Stand on the deck of a schooner as the sails fill and something happens that feels like it should not be allowed. The wind is coming across the bow at an angle, and the ship is moving toward it. Not with it. Toward it. That moment is the payoff on roughly a thousand years of sailors solving fluid…
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Dana Point's Maritime Festival 2026: Your Guide to The Ocean Institute's Maritime Festival. Nestled along the picturesque Orange County coastline, Dana Point is the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World®, where breathtaking ocean views, a vibrant harbor, and a rich maritime legacy come…
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Upon arriving in Dana Point, check in at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and follow the scenic path down to Salt Creek Beach. For lunch, visit Young's Beach Shack which offers a casual dining experience with an amazing oceanfront view. Featuring locally sourced food both affordable and low-key, try…
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Family Entourage, which features unique family adventures, recently explored the family-friendly side of Dana Point. A weekend getaway with the kiddos at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa offered the entire family a relaxing weekend. “Right from check in, our kids got to pick out gifts and once we…
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We’re so lucky to have our very own amazing local coffee shops right here in Dana Point and hope you’ll love them as much as we do! Let us know if you try any of the shops mentioned above and be sure to share your experiences by tagging us @visitdanapoint on Instagram and Facebook and using our…
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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…
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Forced fun while working 9-5 isn’t so bad in Dana Point... Here on business but you don’t know what to do?!! First things first, you are out of the office and are visiting Dana Point, so let’s show you where to have some fun, relax, and entertain. Work it out Whether you are here on business for the…
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Dana Point boasts million-dollar views and a wealth of activities – but you don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy the coastal fun and culture. Here are 10 activities that are free, free, free! Hit the Water! – Dana Point is the birthplace of the worldwide Surf Culture phenomenon, so experiencing where…
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The Catalina Express ferry leaves from Dana Wharf in Dana Point Harbor and reaches Avalon in about 90 minutes. Arrive 60 minutes before departure, park in the harbor structure ($24 per day as of October 2026), and plan on roughly five to six hours on the island: enough for a walk through Avalon…
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Dana Point Harbor This Fall: What's Open, What's Changing Dana Point Harbor is getting rebuilt, but the ocean didn't change. The boats still head out every morning, the whales are still offshore, and Baby Beach is still the calmest swim in town. Here is what's open this fall and how to get around…
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