Family Fun in Dana Point
Dana Point Is All About Family Fun
Dana Point is all about FAMILY FUN! And did we mention some of it is FREE!
Adventure awaits in Dana Point during the summer. There is so much to do outdoors along our coast that you can even get your pouty teen to smile for a bit. Whether you are staying at one our beach resorts or just spending the day in Dana Point there are adventures for both the young and old to be enjoyed in the Orange County sun.
Free Fun Vacation Ideas:
Summer Trolley Service:
The City of Dana Point offers an amazing Trolley Service that runs from late May to Labor Day. The Dana Point Trolley has several spots for pick up and drop offs throughout the city. Some of these spots are located by the resorts and sprinkled throughout town. Download the Dana Point Trolley App for IPhone and Android users to get the map and timed pickup/drop-off locations and experience a slower pace. Jump off the trolley for lunch at one of our amazing restaurants, enjoy the salty air and the sound of waves with a beach walk along Salt Creek, or take in an extended adventure and connect to the trolley systems of our sister cities of San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, or Laguna Beach.
Music in the Park:
Grab a blanket and make it a picnic in the park with sandwiches from Tudor & Spunky’s Deli while enjoying music by the beach. Dana Point is known for it’s numerous festivals from Doheny Blues to Ohana Fest, but did you know you can see live music for FREE! One of the best ways to enjoy it is on a summer night in the park via the City of Dana Point’s concerts in park that are held on Sunday’s at Sea Terrace Park, or OC Parks offers an annual concert at Bluff Park at Salt Creek on August 29th, with Orange County’s very own LIT performing at the beach. Family friendly and a whole lot of fun! You might actually stand out as a “cool” parent!
Get Outside:
Hikes in Dana Point are all about the views! There are several ways to see our lovely coast by hiking and walking our town. From a walk along Dana Point Harbor to the island and back, a short stroll above our bluffs to see the Hide Drougher statue overlooking the harbor, or a hike at the Headland’s starting at The Nature Interpretive Center, these Instagram worthy spots will not only get you outside, but the unobstructed views of these relatively easy hikes will leave you inspired and wanting to come back for more fresh air along the coast. It’s why Dana Point is known for “Harboring the good life.”
Bring Fido Along for Fun
With all of this family fun to be had, we can’t forget our furry friends! Take Fido out to enjoy other canines and their companions to sniff and smooze at Yappy Hour at The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel’s Dana Lawn overlooking Strands and Salt Creek State Beach. Haute Hounds will enjoy their favorite treat while human guests can enjoy barbeque and refreshing drinks at the beach for a good cause! Check out the 2019 Yappy Hour schedule here.
Vacation with the Kids Couldn’t Be Easier
Beach days are always a plus but if you are looking to slow down and enjoy the day as a parent (it’s your vacation too), The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel offers Ritz Kids Club full of themed activities as well as Movie Night Packages. Check them in for an adventure and chill out poolside with a cocktail in hand and enjoy the view! Another great activity for families is the Ocean Institute in Dana Point Harbor where you can discover the amazing and sometimes bizarre life that lives just beneath the waves!
July 4th in Dana Point
Every year the City of Dana Point hosts a wonderful firework show in Dana Point Harbor. Gather with family and friends to see this amazing extravaganza over the skies of Doheny State Beach.
If you are lucky enough to be staying at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa during the holiday you will have a clear shot of the fireworks as well as being walking distance to the harbor to see the decorated boats in their patriotic glory.
As a guest they offer theater seating on their Del Mar lawn for the 9 p.m. spectacular. Keep it simple with this family staycation by spending the day leading up to the show by enjoying the Splash Pad and Pool. No cooking necessary but experience a backyard BBQ minus the mess with a BBQ Buffet offered at 5:00-8:30 p.m.
Dana Point’s colors are shown best year-round, but the summertime is the sweet spot. Get outside and connect! It’s what slowing down and this season is all about.
