Are you ready to learn kayaking or sailing? Have you heard of stand up paddle boards? Check out the OC Sailing and Events Center next to Baby Beach to sign up for instructions, training, lessons and specialty courses. Kid’s camps are available in the summer. Contact info: 1-949-923-2215.
Dana Point Harbor Sail Boats
Do you feel like splashing around on a jet ski or taking a rental boat through the harbor and beyond? Have you been whale watching or been deep sea fishing? Several rental companies can accommodate you! Pick one or more of these family vacation ideas that can keep you busy all day.
TIP- Make early reservations for your watercraft or activities!!! – they go fast and you want to make sure you reserve your watercraft or get your spot on the boat before someone else does!
Make Reservations With:
Jet Ski and Watercraft Rentals
- Capo Beach Watercraft – 949-661-1690
- Dana Point Jet Ski – 949-661-4947
Boat Rentals - Embarcadero Marina – 949-496-6177
Sports Fishing - Dana Wharf Sportfishing – 949-496-5794
Whale Watching - Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari – 949-488-2828
- Dana Island Yachts – 949-248-7400
- Dana Wharf Sportsfishing – 949-496-5794
- The Ocean Institute – 949-496-2274
Do you have your own boat or watercraft? You can use the public boat launch and parking area starting at $10.00.Return to TOP
Mariners Village and Dana Wharf
Conveniently located in the middle of Dana Point Harbor is Mariners Village, Mariners Alley and Dana Wharf. You will find many different souvenir and gift shops, specialty retail shops, restaurants and eateries.
Restaurants - One of the favorites for the locals is The Harbor Grill, it has been owned and operated by the same family since 1984!! It’s in the middle of Mariners Village right on the harbor. They have a great seafood selection, an extensive wine list and full bar. Menu items include a variety of styles and are moderately priced.
Are you ready to check it out and sample their menu?? Remember, it’s easier to walk in and be seated for lunch. Dinner is a different story! Reservations are recommended, please call 949-240-1416.
Enjoy indoor dining, a seat at the bar for a quick cocktail or beautiful garden patio dining. The service and food are great, you will truly enjoy your selection and the view of the Harbor!
Shopping - Find a boardwalk full of gift shops, specialty shops, and retail shops. Literally spend hours looking through hand made artistic treasures from jewelry to Indian art. Sample a taste of ice cream or a piece of decadent chocolate as you browse through each shop and enjoy the sights of the Marina.
Looking for a dog friendly restaurant? The Harbor Grill has been known to accommodate pets in their patio dining area. Call for current updates 949-240-1416. As a side note, Doheny State Beach allows dogs in their campground area BUT NOT ON THE BEACH.Return to TOP
Catalina Island Service
Take the Catalina Express from Dana Point Harbor and arrive in Catalina in about an hour!! Reservations are highly recommended as most departures fill up fast!! Call 800-481-3470 today!
Travel Tips - 2 baggage items allowed per person, size and weight restrictions apply! Ask for details when booking.
- Check in 1 hour prior to departure time or risk forfeiting your ticket.
- At your own risk and liability you may also carry on board: dive tanks, dive bags. Bicycles (no tandem bicycles), strollers. Surf boards are considered additional articles and are allowed on board subject to space availability. Call for size restrictions and additional fees.
- Domestic pets are allowed on board if muzzled and in pet carriers. Call for additional details and restrictions.
- Several restrictions and fees apply to many items, call first to review current restrictions before you try to transport items!
Don’t forget your swim suit and walking shoes… and enjoy your trip to Catalina!Return to TOP
Dana Point Harbor Map
Dana Point Harbor Map
Check out what Dana Point has to offer!!!Don’t miss out on these events and activities! You’ll find kid friendly beaches, a chance for couples getaways and family vacations!
Here is a list to start you out on your fun and adventure!!!
- The Ocean Institute is open to the public and provides an exciting peek into marine wildlife habitats, up close and personal interactive activities, and an opportunity to participate in many programs throughout the year!
- The Toshiba Tall Ships Festival is an annual event sponsored by the Ocean Institute and is the largest gathering of tall ships on the west coast! Watch reenactments of pirate sword fights; explore the event and activity area where many participants and spectators dress up as pirates or ship mates!
- Old Cove Native Plant Preserve offers a small flat hiking path with indigenous California Coastal plants. Take a flyer at the entrance to the trail and learn about drought resistant plants you can use in your own yard!
- Doheny State Beach has day parks, campgrounds, and a Learning/Interpretive Center and Aquarium. Make the most of all the possibilities that you and your family can do at Doheny State Beach!
- Tide Pools are best explored during low tide when shallow calm pools are exposed . You will find an assortment of marine life and plant life in these self-contained areas. Remember to look, watch and learn but never touch or take!
- Baby Beach has the perfect sheltered stretch of beach for your toddler or beginning swimmers. It’s marked off with buoys and has a lifeguard station too!
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