While the days are getting shorter and the weather is finally cooling down, there is still time to squeeze in one more beach getaway. Why not Dana Point? With beautiful beaches, fantastic restaurants and plenty to do, it is the perfect weekend escape any time of year. Read on to find out what makes Dana Point special.
Visit Dana Point for Its Beautiful Beaches Any Time of the Year
With 7.5 miles of coastline, Dana Point is a giant beach! Enjoy surfing, paddle boarding and swimming with the kids at one of Dana Point’s beautiful beaches.
Doheny State Beach
Founded in 1931, Doheny was California’s first state beach. Surfers would flock to Doheny back in the day to surf the legendary “Killer Dana“, a 12 to 15-foot, right-hand wave. Once construction of the harbor began in 1960 though, the surf breaks changed and the size of the waves diminished. Still popular today with over one million visitors each year, Doheny’s more gentle swells make it the ideal spot for those learning how to surf. Find a 5-acre surfing beach, campground, picnic area, fire pits, hiking and biking trails here. Leashed dogs are welcome in the campground, grassy areas and trails, but not allowed on the beach. For more information, click here.
Salt Creek Beach
Salt Creek Beach is a surfer’s favorite due to powerful waves created by an offshore reef. Some say they are the best swells in the area. The sparkling beach attracts sunbathers and swimmers. A seasonal concession stand is open in spring and summer to grab a drink or bite to eat. Above the beach is Salt Creek Park with barbeques, walking paths, picnic tables, restrooms and a basketball court. Watch glorious sunsets at the park with family and friends. Dogs are allowed in the park and on paths, but not on the beach.
Strands Beach
Surrounded by million-dollar mansions is Strands Beach, a public beach. Parking here is free. Benches dot the parking lot offering sensational views. Concrete steps lead down to the beach on the north side or a winding ramp and stairs is available to access the beach on the south side. For those who need assistance, there is a funicular (a small tram), also on the north side. A boardwalk stretches along the beach to make it easy to get from one side to the other. Both surfers and sun-worshippers frequent this beach. Leashed dogs are welcome in the parking lot area, but not on the beach or boardwalk.
Baby Beach
Adjacent to the harbor is Baby Beach. Just like the name suggests, Baby Beach is the spot for families. A roped off swimming area ensures calm waters for the kiddos. Behind the beach is a large picnic area with tables, shelters and restrooms. It’s BYOB for food and drinks as there are no nearby snack bars. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer. Baby Beach is also a great launch spot for paddle boards and kayaks. No dogs allowed, but parking is free.
Find Delicious Dining on Your Dana Point Beach Getaway
From breakfast to fine dining, Dana Point offers an abundance of delicious restaurants. Below is a small sampling of the scrumptious establishments to choose from.
For unique steaks and seafood with magnificent scenery, try the Chart House. Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern has a terrific happy hour featuring classic American fare. The Craft House is the place for savory gourmet food and craft cocktails. With an extensive wine list and fresh and flavorful food, feel as if you are traveling to Tuscany at Luciana’s. Enjoy all day dining and Irish hospitality at Hennessey’s Tavern. Stacks Pancake House serves Hawaiian-style breakfasts including Banana Macadamia Nut Pancakes. For live music and a diverse menu, Stillwater is the place to go.
Explore Dana Point On Foot
There is nothing like a brisk walk with ocean breezes to start your day. Dana Point has over 11 miles of walking and multi-use trials to explore. With the exception of the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area trail, leashed dogs are permitted to accompany you on your hike. Click here for more information on the different parks and trails available.
An afternoon stroll in the historic Lantern District of Dana Point is a pleasurable way to stretch your legs. Once lighted by over 150 copper lanterns in the 19th century, streets are named after different colors of lanterns used by ships. This downtown area is in the midst of a revitalization project, but there are plenty of shops, restaurants and galleries to check out.
Visit Dana Point to See a Whale
You can’t visit Dana Point without taking a whale watching tour. I had the opportunity to see a Blue whale on my trip with Captain Dave’s Dana Point Whale Watching & Dolphin Tours, and it was amazing! Blue whales can weigh up to 330,000 lbs. and are the largest creatures on the planet. They migrate through Dana Point from mid-spring to summer.
During the winter, be on the lookout for Gray whales on their trek from the Artic to Mexico. They swim close to shore and are thought to use the Dana Point Headlands to navigate their journey. The annual Festival of Whales is held in March to celebrate their migration.
The Holidays are a Festive Time for a Beach Getaway
Spending the holidays in Dana Point is a festive affair. The harbor is transformed into a magical sea of lights from mid-November through December. In December, the annual Boat Parade of Lights is held with boaters decorating their vessels to a specific theme. This year, it is “Fiesta Holiday.” Prizes are given out across several categories.
Don’t own a boat? You can take a 60-minute holiday boat ride with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching to enjoy the light displays from the ocean separate from the boat parade. They also offer an opportunity to sail with Santa the first weekend in December.
Dana Point is a Must for Music Lovers
Doheny Beach is home to the Ohana Fest towards the end of September. Founded in 2016 by Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam and surfing legend Kelly Slater, this 3-day event has grown into one of the premiere music festivals in the Southland. Past performers include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pink, Pearl Jam, Mumford & Sons, Beck, Stevie Nicks, Jack White and so many more. With 3 stages, the music never stops. Add in food trucks, drinks, corn hole and a fabulous view of the ocean and Ohana becomes a definite reason to visit Dana Point.
After enjoying your beach getaway in Dana Point, head up north for another great beach vacation in Santa Barbara. Click here to find out more.
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