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. Donated for public use in 1931 by oilman Edward L. Doheny, it became California's first state beach, and the surf break here was immortalized in the Beach Boys' "Surfin' USA" as "Down Doheny Way." A small visitor center adds a touch-tank tide pool and ocean-life exhibits for extending the visit.
Free walk-in; parking ~$15/car
Ocean Institute
Touch tanks, a research vessel outfitted with underwater cameras and video microscopes, and maritime history programs right on the Dana Point harbor. The Institute's own tall ship is the Spirit of Dana Point, a working replica schooner built from historic plans. Pair a visit 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. Surfers have ridden the offshore reef here since the 1940s, and the beach only opened to the public in the 1970s after a hard-fought "Save Salt Creek" campaign against private development plans. Today the seven-acre bluff park anchors what's considered one of Orange County's best surf breaks.
Parking ~$1/hr
Dana Wharf Whale Watching
Dana Wharf has run whale-watching trips out of Dana Point Harbor since 1971, making it Orange County's original operator in a town trademarked the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World. Dolphins show up on nearly every trip year-round, while gray whales pass through November through May and blue whales arrive May through October.
~$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.
Halloween Spooktacular & Trunk or Treat (Dana Point)
The City of Dana Point's Recreation Division hosts a Halloween-themed trunk-or-treat in the Dana Point Community Center parking lot at 34052 Del Obispo St. Tip: bring a bag for candy and arrive early, because parking-lot events like this are compact and crowd up fast. Confirm start time and any fee with the city.
See listing (city Recreation Division event)
Spooky Seas at the Ocean Institute
Bioluminescence laser tag, a mad-scientist lab, haunted ship tours, a costume contest, photo booth and aquarium access, billed as family-friendly frights. Optional 45-minute Harbor Hayrides on the R/V Sea Explorer add cider, temporary tattoos and trick-or-treating, with Spooky Seas admission included. Tip: hayrides are a separate ticket, so buy them ahead.
$20 adults, $17 kids (19 months–13 yrs), $18.50 seniors/military; under 19 months free
Little Folk Club Halloween Singalong (Bump Out Park)
A free toddler-friendly singalong with Victoria Bailey right on Dana Point Harbor Drive. The listing also names later 2027 collaboration sessions, but only this Halloween session has a posted event page. Tip: bring a blanket and any small instruments you have at home.
Free
La Plaza Park Tree Lighting (Dana Point)
A community holiday tree lighting at La Plaza Park in the Lantern District. It pairs well with a stroll past the nearby shops and a stop at the Saturday farmers market earlier that day. Tip: the park is small, so park in the Lantern District side streets and walk in.
Free
Boat Ride with Santa (Dana Wharf)
Kids ride the Dana Pride around the harbor with Santa Claus in 20-minute sailings. Book at danawharf.com/boat-ride. Tip: time slots sell out, so reserve early; Dec 5 is also the La Plaza Park tree lighting day in town.
Ticketed 20-minute rides (price on Dana Wharf booking page); benefits Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay
Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights (51st Annual)
Dana Point Harbor's 51st annual parade of lighted, decorated boats runs three nights, with the 2026 theme "Harboritaville". Watch from the Lantern District and harbor waterfront. Tip: use the free Dana Point trolley or arrive well before dark, because harbor parking fills early on parade nights.
Free to watch
Santa Paws with the Pet Project Foundation (Dana Point Harbor)
Pet holiday apparel and photos with Santa and the harbor VW bus near the Richard Henry Dana statue and the 2026 holiday display. Proceeds benefit the Pet Project Foundation, and leashed, well-behaved pets are welcome. Tip: the listed address is 24601 Dana Dr across from Dana West Yacht Club.
$15 listed donation for holiday photos
Harbor After Dark Holiday Night Market (Dana Point Harbor)
A holiday night market by Modern Makers Mart at the harbor parking structure with rotating food trucks, seasonal drinks and local makers. Tip: the harbor's holiday lights are on from Nov 12, so pair the market with a stroll to the lit displays near the Richard Henry Dana statue.
Free entry
Dana Point Harbor Holiday Market
Over 55 vendors, live music and kids crafts on the harbor Island near the Richard Henry Dana statue, with Santa on site 11am–1pm for photos at the harbor VW bus. It is pet- and kid-friendly. Tip: it lands the weekend before Christmas, so go early for last-minute gifts and easy parking.
Free entry
Happy Harbor Days Holiday Lights (Dana Point Harbor)
The harbor's annual holiday display runs about two months and includes favorites like Happy Harbor Days and Merry Kiss Me. A holiday map and guide are posted on the harbor site. Tip: this is the display that the Santa Paws and holiday market events sit beside, so combine them with a weekend visit.
Free
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
Taste of Dana 2027
An afternoon of local food and drink, live entertainment and waterfront views at Bump Out Park in Dana Point Harbor. It is a daytime, community-style event rather than a nightlife one. Tip: confirm the ticket policy for kids before you buy, and take the harbor trolley to skip parking.
Ticketed (see site)
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
Dana Point Harbor Dogapalooza (2nd Annual)
A dog-themed day at Bump Out Park with live music, kid-friendly crafts, pet vendors, food trucks, a fall photo op at the harbor VW bus, and a costume contest at 2:30pm. Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome. Tip: costume-contest sign-up at the Pet Project Foundation tent closes at 2pm.
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, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
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 — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
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.