Surfing & Body Boarding: Grab your board and ride the waves that launched the Surf Culture in the 1950s. Doheny State Beach offers perfect waves for all skill levels, while Strands Beach provides rad breaks, and Salt Creek is the place for experts. Girl in the Curl offers lessons right on the sand. Body surfing is also excellent at these spots.
Boating & Sailing: Glide across the water with the sea breeze in your face and the beautiful coastline in sight. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching offers a sunset wine and cheese cruise. Treat your family to a fun, pirate-themed sail with the Ocean Institute. Or rent a two-person skiff or kayak from Westwind Sailing, which also offers sailing lessons for adults and kids.
Personal Watercraft: Get up close with the water, harbor, and wildlife. Enjoy paddleboarding—even try a paddleboard yoga class with I Heart Yoga—or explore in a single or double kayak, either on your own or with a guided tour. The calm waters of Baby Beach are the perfect launch spot. For speed enthusiasts, Pure Watersports has single or double jet skis.
Swimming & Sunning: The classic beach pastime is best enjoyed in the glistening Pacific. Bring toddlers to the mellow waters of Baby Beach. For a surf vibe, head to Doheny State Beach, Salt Creek Beach, and Strands Beach, all offering plenty of room for swimming and sunbathing.
Fishing in Paradise: Whether deep-sea or from a kayak, fishing off Dana Point is a dream. Reel in yellowtail, tuna (yellowfin and Bluefin), Dorado, halibut, bonito, and bass (sand and calico). Dana Point Harbor offers plentiful sport fishing boat rentals and charters. Join the excitement with events like the Annual Halibut Derby and the Fishing with Friends Kayak Tournament.
The Whale Watching Capital: It's a fact: Dana Point is "The Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World," offering the best year-round viewing and the largest concentration of blue whales and dolphins in California. Join one of the three main tour operators—Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari, Dana Wharf Whale Watching, and the Ocean Institute. You'll often spot gray whales moments after leaving the harbor, plus seasonal Orcas, Fin, Minke, and Humpback whales. Sea lions, harbor seals, and dolphins are a given.
Gear Up: No gear? No worries. Killer Dana and West Wind Sailing have it all, and many hotels provide rental equipment and complimentary water toys to guests.