Orange County family guide
Things to Do in Dana Point with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Dana Point on the map
📍 Where Dana Point is
Dana Point sits in Orange County, Southern California. Nearest major airport: John Wayne / Orange County (~17 mi / 28 km). It's roughly 51 mi (82 km) from Downtown LA and 61 mi (97 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in Dana Point
Doheny State Beach
Gentle waves, a grassy picnic lawn, and tide pools make this the classic easy beach day for families with little ones.
Free walk-in; parking ~$15/car
Ocean Institute
Touch tanks, tall ships, and marine labs right on the Dana Point harbor. Pair it with a harbor walk and ice cream.
~$12.50/person weekends
Salt Creek Beach
A grassy bluff-top park rolls down to a wide surf beach with tide pools — great for kite-flying, boogie boards, and picnics.
Parking ~$1/hr
Dana Wharf Whale Watching
Head out from the harbor to spot dolphins year-round and gray or blue whales in season — a genuine ocean adventure for all ages.
~$50 adult / $35 kidFarmers markets in Dana Point
Dana Point Farmers Market
La Plaza Park market on PCH with California farm produce plus a big lineup of craft and gift vendors.
Festivals & annual events in Dana Point
What Dana Point is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Dana Point Festival of Whales
A Dana Point Harbor weekend timed to the gray whale migration — marine exhibits, conservation talks, a makers market, car show and live music. Now in its 56th year.
See site; whale-watching cruises ticketed separately
Ocean Institute Maritime Festival (Tall Ships)
The Ocean Institute's tall ships weekend in Dana Point Harbor — visiting historic ships, mock cannon battles, pirate school, reenactors and live music.
See site; tall ship sails ticketed separately
Local restaurants in Dana Point
The Shwack Beach Grill
Laid-back surf-themed grill with burgers, fish tacos, and breakfast.
Coffee Importers
Harborside cafe and deli popular for breakfast and ice cream with kids.
Kawamata Seafood
Tiny pocket poke shop known for generous, fresh poke combos (cash only).
Luciana's Ristorante
Cozy European-inn-style Italian serving OC families for 40+ years.
Jimmy's Famous American Tavern
A harborside tavern serving elevated American comfort classics with thoughtful sourcing and a welcoming patio.
Local shops in Dana Point
Golden Galleon Boutique
Easy, breezy SoCal women's fashion that's been a Dana Point staple for decades.
Camellia Boutique
Jewelry, apparel, and shoes; a favorite for unique gifts and local fashion.
Bella Bazaar
Coastal-inspired home decor, gifts, clothing, jewelry, and a fabric section.
Art Sea & Gift Chateau
Ocean-themed decor, jewelry, tees, greeting cards, children's books, and seashells at The Wharf.
Seasonal & outdoors near Dana Point
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Dana Point.
More Orange County family guides
Dana Point family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Dana Point with kids?
Family favorites in and around Dana Point include Doheny State Beach, Ocean Institute, Salt Creek Beach and Dana Wharf Whale Watching. Our guide lists 4 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Where can families eat in Dana Point?
Local, family-friendly spots in Dana Point include Truly Pizza, The Shwack Beach Grill, Coffee Importers and Kawamata Seafood, and more — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Dana Point guide cover?
Our Dana Point family guide includes 4 things to do, 6 local eats, 4 local shops and 1 farmers market — all hand-curated, locally owned, and sorted by distance from you.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Dana Point
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Dana Point on one map — then book on your favorite site.