Orange County family guide
Things to Do in Dana Point with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated June 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
📍 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.
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
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.