Nestled in Dana Point, California, Baby Beach is the perfect place for families with small children seeking a safe, fun, and picturesque beach getaway. This hidden gem, located within the renowned Dana Point Harbor, offers a calm, sheltered environment for beachgoers of all ages to unwind, swim, and soak in the Southern Californian sun.
Baby Beach is home to calm waters and many seasonal events, and offers a picnic and BBQ area with a gorgeous view of the harbor and nearby cliffside. The harbor protects Baby Beach and has lifeguards on duty during summer, making it a great place for the entire family.
This area is also popular for paddle boarding and kayaking, especially for first-timers looking for gentle waters. Baby Beach is adjacent to Dana Point Harbor, with various restaurants and shops nearby.
Calm and Sheltered Waters
While there are many stunning beaches in Dana Point, Baby Beach is the best little beach for small kids. One of the things that sets Baby Beach apart from other beaches in the region is its calm water.
Dana Point Harbor and its jetty protect the beach from large waves and strong currents, making it the ideal location for little kids, inexperienced swimmers, and those seeking a more relaxed beach experience.
The gentle surf ensures a safe environment for families to enjoy the ocean without any concerns. Also, the water at Baby Beach is typically warmer than other nearby beaches, providing a comfortable temperature for swimming and wading.
What to Do at Baby Beach
Convenient facilities and amenities
The best little beach in Dana Point is a great destination for families looking for a fun day at the beach! With various facilities and amenities, visitors are sure to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Baby Beach has clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and drinking fountains that are easily accessible for beachgoers.
Clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and drinking fountains are readily available for beachgoers’ convenience. The beach also has picnic tables and barbecue grills, perfect for a family cookout or a leisurely picnic by the sea.
Just behind the beach at Dana Cove Park is a grassy area with picnic shelters available on a first-come, first-served basis.
ℹ️ For more information, call the OC Parks Information Line at (949) 923-2215.
Kid-friendly activities
Besides swimming and wading in the gentle surf, Baby Beach offers many fun and engaging activities for kids of all ages. The beach features a large playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures, providing hours of entertainment for the little ones.
Wildlife and marine life encounters
Baby Beach and its surrounding areas are home to a rich and diverse ecosystem, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to encounter various wildlife and marine life. The nearby tide pools teeming with interesting sea creatures such as sea stars, hermit crabs, and sea anemones, perfect for curious children to explore and learn about the marine environment.
Also, Dana Point is a hotspot for dolphin and whale watching. Visitors can embark on a whale-watching tour or simply keep an eye out for these majestic creatures while lounging on the beach. Book a whale watching tour.
Lastly, the Ocean Institute is located in Dana Point Harbor, providing another great place for kids to discover and explore the ocean’s wonders.
Kayaking and paddle boarding
This area is also popular for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, especially for first-timers looking for gentle waters.
The beach offers rental equipment, including paddleboards and kayaks, for those who need to rent their gear. Visitors can rent the equipment by the hour or for the entire day, allowing them to explore the surrounding harbor at their own pace.
Also, Baby Beach has a launch ramp that makes it easy to launch paddle boards and kayaks into the water.
Dana Point Harbor events
Throughout the year, Baby Beach hosts a range of family-friendly events, including:
March: The Festival of Whales takes place in March and celebrates the annual migration of the California Gray Whale.
September: The Maritime Festival is held in September and features a fleet of historic tall ships that sail into the harbor. Visitors can take tours of the ships, watch mock cannon battles, and enjoy live entertainment.
November: Run the Race Before You Stuff Your Face at the Dana Point Turkey Trot! This Thanksgiving Day tradition hosts 10,000 participants for a 5K race in the Dana Point Harbor.
December: During the holiday season, the harbor is transformed into a winter wonderland with the annual Boat Parade of Lights. This event features decorated boats cruising through the harbor, along with various holiday activities and entertainment.
Restaurants in Dana Point Harbor
Baby Beach is adjacent to Dana Point Harbor, with a variety of restaurants and shops located nearby. So for those who wish to venture beyond picnics and beach barbecues, there are various restaurants with family-friendly dining options.
Getting to Baby Beach
Take the ‘beach cities’ exit from the I-5 freeway, and continue traveling on Pacific Coast Highway. Once you encounter the pedestrian crossway bridge, turn onto Dana Point Harbor Drive and continue until you pass the harbor. The beach and picnic area are between the Dana Point Harbor and the Ocean Institute.
ℹ️ Location: 34451 Ensenada Place Dana Point, CA 92629
ℹ️ Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM
⚠️ Sometimes, Baby Beach is also referred to as Dana Point Harbor Beach or Dana Cove Park on various maps.
Baby Beach FAQs
Are dogs allowed at Baby Beach?
Dogs are not allowed on the beach. However, dogs are allowed on the grass and paved walkways.
Is there a parking lot at Baby Beach?
Yes! Limited street parking is available at Baby Beach and additional parking is located directly behind Baby Beach, next to the picnic park. Parking for Baby Beach is free, so get there early to secure your parking spot!
