FreeAnimals & Nature
Dana Point Tide Pools (Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area)
Dana Point, CA
Free; harbor parking
By Simir Shah
The rocky reef below the Headlands, next to the Ocean Institute at the west end of the harbor, has sea hares, anemones, crabs and sea stars at low tide. It's inside the Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area, where collecting or removing any living thing from the tide pools is illegal, so look but don't take, and don't flip rocks. Wear water shoes and watch the surf on the outer rocks.
Good for
- Ages 0–2
Happening near here
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South OC depth 2026Tide pools
Map
Nearby places
Ocean Institute Maritime Festival (Tall Ships)Dana Point · Museums & Learning<1 miOcean InstituteDana Point · Museums & Learning<1 miBaby Beach (Dana Point Harbor)Dana Point · Beaches & Coast<1 miDana Point Harbor Boat Parade of LightsDana Point · Arts & Culture<1 miDana Point Turkey TrotDana Point · Parks & Hiking<1 miCapt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching SafariDana Point · Animals & Nature<1 mi
Keep planning
Eat nearby in Dana Point
- Truly PizzaPizza & Italian · $$
- The Shwack Beach GrillBurgers & American · $
- Coffee ImportersBreakfast & Brunch · $
- Kawamata SeafoodAsian · $