaside adventure.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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127 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,093 reviews
Excellent
678
Very good
345
Average
60
Poor
6
Terrible
4
kripto222
San Francisco, CA25 contributions
Feb 2020
I attended a retirement\ birthday celebration at the yacht club. Not only was the setting beautiful, sunset magnificent, and their service staff truly shines. I am deeply impressed when a party of 200 can be served cocktails, appetizers and dinner without any complaints from the guests. Staff and kitchen truly know what they are doing.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
heatherdammer2
Yucca Valley, CA3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
So many things to do at Dana point harbor. Paddle board for $25, kayaking, whale watching, the ocean institute, , the stairs behind the institute. The Pier for fishing, the jedy as well. Just a beautiful place.
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MelvinPusfinger
Temecula, CA703 contributions
May 2020
As harbors and marinas g0, this is very nice. Now that the restaurants are back in business for dine in service, this adds to the attraction. There is also a number of quaint shops. And plenty of that diverse dining options. There is also plenty of free parking but note there is a four hour limit and they claim that they strictly enforce it.
Written 24 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sage C
Cool, CA259 contributions
Jul 2020
Great place to go for summer heat relief.
We loved to walk along the harbor boardwalk to look at the boats then stop in at a store or two, grab something the coffee stop or eat outside at one of the many restaurants. In exploring further, we drove to the north end. Although the sea museum was closed, we walked behind it to view the ocean, where kids were snorkeling. Then watched all of the families enjoying the protected beach behind the seawall in the harbor. There were many people on paddleboards, peddle boats and kayaks having fun in the calm water.
We loved to walk along the harbor boardwalk to look at the boats then stop in at a store or two, grab something the coffee stop or eat outside at one of the many restaurants. In exploring further, we drove to the north end. Although the sea museum was closed, we walked behind it to view the ocean, where kids were snorkeling. Then watched all of the families enjoying the protected beach behind the seawall in the harbor. There were many people on paddleboards, peddle boats and kayaks having fun in the calm water.
Written 20 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
on_the_go_98765
Tucson20,571 contributions
Jan 2022
The last remnants of Christmas were being packed up and the post-holiday crowds were sparse. Some shops were not open but the eateries were doing an okay business. The sun was shining, the temperature was chilly, and the sea lions were barking up a storm.
There is a Catalina ferry service that runs from this harbor. Not too much else seemed to be moving and shaking in terms of water activities but then, it is after all, January.
Our walk down from Blue Lantern Inn took us to the Marina Village shopping area and into the marina/harbor itself. This is a highlight of any visit to Dana Point.
There is a Catalina ferry service that runs from this harbor. Not too much else seemed to be moving and shaking in terms of water activities but then, it is after all, January.
Our walk down from Blue Lantern Inn took us to the Marina Village shopping area and into the marina/harbor itself. This is a highlight of any visit to Dana Point.
Written 26 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George S
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA56 contributions
Jan 2020
Dana Point Harbor has been a well kept secret for many years. It is nestled between San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente on the Southern Orange County Coast. You can stroll among the small shops and dine in neat restaurants. It you want to relax just walk or drive across the bridge to a small island which is home to both a small and a large Yacht Club. You can watch seabirds gliding overhead and picnic on the grass or on tables that are provided. ENJOY!
Written 24 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barb
Redding, CA23 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
I went here with my three girls for our first get away together. It was an amazing weekend! We had hoped to take the Catalina Express for the day, but, it was sold out so we made the best of it. We loved the coffee place in the harbor and also the beach for us to launch our paddle boards. It was a wonderful get away!!!
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We hope you will visit Dana Point Harbor again soon.
Written 30 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Louise Masin Sattler
Los Angeles, CA1,578 contributions
Nov 2022
Dana Point Harbor has long been a family favorite. Great restaurants (Harpoon Henry, the bagel and coffee shop, etc.), small shops, and views!!! Come to eat, walk the boardwalk, and people watch! We love this place!!!!
Written 25 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle O
Prescott Valley, AZ226 contributions
May 2022
We spent several hours walking thru the harbor & admiring the boats. Large seals live in one area & we were treated to their audible calls to one another. We were impressed how clean the area is kept.
Written 14 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelingCAgal
San Diego, CA1,117 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
What a wonderful place to stroll around. There was an abundance of outdoor restaurants on the marina that looked so inviting but we had packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed sitting at the park next to the water watching the boats come and go and the many squirrels including the popular and unique white colored variety! Along our stroll we spotted a large sea lion as well as a heron. Simply lovely place to spend the afternoon!
Written 11 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nala.Dottie
Orange County, California
What hotel deals are available who are dog friendly ?
Written 11 September 2020
DanaPointHarbor
Dana Point, California
Hello! The Dana Point Marina Inn is dog friendly! Tel: 1-800-255-6843
Written 19 October 2020
Is there a place for kids to swim around Dana Point harbor now days? 7/9/20
Written 9 July 2020
There is a small beach by the learning center and of course Doheny State Beach.
Written 10 July 2020
Hi, I would like to ask the community if there is a way to park for free for 2 nights - 2 days around Dana Point Harbor. If so, if you could please direct me to the free parking or just mention the street. Thank you so much in advance!
Written 30 January 2019
Try the Doheny State Beach nearby for overnight parking/camping
Written 29 August 2019
Yes there is. After it rains you can see it on the North end of Harbor Drive. It comes down from the top of cliff side that the houses are on. Sometimes it runs for days down the rock face.
Written 29 August 2019
No. I've never seen or heard of any.
Written 5 July 2017
The schedule may have changed since I went. Check on-line as seasons will effect schedule. It's a great trip enjoy.
PS If this helps please state with a thumbs -up. ~BWD
Written 13 May 2016
How do you get there from San Diego using public transportation?
Written 22 February 2016
Yes, the Surfliner to San Juan Capistrano and it'l be a great train ride as the track goes along the coast but you'll need an uber to get to Dana Point, probably around $6-$8.
Written 24 February 2016
Is there any beach area (place to go swimming) next to the ocean institute? Which one is the closest? Thank you
Written 17 August 2015
Hi there! Doheny State Beach is great place for surfing ( can catch a wave here) and lots of beach activities. Also, the Dana Point Cove Park ( they call it the Baby Beach), it has free parking with CALM waters, so great for the little ones. And then there's the Tidal Pools, accessible from the beaches and trails surrounding the Ocean Institute. Hope this helps, ENJOY!
Written 17 August 2015
Tony S
Anaheim, California
If I take my 2 jetskies to Dana point Harbor is there a place I can park them temporarly while we dine or walk around in the shopping are? And where will that location be?
Written 13 August 2015
Yes, there's temporary parking next to the launch ramp on the east side of the restaurant in back of the Catalina Express.
Written 14 August 2015
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