Things to do in Dana Point in March

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Overview

March is a good time to visit Dana Point. The weather is usually mildly cool and humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 53—67°F (12—19°C).

Dana Point has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your March trip to Dana Point. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to March. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Dana Point in March. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout March, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Dana Point in March

Top experiences in March
We couldn't find any experiences in March
Holidays in Dana Point in March
March
  • St. Patrick's Day (March 17)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Dana Point in March

Temperatures on an average day in Dana Point in March

The average temperature in Dana Point in March for a typical day ranges from a high of 67°F (19°C) to a low of 53°F (12°C). Some would describe the temperature to be mildly cool. humid but cool

For comparison, the hottest month in Dana Point, September, has days with highs of 81°F (27°C) and lows of 66°F (19°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 65°F (18°C) and lows of 52°F (11°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Dana Point in March based on historical data.

Visiting Dana Point? See our Dana Point Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in March
67°F
highs
53°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool, humid but cool
Feels like
12%
Chance of rain
0.043 in
Amount
9.6 mph
Wind speed
64%
Humidity
11.9 hrs
Daylight length
6:35 AM
Sunrise
6:30 PM
Sunset
57%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in March
With an average high of 67°F (19°C) and a low of 53°F (12°C), it generally feels mildly cool and humid but cool. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Dana Point in March

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Dana Point has to offer for travelers in March, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Dana Point that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Dana Point for March.
Dana Point Harbor
1. Dana Point Harbor
4.8
(402)
Harbor
Sights & Landmarks
City hub for boat excursions & whale-watching tours, with a park, promenade, nearby dining & shops.
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It’s a charming coastal destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. The harbor is beautifully situated, providing stunning views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, where you can enjoy watching the boats come and go. I loved the vibrant atmosphere, it’s an excellent place to relax and enjoy a meal while watching the sunset over the water. The nearby beaches are easily accessible and perfect for a day of sun and surf. Overall, Dana Point Harbor is a delightful destination that has something for everyone. It’s definitely worth a visit!
This is my favorite place to go. It helps me recharge and just enjoy the view.
It is a very pretty pretty harbor and great to walk for your health, while enjoying the scenery. But you do have to pay for parking.
We visited Dana Point Harbor while we were staying at the Waldorf Astoria Resort. It was nice walking around the harbor, shopping, eating, and seeing a bunch of boats. There is a lovely park at the harbor as well, so we got to see a bunch of dogs while we were there which was fun. It was nice to see people out and about on water and on land. If you are looking for a nice place to walk around in Dana Point, the harbor is a great place to go.
My favorite place to relax! Animal life watching, walking paths, and peaceful waters.
An awesome place to visit. Good landscape and clean.
Great place to take care of the day. Beach pass.
Lovely place to wander around and take in some of the boutiques and eateries. Not too pricy, given the location and plenty of free parking available. Also get glimpses of fish, crabs, pelicans, cormorants and maybe seals.
Doheny State Beach
2. Doheny State Beach
4.6
(6906)
Park
Outdoor Activities
Park area & beach has campsites in the southern end; volleyball, picnics & surfing up north.
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This is such a beautiful beach, and park. Great camping amenities. My favorite thing about it is the covered picnic areas with grills, and fire pits. I attend 12 steps meetings here and absolutely love the energy with the ocean in view, it's a wonderful location to focus on recovery.
again, I'm not your typical reviewer who gives out 5 stars like free bottle water... it must meet all categories for a park to be considered superb. 1. ample parking! and also for motor home and trailers 2. Great walk paths within the park and extending south to capristrano beach, in and put of the water canal trails leading to mission viejo. for all bikers, Joggers runners and walkers. 3. a great eatery thats seeves beer and drinks and local plates right on the besch front. 4. tables and grills are widely available 5. life guard stations manned and ready 6. break water that's accessible and provides extraordinary views sounds and resting points. 7. for all ages, kids adults and for seniors. 8. surfing, paddling, swimming and sunbathing 9. downtown area provides places to grab some grub siteseeing , and window shopping 10. couple hours of entertainment for the family or by yourself a strong 4.5 to 4.75 missing... beach firepits, water fountains and more shower spots closer to the beachfront .
We had such a wonderful time at Doheny State Beach! We came with our 3-year-old son and it was the perfect spot for a family day. The beach is clean, safe, and easy to access. The waves near the shore are gentle, which made it great for little ones to splash and play without us worrying. There are plenty of picnic areas with shade, which made snack time and breaks really comfortable. Our son loved running around in the sand and watching the surfers further out in the water. The bathrooms were well-kept and convenient to get to, which is always a huge plus with a toddler. We also appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere—lots of other kids and families enjoying the day, but it never felt overcrowded. It’s such a relaxed environment, and parking was simple too. We’ll definitely be coming back. Doheny State Beach is now one of our go-to spots for a safe, fun, and stress-free beach day with our little one! 🌊☀️👶
We stopped there during our morning walk to the beach, and while used to the coastline beaches, we really enjoyed our time here. Besides being conveniently located within Dana point, it has a decent surf spot, highly frequented though and a few good amenities (picnic area, toilets…) - there is also a large paid parking in case you drive down there.
Beautiful beach, clean, safe and easily accessible. The waves are not too strong and there are some volley ball courts on the smaller side of the beach. Picnic tables are on the lawn side. Great spot!
There is a lot to love about this beach. Super clean restrooms, easy access to the cafe, loads of picnic tables and bbq pits, and more. We absolutely loved our time here and will be coming back. The only knock is the beach is very rocky if you plan to get into the water you need booties.
Beautiful clean place. The staff here is on the money when it comes to keeping the areas maintained along with the people. No craziness here. Everyone kept to themselves and maintained a great environment for everyone
Spent the night in my van at the campground. I had a doctors appointment in Laguna and instead of driving home, hour and a half, I spent the night and metal detected. I had a front row, closest to the water, about $75. Worth every penny. I managed to get about $3 back metal detecting 😂😂 _/🚶🏽.
Salt Creek Beach
3. Salt Creek Beach
4.8
(2239)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
A steep hike from a parking lot leads to this sandy beach offering surfing & swimming.
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This is a beautiful hidden beach. You park in a large lot off PCH and take a walk downhill. First you go through a tunnel. On the other side is a large grassy are with picnic tables, BBQ, and a basket ball court. After going down some stairs you will see the snack bar. Off to one side are showers, the other side are the restrooms. The beach is just below. The beach is small and beautiful. They have lifeguards here too. There's BBQ"s on the beach area too. This is a great place to spend the day.
Super clean and beautiful beach that has a large and cheap parking lot. Came here for sunset and it did not disappoint. There is a nice grass hill as well if you do not want to watch the sunset on the grass. The waves were large and the sand very soft. There were lots of people just chilling, walking around, and playing sports.
A clean park for picnics, biking, running, basketball, and surfing. The steep climb on the way back with electric golf cart ride options by a local business for $2 in 2025.
Went to this beach for the first time. Absolutely beautiful. The walk from the parking lot down to the beach was a little long and downhill but so worth it. Idk if it was because it was during the week but it was not crowded and plenty of parking. There is a large grassy area. The walk back up hauling stuff was a pain so be prepared. We took a wagon and an ice chest with wheels which I would highly recommend. My sister-in-law did say on weekends it does get packed so plan to get there early.
Great beach Parking can get busy on the weekends Great patch of grass to lay out w/ shade from the palm trees
One of the best places in Dana Point for a fun and chill time alone or with your friends and family.
can’t beat it. i have always gone during the morning/day, but i highly suggest checking it out at sunset!
Great beach with soft sand and no rocks, really good for surfing and body boarding, water is clean and clear most of the time, no string rays unlike other beaches like Doheny, but the parking is horrid on weekends and the long walk downhill to the actual beach is annoying. Other than that it’s a nice beach
Catalina Express
4. Catalina Express
4.6
(558)
Cruise agency
Transportation
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Great customer service, smooth sailing the whole trip. Will definitely be taking trips more often. Parking was great.
Had a great trip on the Catalina Express! The staff is very friendly and helpful. The journey is 90 minutes and costs $100 each way. If you have a dog they will need to wear a muzzle, muzzles can be purchased at the ship boarding area for about $15. The ship is very clean. You may want to arrive about an hour early if you want to have the first choice at seats, but arriving on time is fine too. Catalina is a beautiful island with a lot of fun activities. Recommend!
Very efficient boarding process, and a fast and on-time ferry. The captain stopped to let people take pictures when we saw a humpback whale. Enjoyed the experience.
Had a wonderful time visiting Catalina Island. We went over to the island to celebrate my father-in-law‘s birthday, wanted to do something unique that he’s never done before. We bought our tickets and even our parking permit online and it all went perfectly without a hitch. Both the ride to, and from was smooth and uneventful, on the way back it was even relaxing. One tip, get there early so that you can sit upstairs and inside. It is smoother, quieter, and on a chilly day much warmer. Thank you, Catalina express for helping us makeFernando’s birthday super special. We are looking forward to our next trip.
Get there early!! if you want a seat with your party, get there early. Our boat was full. The staff and the boat ride was great. Check Groupon for tickets.
Nice ferry to Catelina. The ramp onto the boat in Dana Point (and off for the return trip) along with the step to get into the lower cabin could be better accommodated for people with wheelchairs. Having dedicated seating at the door on the side would be nice too as that is where there is space for mobility equipment. Staff were excellent and helpful.
Easy purchase and check in process with QR code. Helpful staff. They lived up to the express in the name. Took about 1h15m each way. The boat was booking it so don't expect to stop for slow down for dolphins!
Great ride. Well done and organized. Staff is very attentive to needs of passengers. The only complaint I have is I bought a bag of pretzels, two huge candy bars and a water and expected to break the $15 dollar mark. No, $7 and I got it all. I expected a better effort to gouge me for my money. They were actually reasonably priced. Note! Make sure you reserve your place and get there about an hour before you leave. If you do, your trip will be twice as good. Plus! YOU'RE GOING TO CATALINA ISLAND! HAPPY SAILING!
AllWater Charters & Boat Rentals
5. AllWater Charters & Boat Rentals
4.6
(1476)
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
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Awesome place for family with kids. Highly recommended and save place for weekend vibes. Oh, and this is a nice place for kayaking as well. It's full of people in the weekend so try to come early to save yourself a parking spot, otherwise you will need to spend like half an hour or more just to wait for an available spot.
Dana Point Baby Beach was great. No waves, great swim for the kids without getting tossed around by waves. It's a small beach, so it gets packed and they section off the swimming area. It has bathrooms and picnic tables, but right now because of Covid the picnic tables are off limits. Parking is tough so arrive early. Overall great little beach for the family.
Our favorite place to build sand Castles after school and stay till the sunsets! Been coming here since I was a kid. Lots of things to do in the Harbor and State Park, camping, fishing, bike rentals, and great food all around
Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center
6. Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center
4.7
(539)
Tourist information center
Education center
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The place is nice and clean. The trail is well maintained, easy hike with beautiful ocean view. Lucky to see a hawk chilling on the bushes.
This is a nice visitor center here, that has a lot of information about the surrounding areas here. This is also the trailhead used to access the trails in the preserve area.
The Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center is a fantastic destination, featuring a knowledgeable and friendly team dedicated to educating visitors. It's a wonderful place for kids to learn about nature in an engaging and fun way. The center offers various exhibits and activities that make learning enjoyable, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family. After exploring the center, you can also enjoy the nearby trail, which offers stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere. It's essential to always stay on the trail to preserve the natural habitat and ensure a safe experience for everyone. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge or simply have a good time, this center and trail are great choices.
Me and my group stopped here to check it out and go to the restroom. They were very welcoming and happily invited us inside. They had many little exibits, each with their own information about the land and animals around them. Many fun kid activities. The is a trail path that you can walk to find animal information and have an amazing very of the ocean. It's a silent and calming place to hang out, and very clean. 10/10
Perfect for toddlers, but not stroller kids as the path is sandy and narrow. The area has guarded pathway which is not for extreme hiking or trail running. I liked the interpretive nature path for having a chill way to get amazing views of the marina and Pacific. It was a great investment of 1.5 hours.
Beautiful place for a hike! We arrive at 7:50am on a Saturday. As of right now, the trail through the preserve is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8am-4pm. This is because the preserve is home to an endangered mouse, and the staff noticed it thrives during Covid closures. Understandable. No dogs on the trail for the same reason. There’s parking at the interpretive center as well as bathrooms, which were open before staff came, yay! The trail is all sand, so after our hike I had to bang the sand out of my shoes and socks. Just a heads up. The ocean view is gorgeous! We saw sea lions and pelicans. No whales, sadly. Definitely recommend bringing binoculars. There are several lookouts, and most of them have a bench to sit and enjoy the view.
The sunset was so beautiful there I couldn't stop taking photos! It's a great trail to go on if you need some inspiration, meditation, or just want an excursion. I would definitely recommend this trail!
This is a cool little museum we stumbled onto. It's got some great info about Dana Points local marine life and wildlife. Including some huge whale bones, stuffed animals (taxidermy) and other interesting artifacts. They had free coloring pages for the kids. There's not an active docent but it's very small so you don't need a tour. We were the only ones there. There's also public bathrooms. There's some hiking trails with stunning views. They were closed when we went, I assume because of the rain. Its got an amazing view of the ocean from the parking lot! I think its a mist see just for the breathtaking views! We were just driving around exploring and found this little gem. Both the kids, ages 9 and 3 enjoyed the museum/nature center. We plan on visiting again for the views and hopefully a hike!
Pines Park
7. Pines Park
4.8
(983)
Park
Nature & Parks
Scenic green space overlooking the ocean features open fields, trees, walking paths & benches.
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I spotted this park one Monday morning while driving to school and thought, “I should visit this place.” The following Saturday, I brought my family here, and they absolutely loved it. It’s a charming little park that seems to cater to the nearby residents, but visitors are welcome too! Parking is convenient, with spaces easily found near the curb. The park offers a beautiful view of the beach and has a lovely atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing day out. There's also a playground right next to it, which makes it a great spot for families. We had a wonderful time, and it’s definitely a place worth revisiting!
On a peaceful Sunday afternoon, we visited Capistrano Beach, where I enjoyed a relaxing walk to Palisades Gazebo Park and Pines Park. Pines Park is a small park on a hill where people like to relax and enjoy the ocean view. A quiet, scenic spot—well worth the stop.
Pine 🌲 park is indescribable beautiful place. It’s located 4 minutes by car from the 405 highway 🛣️ at Dana Pointe. Although the park has many pinches, it’s more convenient to bring your own chairs for more setting choices. Parking is free along the adjacent street.
What a wonderful space. If you are in the area, stop by and read a book, let your kids play or just enjoy the cool ocean breeze.
i generally enjoyed this park as it seemed it is cut or in two separate sections. it has one side with a playground and more of a grassy area for kids to play and run around in. the other part that i liked more was flat with benches and over looking the ocean. although, i will be honest with the review being 2 stars because it could be a lot better in a lot of ways but i know there was a section under construction. there was a fence which was broken which could be dangerous and there is also a huge dirt patch with "no trespassing" signs posted all around which i feel they should implement or add to the park but if it's not possible then they should put bushes or something in front of the fencing for a better scenic view of the ocean. there is also not a designated parking lot so some of the people living there will watch you while you park and walk over to the park across the street.
A peaceful park over looking the ocean nestled in the neighborhood where I captured Estrella and Jonas intimate ceremony.
The most stunning park! We used it for our rehearsal and it was so perfect! Plenty of parking. Gorgeous ocean views
It was nice and relaxing. A great place to have lunch if you work nearby. If your planning a picnic also a great place.
Dana Strands Beach
8. Dana Strands Beach
4.8
(545)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
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Afternoon 3.9 mile walk. Beautiful coastal vistas. Easy access to the beach. Super Clean bathrooms, plenty of park benches, shade trees, paved sidewalks and stairs to beach. Parking was free.
Great views, nice walking (whether on the beach or the paved walkway), and excellent scenery. There’s plenty of parking. Methinks that the steep grade from the parking area to the beach keeps it less crowded than it might otherwise be.
Nice kinda hidden beach away from all the busyness. I didn’t know this place existed haha! Parking lot available for Free, there is also street parking available. This beach has about three different entrances. The entrance we chose was to the left of the parking as you are facing the beach. A good amount of stairs and a few ramps. This was a Saturday (Labor Day Weekend) around 9 am. Parking lot was about 40% full, definitely a good surprise! The beach is well maintained and clean. You can fish by the rocks and spear fishing. Plenty of space to set up an umbrella and relax. We did not go into the water, just walked the beach. A good 3-4 miles up and down I believe. Maybe more with the stairs. There are bathrooms available, clean ones. Live guards onsite also! Definitely recommended! Just be prepared for the stairs going down to the beach. I’m not sure how the other entrances are!
This is a really good beach for a a good amount of people I believe. First off parking lot on top of the cliff. Really good view of the ocean and cliffs. You could walk down the stairs and see some really nice homes like 14-15 million homes. You can't drive there though. And you go through the residential place. You'll see signs and sidewalks and then you'll walk onto the beach if you like. Now this beach is very beautiful. It's one of my first beaches growing up here. I would go hang out and watch The Good surfers from trestles or strands. It's more for experience. Not like professional but could experience during the winter surfing time 5-7ft Versus doheny Beach on the other side of the cliff where the waves rolling in around 3 ft- 5 ft. Beautiful landscaping on the homes and just a good time. Everyone's happy here it seems like.
This is a nice beach which is a strip of sand and some nice views, and is not crowded as it is quite long. There is also a path along most of the beach's length.
Beautiful pristine beach with lovely estates on the beachfront and lots of space and sand. A great family beach with beautiful scenery.
Dana Strand Beach has been our go-to summer spot since the 1990s. Its pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and serene atmosphere make it the perfect destination for a relaxing day by the ocean. Our family loves spending time here, whether it's soaking up the sun, playing in the waves, or taking leisurely walks along the shoreline. One of our favorite traditions is enjoying lunch at the nearby Ritz Carlton after a fun-filled morning at the beach. The luxury and quality of the Ritz Carlton dining experience never disappoints, providing a delightful contrast to the casual beach vibe. The stunning views from the Ritz, coupled with their exquisite cuisine, create unforgettable family memories. Dana Strand Beach is also great for walking, jogging, and exercising. The long stair steps at both ends of the beach offer a fantastic workout with a view. This combination of natural beauty and physical activity makes our visits even more enjoyable. Dana Strand Beach holds a special place in our hearts, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and convenient amenities. It's a cherished destination for our family, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic beach experience.
ACCESSIBILITY IS HORRIBLE. If you have kids please DONT come here. The elevator was closed, and thus they offered a shuttle thats only runs on Sat & Sun's and doesnt allow kids without car seat under 8 yrs old (see pics of sign). Then the shuttle drops you at a place that has another set of stairs! Unbelievable... Most parents and elderly have a wagon or stroller or wheelchair that requires accessibility with a proper pathway. The Strands beach wasted our entire Sunday afternoon i will never return, even if elevator gets fixed. 😤😫 Its not lively and mostly just the immediate locals visit there. Doheny Beach, Salt Creek beach and others around the area are so beautiful, enjoyable, and they have proper access to the beach for all to enjoy. Go to these beaches instead! 👍❤️
Pilgrim
9. Pilgrim
4.3
(42)
Permanently Closed
Sights & Landmarks
Ships
Visitor attraction & replica of the ship that was immortalized in "Two Years Before the Mast."
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We originally came down to see the tide pools, but since it was high tide we decided to skip the tide pools and check out the Pilgrim and Marine Institute. Our four year old son loved the tour of the Pilgrim. Exploring the ship and getting to hear stories of the sailers that would have been on the ship had his attention the whole time. If you are in the neighborhood and need an activity I would highly suggest the tour. Its a great lesson on early life in California and the USA in general.
The Pilgrim tour was fun, interesting seeing it again after 30 years when i was on it in 4th grade. Its kewl that they still do the school program
I enjoyed seeing the sea creatures at the Ocean Institute. The ship tour was cool, too. My only piece of advice is to dumb down the language used on the tour. They're very knowledgable people but they use so many technical sailing terms that I got lost! And the children present seemed pretty bored and lost with it, too.
Not open to public really just groups i believe that go as schools .or daycares i think. I saw a large group of kids on board learning about boat facts and daily life in those times. Seemed neat
Very nice tall ship. Takes you to the past.
Didn’t the Pilgrim Sink a few months agao? It didn’t seem like much effort was made to save it. What is the status please. Will it be retrieved and fixed and isn’t it a hazard for the oceanlife? Thanks
Great place. Very quiet on weekday.
It was a fun overnight trip with my class and the captain first and second mate were funny the doc was cool it was fun the spice cake was fun to
Dana Point Bluff Top Trail
10. Dana Point Bluff Top Trail
4.8
(446)
Hiking area
Outdoor Activities
Cliffside walking trail with paved pathways & boardwalk, offering panoramic coastal views.
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During my recent visit to the Dana Point Bluff Top Trail, I was thoroughly impressed by this hidden gem nestled above the harbor. Despite its modest length of approximately 0.2 miles, the trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Dana Point Harbor. The well-maintained path is adorned with historical markers, including the intriguing remnants of the 1920s Dana Point Inn arches, adding a unique charm to the experience. The trail is easily accessible, with free street parking available on Amber Lantern Street, though it's advisable to check for street sweeping schedules.
What an awesome little trail! Beautiful scenery, overlooking the bay with all those boats and yachts anchored around. Beautiful panoramic views all around with trail off shoots that bring to surface streets.
I was looking for spots in Dana Point with great views! This did not disappoint! Started in a residential area and made it down to Doheny Beach and walked along the harbor. Gorgeous cliffs, houses and historical places.
Dana Point Bluff Top Trail is an absolute gem for anyone looking to enjoy breathtaking coastal views and a peaceful walk. The trail is short and manageable, making it perfect for all ages and fitness levels. What makes this spot truly special is its panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, especially during sunset – it’s like walking through a postcard! The trail is well-maintained, with a few benches along the way to sit and soak in the scenery. Whether you’re looking for a quick solo escape, a romantic stroll, or a place to bring visitors, this spot has it all. Parking is convenient, and the surrounding area is beautiful as well. If you’re in Dana Point, don’t miss this trail – it’s a perfect blend of relaxation, natural beauty, and coastal charm. Highly recommend!
This is a very short hike, you can go down from either end. It offers many scenic points and photography opportunities. We spend about 20min there. If you just walk, it's only about 8min.
Beautiful view of port, lovely small walk with stairs that connects 2 sides. There is a small arches as well.
Absolutely beautiful place to visit. The homes around this trail are beautiful and the view is breathtaking. We parked in the dead end street called Amber Lantern and walked through the short trail of stairs to the neighborhood on El Camino Capistrano street to the nearby Heritage Park. Many people do this and it's worth the short walk through the neighborhood. You must visit this place!
I had a wonderful experience on this quaint trail with steps. If you're up for it, you can stroll down from there. The viewpoint offers stunning road and house views, along with a lovely beachy atmosphere. Parking is available on the road. You can easily access different points from here, each offering picturesque sights that are perfect for capturing beautiful memories. Highly recommended!
Hilltop Park
11. Hilltop Park
4.8
(30)
Park
Nature & Parks
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It was very nice and quiet park. I didn’t like the sand part. Did got see the restroom.
Wonderful little neighborhood park!
It's a super nice park with a playground and a small grass hill. It's got a few picnic tables, but doesn't have bathrooms. Always super well kept!
A very nice well maintained park with a beautifully shaded playground.
Part of Ladera Ranch.
Sea Terrace Community Park
12. Sea Terrace Community Park
4.6
(229)
Park
Nature & Parks
Park offering picnic areas with BBQ grills, plus open fields & access to nearby bike trail & beach.
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This is my favorite park in South Orange County located on the oceanfront between the Ritz Carlton Hotel and the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort. It’s a very large park with miles of walking and biking trails along the coastline and east of Pacific Coast Highway with huge grassy areas to have a picnic and relax. The oceanfront park has a nice grass area that slopes down to the beach and is my favorite spot to watch the sunset and often times listening to live music coming from events at the neighboring Ritz Carlton Resort Hotel.
Nice clean park with lush green grass, picnic tables and there is a dog park at the top of the park. It is right next to the ocean and it is perfect on a good weather day. They have a central plant pit that is full of roses of every color, which is nice.
Clean park. It may be sunny but a good place for runners/walkers. Nice fields for pets.
Doheny Blues concert was excellent. Very easy access and tons of street parking very close to the venue less than four blocks away. Much better set up than when it was at Doheny State Beach. Best small festival any where. Bar none! The show is the same weekend every year. Is the weekend before Memorial Day weekend.
Very nice park to walk around. The trail loops around Salt Creek Beach on the other side of PCH. Pride of Madeira blooms in April are gorgeous!
This is a good place to see concerts as long as you get there early. Parking can be harsh if you arrive only an hour before the scheduled event.
Great venue for summer concerts!
Such a beautiful park with access to The Waldorf Astoria, Monarch Beach, Salt Creek Beach, and The Ritz Carlton. Large sections of green grass, lots of picnic tables. Not to mention amazing views.
Doris Walker Overlook
13. Doris Walker Overlook
4.8
(319)
Park
Sights & Landmarks
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Easy parking, amazing view, and great place for picnic with kids. Also, have a very nice trail for walking and enjoying fresh, cool air from the ocean.
Beautiful clifftop view of the Dana Point Marina below. Beautifully landscaped and maintained.
Extremely beautiful area, with lots of breathtaking views.if you come drive through the neighborhoods or walk. We parked and walked around such a well-kept area, friendly people. I enjoyed seeing how other people live and where they live. So amazing I sure hope my pictures and videos help you decide to visit.
Beautiful vantage point on the hill above the marina. A few benches if you'd like to stay awhile.
What a view! Lovely spot that gives a fantastic overview of the harbor. Colorful gallery elephants are just around the corner 🐘
Beautiful day and the park was preparing for a wedding. Great place to have a celebration. The ocean was particularly blue the thunderheads were colorful in the distance and there was a light breeze. No restrooms here or play equipment. Dog friendly. We enjoyed a picnic
there is plenty of parking available here which was awesome to see when driving up to the location. i noticed a ton of people with picnic baskets and blankets to just lay on the grass with. it's a great spot to spend some time in the sun enjoying the views.
Wow! Take a few minutes out of your schedule and just have a look. Relax and go for a walk. Absolutely one of the best views in the area.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
14. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
4.6
(3661)
Hotel
Nature & Parks
Oceanfront resort offering stylish rooms & suites, plus a luxe spa, a beach shuttle & fine dining.
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Had the most incredible stay to celebrate our engagement. The recently renovated rooms are really nice and modern but still feel like a Ritz Carlton. The service was amazing and couldn’t walk around for too long without someone approaching us and asking if we needed anything. But I will say the highlight was booking Ian at Atventure for a complimentary photography session. He captured shots that our friends told us belong in a magazine. Definitely recommend working with him as we went in thinking we would barely have 10 photos we wanted to purchase, but left having a hard time cutting our favorites down to 20. All around a great trip. Can’t wait to come back!
Breathtaking Views and Exceptional Service The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is one of those places that never fails to impress. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with warmth and professionalism that immediately makes you feel at home. The ocean views are absolutely stunning, and every corner of the property is immaculate. The service here is consistently top-notch — everyone you encounter is friendly, attentive, and genuinely cares about your experience. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, enjoying a drink on the terrace, or taking a stroll along the beach, everything feels effortless and perfectly curated. It’s the ideal mix of laid-back coastal California and refined luxury. My wife and I always leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and already planning our next visit.
Absolutely stunning views. But the staff makes this place special. First of all, Nickolas at the front desk-thank you for the great room! Love the pool bar, Josh is the OG rock star! Great vibe and super personable. Last but not least Judy at the lobby bar. Thanks for putting up with us! I can’t say enough good about this place!! Ready to come back and haven’t even left yet.
We had a wonderful experience at this location, which is perfectly situated on the water. Amazing views, interior design, and conveniently on a trolley stop if you like that sort of thing. Very kid-friendly. Most of our staff experiences were very good, but we did encounter some staff who didn’t seem very customer-service oriented (at the outdoor dining location and near the beach chair trailer), and the property needed more tending at times (e.g., towels left on top of a garbage and an old French fry on the ground for days, etc). For the brand and price, we would have expected more consistent excellence. However, we still had a wonderful time here and felt the location was incredible. Some of the staff at the pool and in the lobby/reception area were incredibly kind and helpful.
This is nowhere near a 5-star hotel. I decided to use >100K of my precious points on one night at this hotel, and I regret doing so. If I had paid $1,300 a night, which was the cash rate that night, I would rate this a 1-star, not a 2-star. This is a beautiful hotel and it has SO much potential, but it's worth $300 a night, not $1,300. I've heard exceptional things about two other nearby hotels: Montage and The Ranch. I recommend visiting those first instead of this hotel. Here's why: - The service is a 4-star experience at best. The 'beach butler' is just some golf cart that you have to call to drive you up from the beach. If you're surfing, which we were, you won't have a phone, so you have to lug your boards up. - My suite-night award request was rejected, yet I was 'upgraded' to a room right in front of this event space, which was awkward because people were looking into the room all the time. - Coming up from the beach with our boards, there are no showers, nowhere to store your boards. I mean, this hotel is in front of an epic wave, it's not hard to integrate some basic amenities for beach-goers and surfers. There's no surf report, no guides, nothing. - I waited for about 25 mins for the concierge to help see if she could get us a table at the sushi restaurant (on a cancellation basis), who then told me she wasn't a concierge, and to check on OpenTable. Like, come on lady, you don't think I tried that? - We ate brunch at Raya, the food was bland. We wanted to leave but it takes like 15 mins to get your car from the valet (which is $75 per night, again ridiculous). - No status gives you access to the 'Experience Club Level', and despite it showing this on their website, you can't access the sauna (only for spa guests), which I find ridiculous if you're spending $1,300 a night. - There are no lights on the pickleball or tennis courts. - The rooms are small, small showers, no heated floors; things you'd expect from a 5-star $1,300 per night hotel. Again, the experience itself wasn't terrible. But the value for what you get is just straight up disrespectful.
An absolute 10 out of 10..........If you get the opportunity to stay here, DO NOT HESITATE! I could go on for days telling you about this location, but no matter how much I praise its staff, location, experience, the pool, the dining options, the view etc., I would still be doing a disservice! YOU ARE SPOLIED if you have the opportunity to experience this gem, it will stay with you for the rest of your life! Absolutely amazing, every step.
The service I experienced from SB and Judy from the lobby bar was exceptional. From start to finish, they crafted delicious cocktails, and the tuna tartare was outstanding. The location is perfect—right next to the beach, with great restaurants and bars nearby. I would definitely recommend this Ritz.
Exquisitely elegant, beautiful location, valet parking, spacious rooms, comfortable beds, outstanding restaurants and a bar overlooking the coast - what more can you ask for in luxury?! They even parked my S65 close so I can go and explore easily around the Coast. Highly recommended for a vacation or business!
The Hide Drogher Statue
15. The Hide Drogher Statue
5.0
(3)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
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Great to see this statue recalling the experiences of Richard Henry Dana in 1830s California. The walkway along the bluffs offers dramatic views of the ocean and marina below.
Outstanding view of Dana Point from the top,and great walking trail.
Sea Canyon Park
16. Sea Canyon Park
4.7
(140)
Park
Nature & Parks
Open green space with a playground & picnic areas, a dog run & a lit, paved path.
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Lots of green space, nice well organized kids zone playground. Restrooms clean and available. Dog run is large and clean with best signage I’ve ever seen, only Dogs that know each other allowed inside the dog run as we have all experienced dogs being aggressive and smaller dogs or larger dogs no mixing. There is a trail that leads down toward the water
Plenty of space. There's a good size playground for kids and a small play area for toddlers. Large grass area with lots of trees. Since it's in a more elevated area it can get a little chilly on a cloudy day.
my favorite park in Dana Point, other than the beaches. I'm a birder and really like the "natural area" at the south end of the park. Lots of good birds there and you can get away from the lawn, dogs, people. We have nesting red-tailed hawks which makes the late spring super fun. Great for kids- there's a playground, dogs-there's a dog park, and all kinds of activities.
Great park! Beautiful grass. Dog fun zone is bark dust but larger than Crystal Cove and Heritage Park dog areas. Lovely area with picnic tables and a playground. Individual outdoor restroom stalls with outdoor hand washing station with soap and paper towels. Not very busy on weekdays usually, as you can see from the photos. Plenty of free street parking.
Excellent climbing structures and maintained very well . Friendly crowd and neighborhood kids . Great for our 3 year old who loves to climb.
Excellent play structure, swing set, climbing rock, green space to sit and picnic, sidewalk all around for kids to cycle/scooter. Partially gated on the side closest to the road, so very safe kids won’t run into the street. Always lots of lovely people to chat with while kids play
This park has a beautiful Monarch butterfly sanctuary. Fun place to wall, go thru the tunnel and you are at Salt Creek Beach.
Great park to set a small group of 15/20 people’s for family and friends meeting.

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