The Essential Guide to Dana Point, California

Simply south of Laguna Seaside on the Pacific Coast Freeway, the small, oceanside city of Dana Level is ready on steep bluffs above the Pacific Ocean that sweep all the way down to sandy Doheny Seaside, of “Surfin’ U.S.A.” fame. Dubbed the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World, Dana Level boasts each abundant marine life and a vibrant browsing tradition. 

Whereas most guests come to Dana Level throughout the summer time, I’ve lived close by for over a decade and might share a comparatively well-kept secret: the vacation season is definitely the very best time to make a journey to the seaside. You don’t simply need to take my phrase for it, although.

“Throughout the holidays, Dana Level feels particularly magical with harbor lights, festive occasions, and ideal climate for exploring,” Vickie McMurchie, president of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, tells Journey + Leisure. “And irrespective of the season, our location between Los Angeles and San Diego makes Dana Level a great house base. It’s a type of uncommon locations the place you really get the very best of each worlds—a soothing, small-town coastal vibe with big opportunities for adventure.”

Past these adventures, Dana Level additionally has wonderful stays and eating places galore, excellent for a weekend journey to absorb a few of that quintessential Southern California vitality.

Right here’s what you might want to know earlier than planning a visit to Dana Level, California.

Finest Issues to Do

Let’s begin with the vacation happenings round Dana Level. Starting in November, the outlets, eating places, and strolling paths across the city’s marina mild up with a whole lot of hundreds of twinkling bulbs for the annual Happy Harbor Days show. “Our harbor mild shows illuminate the waterfront via early January, creating one of the crucial festive coastal experiences in Southern California,” says McMurchie. 

Past merely strolling round, you possibly can admire the present aboard a holiday lights cruise, happening on choose dates throughout December. For extra mild shows, swing by Dana Level throughout the second weekend of the month to catch the yearly Boat Parade of Lights, a pleasant competitors between native boat homeowners to see who can deck the, properly, boat decks the very best—this yr will mark the occasion’s fiftieth anniversary. And for those who haven’t had sufficient vacation spirit already, you possibly can deliver the little ones out for a boat ride with Santa Claus himself.

As dazzling as Dana Level’s seasonal celebrations could also be, the year-round actions listed below are nothing to sneeze at, both. In case you haven’t gathered by now, a whale watching journey with both Captain Dave’s Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari or Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching is a should. You could possibly spot pods of dolphins, humpbacks, fin whales, minke whales, and even the elusive blue whale within the sometimes calm waters off Dana Level. Simply make sure that to deliver your coat, since it could possibly get breezy past the jetties.

“Sightings listed below are extremely dependable, and seeing marine life up shut is an unforgettable expertise for guests of all ages,” says McMurchie.

Again within the harbor, you’ll seemingly catch a glimpse of surfers driving the waves at Doheny Seaside. Browsing is a very longstanding and beloved custom right here—as soon as house to the famed “Killer Dana” break, Dana Level nurtured California surf tradition as early because the Nineteen Thirties, resulting in the event of now-iconic manufacturers like Hobie Surf Shop. 

Although Killer Dana disappeared in 1966 with the development of the harbor, Dana Level stays a mecca for surfers worldwide. You may get out on the waves your self with a surf lesson, keep on the sand and watch the locals shred, or learn up on browsing historical past on the interpretive indicators across the marina. “Dana Level is a surf town at heart,” says McMurchie. “It’s an important place to observe surfers at Doheny or dive into early surf historical past. It captures the adventurous, laid-back spirit that defines our neighborhood.”

Talking of, guests can catch some fairly stellar views of the harbor with just a bit little bit of legwork. Head as much as the 0.2-mile Bluff Top Trail, or wander via Strand Vista Park and Pines Park for panoramic ocean views. All three choices are “peaceable, scenic, and ideal for sunsets, pictures, or picnics,” says McMurchie. It’s also possible to go to Dana Level’s hopping Lantern District for sightseeing and purchasing.

The place to Eat and Drink

After having fun with some solar, sand, and surf, you received’t need to go far to seek out an important meal. Native standouts embrace Truly Pizza, identified for its completely crispy crusts and strange toppings—assume cubes of roasted butternut squash, spiced rooster sausage, and swirls of herby ricotta. “Really Pizza has earned main recognition, together with the grand prize for best cheese pizza on the 2024 Worldwide Pizza Expo and a rating because the No. 9 pizzeria within the U.S. on the 50 Top Pizza USA 2025 listing,” says McMurchie. You might need to reserve a desk upfront or order takeout, for the reason that wait can get lengthy.

Additional down the coast, there’s additionally the Mexican eatery Olamendi’s, a neighborhood establishment for greater than 50 years. “This colourful, family-run restaurant has been a part of Dana Level’s story for many years and was famously one in all Richard Nixon’s favourite spots throughout his years in South Orange County,” says McMurchie. To dine like the previous president, ask for the Pollo a la Veracruzana, Nixon’s favourite dish. Locals, then again, swear by the Camarones al Mojo de Ajo and ceviche tacos.

To get your day began on the fitting foot, I like to recommend heading to Stacks Pancake House. Although Stacks can now be discovered all through Orange County and south Los Angeles County, Dana Level has the primary location of this Hawaiian-inspired breakfast eatery. Order a heaping plate of the island chilaquiles or strive the coconut pineapple pancakes, and get your caffeine kick with an iced ube latte.

The place to Keep

There are a selection of locations to remain within the Dana Level space. One of the enchanting choices within the space consists of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, with its eye-catching clifftop swimming pools and a full-service spa. For many who need to keep near the marina, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa has beachy, ocean-facing rooms with non-public balconies.

Outdoors of the resorts, one-of-a-kind boutiques add loads of native aptitude to Dana Level’s lodge scene. Proper within the Lantern District, the cottage-like Blue Lantern Inn enjoys contemporary sea breezes and has gorgeous views, borrowable seaside cruisers, and a complimentary afternoon wine hour. Close by, El Caminante Bar & Bungalows has Spanish Colonial structure and comfortable, soft rooms only a brief stroll from the seaside.