OK, San Diego, I have another great answer to the common question, “Where can I go for a fun getaway that’s not too far away?” It’s Dana Point! Only one hour north of San Diego, you’ll arrive long before the kids have time to ask, Are we there yet?
I’ve lived in California my whole life, but am still discovering picturesque, relaxing and fun-filled destinations along our beautiful coast (and inland). I had never spent time in Dana Point until recently, so it was a thrill to discover and explore—and so close to San Diego. You know what that means? A fun weekend getaway awaits without fighting LA traffic. Sign me up! While this article focuses on fun things to do in Dana Point with kids in tow, it would also be a great trip for girlfriends or with a significant other (many of these tips still apply).
Family-friendly activities, water sports and activities, whale watching, annual festivals, beaches, hiking trails, surf spots and over 300 days of California sunshine each year. One might think we’re talking about San Diego. If you want to experience these fabulous perks, but like exploring with fewer crowds, Dana Point is the place to go. First, where to stay.
WHERE TO STAY IN DANA POINT
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort, which sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Dana Point Harbor, offers a plethora of family-friendly amenities, pushing it to the top of my list for easy, nearby, fun weekend getaways! Resort guests enjoy two outdoor pools (one with a splash zone), a putting green, pickleball courts, full-service spa, fitness center, walking trails, free use of bicycles, surfboards, bocce ball, ping pong and pickleball equipment, a huge grassy park with playground and more. Read on to understand why I love this property.
San Diegans may get fond Coronado vibes from the Laguna Cliff’s signature red roof, but this coastal retreat has a wonderful feel all its own. Renovated guestrooms and suites, thoughtful resort details (such as plenty of spots to plug in or charge devices), friendly, attentive staff, and three places to enjoy a meal are just some of the features. Dining options include The Restaurant at Laguna Cliffs, OverVue Lounge & Deck and poolside dining. Don’t miss the fabulous breakfast buffet featuring pancakes, scrambled eggs, eggs Benedict, potatoes, sausage, bacon, and omelettes and waffles to order. Also available are fresh fruits, cereals, bagels, toast, yogurt parfaits, overnight oats, pastries and more.
Access to the ocean/harbor view while in your room is a nice perk, so if you can reserve a room with a balcony, do it. The resort sits above Doheny State Beach. Most resort guests walk down the hill to the beach as it costs around $16 to park there.
Insider’s tip: If you want your family close to the Kahuna Kid’s Club, splash pad, putt-putt golf, corn hole and other lawn games, request a room near the Del Mar Pool.
SEASONAL FUN: During the summer and certain holidays, families enjoy resort benefits such as a hospitality suite for kids and kid-friendly movies in the resort’s indoor movie theater, complete with free popcorn, candy and drinks! Check with the concierge for details and schedule.
Lantern Bay Park is an expansive, grassy public park that sits just below the Laguna Cliffs Marriott (but above the beach and harbor). The park features a play structure for kids, paved walking path, a grove of pine trees with plenty of picnic tables and a bocce ball court. Daily morning yoga classes are offered in the park by iHeartYoga (nominal fee).
As you walk the Laguna Cliffs Marriott property, you can’t help but notice two painted, life-sized baby elephant sculptures, which prompted questions. “Elephant Parade” is a social enterprise with the world’s largest art exhibition of decorated elephant statues. Each unique statue is created by artists and celebrities, and are exhibited in cities around the world to raise awareness about elephant conservation. The two at Laguna Cliffs were actually gifted to the resort, so be sure to take a photo with one (or both) when you see them. Read more about the Elephant Parade at www.elephantparade.com/parades/dana-point-2013 or www.elephantparade.com/parades/california-dreaming-2021
FUN THINGS TO DO IN DANA POINT
Lantern District Sign
Be sure to take a photo in front of the Lantern District sign before enjoying the shops and eateries the area offers. Located at 24292 Del Prado Ave.
Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point Harbor is a hub of activity, including stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, “pirate ship” adventures, whale watching, sunset cruises, dining, shopping and more. We had a lot of fun eating and people-watching at the harbor, and we took a great sunset cruise that departed from Dana Point Harbor, but more about those things under “Where to Eat” and “Just for Parents” below. www.danapointharbor.com
Ocean Institute
Explore the ocean’s underwater world and California’s maritime history through fun, educational programs and family-friendly activities. The Ocean Institute educates visitors via 60+ marine science, maritime history and outdoor programs. https://oceaninstitute.org
SEASONAL FUN: Every year the Ocean Institute hosts the Maritime Festival (formerly the Tall Ships Festival), featuring a fleet of historic tall ships that sail into Dana Point Harbor and entertain visitors with cannon battles, pirate adventures, mermaid encounters and ship tours. This year the festival takes place Sept. 13–15, 2024.
Salt Creek Beach & Salt Creek Park
A fabulous spot to spend a day! The large parking lot (nominal hourly fee) sits atop a fairly steep, paved hill; between there and the Salt Creek Beach (and Young’s Beach Shack) is Salt Creek Park, an expansive grassy area to relax, play, picnic and enjoy coastal views. Read more about this in Young’s Beach Shack under “Where to Eat” below.
Strand Vista Park
Strand Vista Park is a great space to let kids run around and enjoy beautiful ocean views. The park has a nice wide, accessible path (good for strollers and wheelchairs) that features colorful artwork in the pavement. We didn’t see access to Strands Beach from where we were, but somewhere nearby there are a bunch of stairs that lead to it.
Stellar Whale & Dolphin Watching
Due to Dana Point’s unique coastal positioning, shallow waters, underwater canyons and kelp beds, exciting whale-watching excursions are offered year-round; depending on time of year, spectators may spot blue whales, gray whales, humpbacks and more in their natural habitat.
- Get up close and personal with whales and dolphins aboard smaller, intimate boats on Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari. www.dolphinsafari.com
- Take a voyage with Orange County’s original whale watching company, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. Participants often see whales, dolphins and sea lions. www.danawharf.com
Girl in the Curl Surf Shop offers surf lessons for kids ages 5 & up at Doheny State Beach. Students learn basics of surfing from instructors trained in CPR, first aid, water safety and fun. www.girlinthecurl.com
Pure Watersports: Plan an exciting day on the water with the help of Pure Watersports, where locals and visitors rent kayaks, jet skis, stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and more. www.purewatersports.com
Doheny State Beach: Doheny State Beach features a surfing beach, large grassy area with picnic facilities and volleyball courts on the north end, and a campground on the south end. Wheel Fun Rentals is on site at the beach. Walking distance from Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort.
SEASONAL FUN: The Dana Point Trolley is free for the public and a great way for locals and visitors to get around the area. The open-air trolley runs daily during the summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and on Saturdays and Sundays through September, with stops every 15 minutes at popular restaurants, shops, surfing spots, beaches and Dana Point Harbor. Learn more at www.visitdanapoint.com/dana-point-trolley.
WHERE TO EAT IN DANA POINT
Truly Pizza
Truly Pizza is no ordinary pizza joint. This upscale eatery offers artisan woodfired pizza featuring California-focused ingredients and fantastic flavor combinations on light, airy, focaccia bread crust. One might refer to their creations as edible art.
Business partners Chris Decker, Donna Baldwin and John Arena took 50 years of award-winning pizza-making experience (they hail from industry standout Metro Pizza of Las Vegas) and opened this welcoming neighborhood pizzeria in the heart of Dana Point.
My husband says, “The best pizza I’ve had in a really long time.” So, if you’re a pizza connoisseur, I encourage you to visit and taste for yourself—the square pizzas (limited daily) are outstanding. We also tried the Spagnola salad (pictured) with arugula, Manchego, speck, pears and Marcona almonds. Highly recommend.
Follow Truly Pizza on IG (@trulypizza) or co-owner Decker (@everythingbutanchovies) for pizza inspiration or to better understand why my husband and I will absolutely make the 45-minute drive just for a date night. www.trulypizza.com
Young’s Beach Shack
What used to be a concession stand is now a great café just steps from Salt Creek Beach, featuring patio dining, gorgeous ocean views and something for everyone on the menu. If you’re at the beach early, stop by Young’s for a breakfast burrito or croissant sandwich with a latte or smoothie. If you come later in the day, enjoy fish & chips, sandwiches, burgers, salads and hand-dipped ice cream bars served by friendly and helpful staff. Adults love the craft beers on tap (on the patio only). The café is open daily.
Another highlight of Young’s Beach Shack (for kids and kids at heart) is the golf cart ride down the hill from the parking lot (nominal fee), which runs every half hour or so. Better yet, catch a ride UP the hill. It’s particularly helpful for people with mobility issues. What a great spot for families — a park, a beach, a café and a fun ride on a golf cart!
Harpoon Henry’s
We met a couple on the wine cruise (see under “Just for Parents”) who claims that Wind & Sea has the best calamari; then we met another couple who claims Harpoon Henry’s has the best calamari. Being self-proclaimed “calamari connoisseurs,” we had to do our own “research.” At Harpoon Henry’s, a calamari steak is pounded thin, lightly breaded and seasoned, cut into strips (just how I like it) and served with tartar sauce and a thousand-island type sauce. Delicious—we’d get it again. What we learned is that Harpoon Henry’s is a sister restaurant to Wind & Sea, which makes complete sense re the debate about whose is best. Wind & Sea will be on our to-do list next time we visit!
Coffee Importers at Dana Point Harbor
Any eatery that offers a robust espresso bar menu and Lappert’s Ice Cream specialties is a go-to for me. But Coffee Importers also offers bagel sandwiches, acai bowls, kids hot cocoa, sandwiches, salads, wraps and more. They make a case to hang out all day! We entertained ourselves by people-watching on their large patio that overlooks the marina. Highly recommend a stop here; clearly the locals love it, too.
J.C. Beans Coffee House
An independent coffee shop featuring indoor/outdoor seating, friendly service, artwork from local artists, a used book library, a drive-thru and, most importantly, great coffee. Located at 34114 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Good Choice Sushi by the Sea
I didn’t have a chance to try Good Choice Sushi, but it was recommended by couple we met on the wine cruise, so if you enjoy sushi, look them up and give them a try.
JUST FOR PARENTS
Sunset Wine Cruise at Dana Point Harbor
The sunset wine cruise was fun! We enjoyed beautiful views, fresh air, live music, and met some fun people. This is not a ride for thrill-seekers; the 90-minute cruise takes place on a 63-foot catamaran and never leaves the harbor. It’s a great way to spend a relaxing evening, catch a glimpse of harbor activity and enjoy some wine. www.danawharf.com
BEYOND DANA POINT
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Just a 10-minute drive from Dana Point is Mission San Juan Capistrano, a historic landmark, museum and the birthplace of Orange County. As the seventh of 21 missions in California, it is a monument to the state’s multicultural history, embracing its Native American, Spanish, Mexican and European heritage. www.missionsjc.com
Catalina Express: Dana Point is a popular departure port for those wanting to visit Catalina, with daily ferry trips to and from the island. Catalina Express boats make year-round trips from Dana Point Harbor to Catalina Island in about an hour. If you’re prone to seasickness, don’t forget your motion sickness meds. www.catalinaexpress.com
Want to read more about visiting Catalina? Read my article, "Plan a Family Adventure to Catalina Island" here.
Lisa Gipson is the managing editor at San Diego Family; she loves traveling around California on new adventures.
