City of Dana Point
Attractions & Points of Interest

Dana Point Harbor The Harbor houses 2,500 yachts within its two marinas, inside a one-and-a-half mile jetty. Complete harbor facilities include guest slips, a fuel dock, shipyard, launch ramp, boat rentals, yacht sales, community class instruction for all ages, fishing, windsurfing, jetskiing, kataking, boat charters, two yacht clubs, sailing association, ocean classroom labs, shops, restaurants, picnicking and a baby beach for young swimmers.

Thirty (30) intriguing shops are loaded with unexpected treasures. Visitors discover custom-designed jewelry and Indian artifacts, art collectibles, hand-formed chocolates, unique gifts, toiletries, fragrant oils, designer perfumes and sunglasses, ecologically “sound” gifts, leisure clothing for men and women, full service hair salon & art gallery, unique cards & tee shirts, international coffees and teas and quality ice cream. Seventeen different restaurants are at the Harbor to please every palate.

Dana Point is the home of the popular sportfishing vessels owned and operated by Dana Wharf Sportfishing. They are available for charter and/or a day of fishing. The Ocean Institute offers a variety of programs for the whole family as well. Enjoy sea adventure cruises day and evening and summer programs on the Brig “Pilgrim”. The Dana Point Youth and Group facility attracts hundreds each week for its wide variety of programs for all ages. Their Summer Beach Camp is very popular for kids who want to spend supervised time at the beach. Catalina Island is just a boat ride away. Catalina Express and Catalina Explorer offer many departures / arrivals times.

For Harbor Information:
(949) 923-2255
Visit the Dana Point Harbor Home page:
www.danapointharbor.com

Salt Creek Beach Park The long, sandy beach is a popular surfing spot. Both upland and beach facilities can be reached from Ritz Carlton Dr. off Pacific Coast Highway. Parking and wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available at a large metered parking lot, open 6 AM-midnight, on Ritz Carlton Drive.
From the west side of the lot, a paved path leads to the beach and to the grassy seven-acre Bluff Park, which has benches, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms.

Just south of Ritz Carlton Dr., a pedestrian gate, open 24 hours, leads through the Ritz Carlton Hotel grounds to a paved path along the bluff above Salt Creek Beach; the path, which skirts the southern perimeter of the grounds, has numerous benches and overlooks providing views of gray whale migration routes, Catalina Island, and the coastline.

At its northern end, the path joins a paved multi-use trail leading north along the shoreline past Bluff Park. Several stairways and paths lead from the multi-use trail to the beach, changing rooms, outdoor showers, restrooms, snack bar, firepits, and a path along the seawall. Paths and trails lead north and east through a golf course and along Salt Creek, a scenic corridor featuring small parks and several miles of trails.
The southern entrance to Salt Creek Beach Park is off Selva Rd. and features picnic fables, barbecue grills, restores, and path and stairs to the beach. The parking lot is open 6 AM-midnight.

Surf/Weather Information:
(949) 492-1011/1012

Doheny State Beach is administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The 62 acre site features over one mile of sandy beach and some of the best swimming and surfing in California. During Low Tide, the tide pools attract young and old for exploring. The campground features 120 developed family campsites and the picnic area has 170 picnic tables and 99 barbecue grills. At the entrance to Doheny there is a visitor center with five aquariums, an indoor tide pool, exhibits, displays, gift shop, and photo history of Doheny surfing days.

For More information:
Park Rangers: 949-496-6172
Picnic Reservations: 949-496-3617
Campground Reservations: 800-444-7275

Ocean Institute Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to ocean awareness and preservation through education. The Institute owns and operates the brig Pilgrim, the Spirit of Dana Point, and the Research Vessel Sea Explorer. The new Ocean Education Center, which has replaced the Institute’s old laboratories now has student capacity from 78,000 to 135,000 students annually. For complete info visit their site at www.ocean-institute.org

Hours of Operation

• Facility: 8:00AM - 5:00PM (Mon. - Fri. for field trips)
• Gift Shop: 9:00am to 5:00pm (open until 6:00pm in the summer)
  
  Public Tours & Open House

• Monday - Wednesday:
  The Ocean Education Center is closed to the public, as classes are in session!

• Thursday & Friday:
  Public tour at 3:30pm (approx. 40 minutes)
  Cost: $2/adult; children 2 and under are free

• Saturday & Sunday:
  The Ocean Education Center featuring learning labs, touch tanks, animal feedings, and rotating exhibits is open from 10am – 3pm. Cost is $6/adult; $4/child (3-12yrs); children 2 and under are free.