Visit Dana Point

Santa's Jolly Trolley and La Plaza Park Tree Lighting
2022-12-03 13:30 - 18:30 UTC | La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, CA, 92629, United States
Santa and his elves from the Recreation Division will be riding on his Jolly Trolley and making stops at the park locations listed below to hand out pre-packaged treats for kids up to 12 years of age. Santa’s elves will also be collecting letters to Santa. Please include your mailing address on the letter so Santa can return a special letter to you. At our last stop, La Plaza Park, from 4:30pm to 5:30pm the annual community tree lighting ceremony will be held with carolers, hot chocolate, and cookies. The tree lighting will be held promptly at 5:15pm. We will also be collecting unwrapped toys for the Spark of Love Toy Drive at the La Plaza Park location. For more information call (949) 248-3536 or email recreation@danapoint.org.
1:30pm – 2:00pm Sunset Park, 34345 Calle Naranja
2:30pm-3:00pm Dana Woods Park, 24900 Dana Woods
3:30pm-4:00pm Sea Canyon Park, 33093 Santiago Drive
4:30pm-5:30pm La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza St (Tree lighting at 5:15pm)

Sleigh the Holidays
2022-12-04 11:00 - 18:00 | Del Prada Avenue
This event is organized by the Dana Point Entertainment & Arts Council and The Pop-Up Shoppes. Please contact their team directly with questions at thepopupshoppesoc@gmail.com

Pines Park Tree Lighting
2022-12-05 16:30 - 17:30 | Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
Date: Monday, December 5
Time: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Santa and his elves will be arriving at Pines Park on his Jolly Trolley to hand out pre-packaged treats for children up to 12 years of age. The event is from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and features carolers, hot chocolate, cookies, and the tree lighting at 5:15pm. Bring an unwrapped toy for the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Pines Park is located at 34941 Camino Capistrano. For more information call (949) 248-3536 or email recreation@danapoint.org.

Dana Point Harbor 47th Annual Boat Parade of Lights
2022-12-09 19:00 - 2022-12-11 22:00 | Dana Point Harbor 34675 Golden Lantern Dana Point, CA 92629
Dana Point Harbor is excited to announce the 47th Annual Boat Parade of Lights, “Surfin’ USA,” returning this December! Decorate your boats for the chance to win up to $10,000 in cash prizes across several award categories.
The annual holiday light display, consisting of over 700,000 LED lights is set to illuminate the Harbor starting November 16, with the Boat Parade of Lights taking place December 9 through December 11.
Locals and visitors alike can look forward to lighting installations such as the giant whale sculpture and the “Merry Kiss Me” arch, along with holiday-themed photo opportunities, visits with Santa, strolling carolers and more.

Orange County Sunset Wine Cruise
2023-01-27 17:30 - 19:00 | Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 92629, United States
Join us for a 90-minute evening cruise aboard our luxury catamaran, your special cruise is limited to a select amount of passengers to optimize your wine experience . In the spring and summer enjoy an evening of sunshine, cool ocean breezes and romantic Sunset summer views. In the winter, take in the romantic atmosphere of the beautifully lit Dana Point Harbor.
This cruise will feature a wine host who will explain all the wines you will be sampling from The Organic Cellar which promotes organically grown and pesticide-free wines as well as a sample platter of cheese, crackers, dried fruits and nuts that compliment the wines. Our 63′ Ocean Adventure catamaran features a 360 degree view from its spacious deck, also on board you will find a full cash bar if you’d like to purchase some additional beverages. Sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful and charming Dana Point Harbor

Wyland's Whale and Dolphin Adventure, Art Lessons in the Wild
2023-01-28 17:00 - 2023-04-29 19:00 | Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 92629, United States
This exclusive package for kids ages 12 and under, includes an art lesson via video feed by
environmental artist Wyland and a FREE 2-hour whale watching adventure. Each child that participates in
the Art Lesson (cost is $15) will be entered in a contest to win prizes as well as a gift from Wyland just
for entering! The 2023 Grand Prize will be a framed and signed artwork by Wyland valued up to $3000!
All children’s artwork will be judged by Wyland for a chance to win other prizes!
Art lessons begin at 9 am. The Whale Watching Adventure departs after the art lesson at 10 am
and will end at 12pm. The lesson is limited to 15 children and the $15 art lesson fee will be donated to
The Wyland Foundation. Additional Whale Watch tickets are $56 for adults and $39 for kids 12 & under
not participating in the lesson. (Valid only on Saturdays at 9 am and must be accompanied by a paid adult,
2 kids max per adult.) The paid adult must be met to participate in the art lesson and free whale watching.
Not applicable for discounts or promos.

Dana Point Symphony 2023 Concert
2023-02-03 19:30 - 21:00 | St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church 33926 Calle La Primavera Dana Point, CA 92629
Enjoy the splendor of Mozart and Schubert with the Dana Point Symphony.

Stand Up to Trash Beach Clean Up
2023-02-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Baby Beach, 34445 Ensenada Pl, Dana Point, CA, 92629, United States
Beach
Cleanup and Lunch & Learn

What would happen if everyone picked up at least one piece of trash?

Join us for a day of fun on the water, beach and surrounding areas to cleanup our natural world.
​
Saturday February 11, 2023
9-11 Beach Cleanup and Lunch & Learn
9-10:30 Beach Cleanup
10:30 Free Lunch & Learn at Ocean Institute
Theme: Love Our Beach and Harbor
Speaker: TBA
11:00 – Lunch provided by Subway Lantern District

Valentine's Day Brunch and Whale Watching Safari
2023-02-11 11:00 - 14:00 | 24440 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
Your Valentines Day brunch kicks off aboard our upscale catamaran Hoku Nai’a with a catered brunch buffet and a complimentary glass of Champagne while a live Dixieland band plays.
You’ll also enjoy dolphin and whale watching along Dana Point’s beautiful coastline during your Valentine’s Day cruise. A variety of whale watching sightings can be had in February including gray whales, fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, common dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and Risso’s dolphins.
Book your Valentines Day brunch now!

Valentine's Day Cruises
2023-02-11 16:30 - 2023-02-14 18:30 | Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 92629, United States
Valentine’s Day Whale Watching: Tuesday, Feb. 14 4:30-6:30pm
Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne or non-alcoholic beverage & chocolate treats while we gaze at the beautiful sunset and look for marine life. Raffle to wine a harbor inspired gift package!
Sunset Cruise: Sat , Feb. 11 & Sun, Feb. 12 4:30-6:30pm
Whale watch during a romantic sunset. Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne.
Wine Cruise: Sunday, Feb. 12 5:30-7:00pm
Join in for a wine tasting harbor cruise. Enjoy 4 wine tastes and a dessert bar. Must be 21+

Brews & Bites at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
2023-02-19 13:00 - 16:00 | The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel 1 Ritz Carlton Drive Dana Point, CA 92629
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel kicks off the 2023 Culinary Cookout on the Coast Series with Brews & Bites, a reimagined backyard barbecue presented on the resort’s oceanfront Dana Lawn.
Collaborating with local breweries to create a Beer Garden experience, guests are invited to enjoy the beachside beer festival, featuring an afternoon of global street-food stations, regional craft brews, live music, and lawn games. The resort’s culinary team presents a variety of unique stations, including Wood Fire Bavarian Pretzels, Gourmet Sliders, Korean Corn Dogs, New Delhi Fish and Chips, and Borracha Tacos.
Participating breweries include:
The Bruery
Bottle Logic Brewing
Baja Brewing Company
Sage Plant Based Bistro & Brewery
Peoples’ Republic of South Central
JuneShine
Bow & Arrow Brewing Co.
OC Local Taproom
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel welcomes guests to bring their furry friends to this event for a $25 donation. Proceeds proudly support The Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit committed to connecting highly trained and loving assistance dogs with disabled veterans.
$150 per person, inclusive of tax and food and beverage staff charge. Ticket also includes a keepsake tasting glass.
Children under 9 complimentary.

Dana Point Festival of Whales
2023-03-03 - 2023-03-04 | Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA, 92629, United States
Celebrate the migration of the grey whale with a two day event and join the 52nd Anniversary celebration of the Dana Point Festival of Whales!
For more information, visit the Dana Point Festival of Whales website here!

DPFAA Festival of Whales Art Show
2023-03-04 09:30 - 2023-03-05 17:00 | 34675 Golden Lantern Dana Point, CA 92629
Join Dana Point Fine Art Association for the Whales Festival Art Show Saturday, March 4th and Sunday, March 5th.

Beach Cleanup & Lunch and Learn
2023-03-05 09:00 - 23:00 | Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA, 92629, United States
Celebrate the grey whale migration with us during the 52nd Festival of Whales! 🐋
Sunday March 5
Beach Cleanup and Lunch & Learn
9-10:30 am Beach Cleanup
10:30 Lunch & Learn at Ocean Institute
Theme: Celebrating Grey Whales
Speaker: Naturalist Laura Lopez from Dana Wharf
11:00 – Lunch Provided
We encourage the “BYOB” (bring your own bucket or reusable bag, gloves, reusable water bottle, coffee cup and water) philosophy to help reduce any additional waste!

Ocean Institute Jazz Gala 2023
2023-03-11 17:00 - 23:00 | Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA, 92629, United States
Ocean Institute • 03.11.2023 @ 05:00 PM (PST) • Tickets: $200/ Person

Jazz is back again for another night of live music, great food, thrills, and philanthropy! Join us for our annual Gala that raises funds for Ocean Institute’s Adopt-A-Class Program and general operations.

EVENT OVERVIEW
March 11, 2023 at 5:00 – 11:00 pm
Ticket Prices: $200/ Person
*Includes 2 drink tickets, unlimited food
​
Featuring:​
– Sustainably sourced food provided by Chef Damian Collins of Stillwater Spirits and Chef Patrick (Paddy) Glennon of Superior Seafood
– Live Music by The Gumbo Brothers
– Cigar Rolling, “Bubbly” Bar, and New Orleans-Style food stations
– Live Auction
– Fund-A-Need

Attendees & Attire:​
“Shimmer & Shine”
Dress to roar the night away like you’re visiting a speakeasy in the 1920’s!

DPFAA Spring Art Show 2023
2023-04-15 09:30 - 2023-04-16 17:00 | 34675 Golden Lantern Dana Point, CA 92629
Join Dana Point Fine Art Association for their Spring Art Festival Saturday, April 15th and Sunday, April 16th.

California Wine Festival 2023
2023-04-15 13:00 - 2023-04-16 16:00 | Sea Terrace Park, 33522 Niguel Road, Dana Point, CA, 92629, United States
BEACHSIDE WINE FESTIVAL

NEW LARGER VENUE – Sea Terrace Park

Saturday, April 15, 2023 – 1-4pm (VIPs 12pm)

Experience the quintessential California wine tasting and enjoy hundreds of California’s finest vintage wines, delicious gourmet foods samples and lively music. Discover new wines at every Festival, find a new favorite and pair it with a dizzying variety of fresh gourmet appetizers like artisan breads, cheeses, olive oils and so much more. Enjoy an afternoon of wine, food and music – at the biggest wine festival under the sun!

Redo Market
2023-04-30 10:00 - 16:00 | Del Prado Avenue, Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, CA, 92629, United States
Stroll and explore our curated collection of Vintage and an authentic assortment of Makers. Live music, hands on experiences and a selection of food trucks will make it a day for all to enjoy.

Palm Tree Music Festival
2023-05-13 | Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA, 92629, United States
The single-day festival brings a slice of the Palm Tree Crew’s tropical-inspired festival series to Southern California! This year’s lineup includes performances by Kygo, Ellie Goulding, Tove Lo, The Midnight, The Knocks, Two Feet and Forester.

Mother's Day Cruise
2023-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 | CA
Join Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching for a Mother’s Day Cruise. Treat Mom to a two hour coastal cruise aboard the Ocean Adventures Catamaran. This trip will depart from Dana Point Harbor and Cruise up the coastline to Laguna Beach. MOMosas, Champagne, fresh seasonal juices, pastries, and muffins will be served. In addition, all whale watching cruises on Mother’s Day will serve Mom a complimentary glass of champagne.

Sounds of Summer Cruise
2023-05-27 18:30 - 20:30 | 24440 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
Sounds of Summer Concert Cruise
Event Description:
• Live performance by Beach Boys tribute band Surf’s Up
• Catered dinner with burgers, chips, dessert included
• Sunset tour of picturesque Dana Point Harbor
• Upscale power catamaran with seating
• Beer, wine, soda, spritzers, water available to buy on the boat
Price: Adults, ages 13+: $99
(Regularly $149. With instant discount you save $50)
Do you wanna get away from it all? No need to go down to Kokomo. For Fun, Fun, Fun a summer concert cruise on our upscale power catamaran is a great way to enjoy live music and warm weather.
Imagine yourself with friends, family, or on a date cruising scenic Dana Point Harbor on a beautiful Saturday evening. The sun is getting low in the sky, the waves are rolling against the jetty wall, and a gentle breeze is blowing through your hair. And you’re all singing along to your favorite Beach Boys songs!
Our 65-foot upscale vessel, Hoku Nai’a, features surfboard tables with bench seats, panoramic views of the scenery from two decks, a no host bar, dance floor, and more. We’re serving a burger bar of beef cheeseburgers, plant-based Beyond burgers, or chicken patties along with potato chips, fresh fruit, and Mrs. Capt. Dave’s triple fudge brownies for dessert.

25TH ANNUAL VISSLA COSMIC CREEK
2023-06-03 08:00 - 20:00 | Salt Creek Beach
We couldn’t be more stoked to announce the 25th Annual Cosmic Creek Surf Festival + Free Concert June 3rd & 4th at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point.
Join us for the community’s favorite event paying homage to the more alternative, experimental era of surfing’s history. Free concert on Saturday evening featuring Frankie + the Witch Fingers, the Alive, and Repeater.
The event will feature five divisions: Locals, Creators & Innovators, Pros, Women’s, and a Body Surf Expression Session presented by DaFin. The Pros and Locals entrants will draw cards prior to their heat for priority on the board selection. Vissla will supply original 70’s and 80’s Single + Twin Fin options for competitors to choose from: meaning each heat is truly luck of the draw as to which board you will surf. The Creators & Innovators division consists of local shapers from all over California. While the Local & Pro divisions will ride original retro crafts, the Creators & Innovators Division will ride self shaped boards inspired by the 70’s & 80’s eras.
Local vendors will provide provisions at the event, including breakfast and lunch by Young’s Beach Shack. Cosmic Creek will be a plastic-free event — we ask that you bring reusable water bottles to refill at our water stations!
Cosmic Creek is open to the public and a true gathering of legends, groms, craftsmen, and storytellers. Over the years, Cosmic has become a soulful, grassroots, eclectic surf gathering; a celebration of heritage; a platform to exchange ideas about surfboards, music and art.
Sponsored by Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort

Lantern District Dana Point Art Fest
2023-06-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Del Prado Ave. Dana Point, CA 92629
Come enjoy this exciting family-friendly and FREE community event!
The Dana Point ArtFest is an outdoor, top-quality juried art and music event that brings artists and the community together in and around the Dana Point, CA area. Including…
.
More approximately 100 local artists
Live music from various artists
Wine and beer garden
Restaurants on Del Prado Ave will open early for the event – providing food and libations.

Wine Tour of Italy with our Sister Cities International
2023-06-15 17:00 - 20:00 | Luciana’s Ristorante, 24312 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point, California, 92629
Celebrating Dana Point Sister Cities International’s Friendship Agreement with Sorrento, Italy!
A sommelier who knows Italian wines will provide a lecture on the wines from different regions of Italy and answer questions about the wines.
Jorge Luhan, owner of Luciana’s, has arranged 8-10 different wines to taste along with the lecture. There is an opportunity to purchase those wines by the bottle or by case. Luciana’s will host hors d’oeuvres at the event.
Tickets:
$65 Dana Point Sister Cities Member
$85 Price with a year’s membership in Dana Point Sister Cities International (includes annual membership for discounted future events)

Father's Day Dinner Cruise
2023-06-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 92629, United States
Come Aboard the Dana Pride for Our Special Father’s Day Dinner Cruise
Enjoy a unique evening of fun on the water, complete with live music, a BBQ dinner, and a full cash bar! Listen & Boogie to classic Rock n’ Roll from Mike O’Bryan. Mr. O’Bryan is a professional guitarist and vocalist; he has been a staple of Southern California’s nightlife-scene for the past 26 years! Mike’s diverse & inviting style will surely have your Dad tappin’ his foot and smiling ear-to-ear! Treat your Dad to a proper Father’s Day and join us on the Dana Pride for a coastline dinner cruise he won’t soon forget!
Our Special Father’s Day Dinner Cruise includes:
Indoor and Upper Deck Seating
Full BBQ dinner
Full Cash Bar
Panoramic Views of Pristine Laguna Beach
Beautiful California Sunset
Live Classic Rock n’ Roll Music
Come aboard our 95′ flagship, the Dana Pride, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience! And come hungry! This cruise is two hours long, and it’s the perfect way for families to celebrate their Dads with a delicious BBQ meal!

Surfrider's Summer Solstice
2023-06-21 17:30 - 21:00 | Trevor’s on the Track, 26701 Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, California, 92675
Surfrider Foundation’s South Orange County Chapter presents Summer Soulstice & Ocean Friendly Restaurant Celebration! Join the foundation Wednesday, June 21 from 5:30-9:00pm at Trevor’s at the Tracks in San Juan Capistrano. Enjoy food and drink specials, live music, and more. Free to the public 21 years and older.
A special VIP experience is available for $75 but is limited to 30 people. To purchase your tickets, email derkeneff@southoc.surfrider.org
Limited edition event tees, memberships, and other items will be available for purchase on site.

Songs of the Sea
2023-06-23 19:00 - 22:00 | Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA, 92629, United States
SONGS OF THE SEA
Lyric Opera OC returns to the Ocean Institute for a beautiful evening of sea-themed melodies & music.
The evening begins with a reception, hosted by Dana Point Sister Cities, with light hors d’oeuvres and wine overlooking Dana Point Harbor. Don’t miss one of the most elegant evenings and your chance to enjoy an intimate performance with world-class singers.
VIP Tickets include 7 pm reception and 1 drink ticket. Limited cash bar available.

Doheny Surf & Art Festival-June 24 & 25, 2023
2023-06-24 09:00 - 2023-06-25 17:00 | Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA, 92629, United States
This free 2-day festival officially kicks off the summer season at Doheny with an array of activities including a variety of art and beach inspired vendor booths along with a surf contest, beer garden and live musical performances. Pack up the van with the boards, kids, and dogs for a day of celebration Doho-style! This event is hosted by Doheny State Beach Foundation. For vendor or general information, please see email info@dohenystatebeach.org.

Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival
2023-06-30 11:00 - 2023-09-03 20:00 | Sawdust Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651, United States
Summer Art Festival
Handcrafted art Laguna Beach artists, 3 stages of live music, complimentary art classes, glassblowing, art demonstrations and a variety of outdoor dining and saloon offerings- set in a unique artist village in the heart of Laguna Beach.

Be The First Responder Summer Kickoff
2023-06-30 17:00 - 21:00 | CA
Visit the Ocean Institute for a free event kicking off Summer with music, food and beverages, local pop-up vendors, first responders, and very informational videos and staff on hand to educate the public on water, boat and beach safety. There will also be a vendor passing out free lifejackets and doing onsite cardiac screenings.
