We live five minutes from the harbor and love it! We bring our dog for walks here and go to Coffee Importers often. The El Torito is great becuase you get decent, budget-friendly Mexican food but with a beautiful view at sunset. Even though we live so close, staying at the Blue Lantern Inn is on my to-to list--it's so cute and has the best view from the top of a cliff. We also come here for fireworks on the 4th. It's packed, but what beach isn't on a holiday? Get there early or park at DanaPoint High School and take the shuttle for big events like this. read more

I went to Dana Point Harbor for the reason of exploring the "secret" sea cave at the far end of the beach. Make sure if you decide to go it is during low tide or else you will have a hard time getting there and back. It is about .75 miles to the entrance of the cave and a pretty easy hike. There are two entrances one smaller and one larger one. When I went on a Sunday around 3:00, there was a photography class also exploring the "secret" cave. I guess it is not so secret. read more

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We love going to the harbor for breakfast. There are lot of dining options (Proud Mary's is our favorite) and tons of free parking. It is crowded on the weekends with lots of dogs and fishing/whale watching tours but it's beautiful little area. There are also security guards present, who are always very friendly and diligently working. We love going to the harbor and appreciate them keeping everyone safe! read more

Dana Point Harbor is a great place for an after dinner stroll. Tonight we just walked around the Southeast corner near all the restaurants. This was a first, but we actually saw a big elephant seal swimming around the day-trip fishing boat docks looking for leftovers. My daughter also spotted a small stingray swimming right along the edge of the harbor wall probably also trolling for dinner. Normally you just get good sunsets and skyscapes. All and all it's a pleasant place to walk and people watch. The Scoop Deck has tasty ice cream if you don't fill up at dinner. My favorite place to eat nearby is Jimmy's Famous American Tavern just across the street. The Wind and Sea has better views though perched right near the mouth of the harbor (patio or inside seating.) The burgers and fish & chips are both tasty and filling. Way on the other side (NW) is the Marine Institute and beach leading to the tide pools. It's worth checking out especially when the waves are big to see them smashing against the jetty. read more

I walk my dog here everyday. Its very dog friendly and they have scented doggy bags. Its beautiful. You can walk along the harbor all the way to the ocean where the tide pools are. read more

Its great to get some clean air and wind, peacefulness etc. but this place is boring as FUCK. Since I didn't wanna shell out $65+/person for whale watching, literally nothing to do here but walk the bizarre paths in and around buildings (some leading to dead ends). A few restaurants, a good ice cream shop that I had to circle to find where the hell it is (its a juice bar but they have ice cream its good), and...just...not much else. Im not a fan of tourist trap rinky-dink shops selling shit I don't need so I can't really find value in that sorta stuff. Free parking, didn't have to kill anyone to find a spot, some available here and there. Just a bizarre fragmented set-up and just not much to do here. Visited in April Im sure better to visit during the summer to the nearby beaches and swim. read more

This place is perfect to walk around with your kids. Parking here is a pain on weekends, and sometimes people riding bikes don't always pay attention to everyone else walking around.. But besides that it's a great walk and they have a nice selection of places to eat and shop. read more

I am a huge fan of any departure out of this harbor. Clean water (generally speaking lol), halibut the size of a barn door right off the docks when they're spawning and of course the ever-appreciated CLEAN BATHROOMS (which require keys)... if you're lucky enough to rent a slip here (or unlucky enough, depending on your payment and size of your boat - I feel ya!)... then you know what I'm talking about. This year there were a few great Yellowtail and White Sea Bass bites right off the beach, and I cannot say we did not enjoy them. Awesome harbor, great escape! read more

The people out here are very friendly and inviting. Went on our friends boat to go fishing out in the sea and saw some dolphins and had a blast. Great place to relax and enjoy the waters. read more

Dana Point Harbor is lovely - The sunrise and sunset views are magical. Besides that, there are many things to see and do all along its half a mile strip. For years my family would camp at Doheny State Beach and ride bikes through the harbor gazing at the views of the jetty and the millions of dollars in yachts docked year by. My father & brothers have set sail on deep sea fishing trips that leave out of this harbor. My whole family has been on whale watching trips starting and ending here. You can even get to Catalina from this harbor via Catalina Express! I love that the Dana Point Marina Village houses lots of gift shops and restaurants and the calm, warm waters of the baby beach have been very enjoyable to swim, kayak or even stand up paddle board (you can rent bikes, kayaks, SUPs by the hour at a kiosk nearby). I prefer Newport Beach harbor because there are more bars, restaurants & its livelier in general but I can still appreciate the charm that quiet, little Dana Point harbor has to offer. read more

Great morning with my yacht broker driving with me looking for boats. It would be great to have a boat down here but it looks like the waiting list is way too long. Great guest dock parking Vaughn as told me for the weekend. Great places to eat and have fun! I will be back....but by water for sure when we find my boat! read more

Dana Point is a beautiful place and one of my favorite harbors. You can Stand Up Paddle Board, kayak, surf and plenty of places to rent sailboats and other water stuff... Check out out blog of the harbor and find out where to rent and where the best places for beginners are! http://www.rnsed.com/dana-point-sup/ www.RNSED.com read more

I hate seeing all the trash in the water here it is so sad. This harbor is beautiful especially at sunset. I love walking around here and just taking in the natural beauty of the ocean. It is always very crowded down there. read more

Dana Point harbor partners, ie: Joe Ubberoth & Frank Grippo is ripping off its tenants with his price gouging rate increase. He states it is a fair increase. Ask any slip tenant how fair his rent increase is!!! I've seen this type of action as a former government law enforcement officer. We called it the mob!!! In many cases the rent is being doubled. How would you like it if your house payment or rent doubled overnight? read more

My friends and I rode the Dana Pride fishing ship for deep sea fishing through a Groupon deal. I can't say I had fun due to the fact that I got sea sick (I even took Dramamine...if you get sea sick make sure you take it early I'm assuming I didn't take it at the right time). So, this review will be solely based on the service. We were first time deep sea fishers (some of us haven't even gone fishing before) and asked the front desk if there would be help. They told us that there would be expert assistance on the boat, but what we received was anything but. The help didn't seem to want to answer our questions and gave off a smug attitude as if we shouldn't have been there if we didn't know the basics. When our lines got tangled or hooks got stuck in the kelp they tried to make us feel guilty as if saying we broke the rod, when they simply just cut the line. Overall the vibe wasn't very welcoming. The views of the harbor, however, were wonderful. There are two parking lots reserved for deep sea fishing so be sure to park there and get your parking permit from the front desk. read more

Dana Point Harbor...I can stay here all day! I can have my own space. Just stare out there. No one to bother me. Me and my ocean! read more

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We go to the harbor to SUP, kayak or canoe almost every week in the summer. This is a beautiful place to paddle. The launching point is baby beach. Parking is limited and very hard to get when it is warm. It is always so nice to go around the island no matter which mode of paddling you prefer. When you paddle close to the kelp you'll be able to see adult and juvenile garibaldi. We have also had sightings of sting rays and other tiny fishes. There is a point in the breakwater where birds do their business and you know when you get at that point from the stench in the air. When you are inside the harbor it is fun to see all the different boats and yachts that are docked. We have also walked around the harbor and on the breakwater. It's a fun activity and challenging if you are on the breakwater. Last Sunday 4.2.17 we walked on the break water. Luckily the surf was not too big so we did not get wet. Be careful as some rocks are slippery. There is a small beach area to the right of the break water that have tons of rocks. Our son and our friend's children busied themselves by stacking rocks and taking photos. During low tide a sandbar appears on the inner side of the break water. This area is restricted to boats, and people who paddle per the harbor police. read more

It might be one of the best views in Orange County. I first saw it during Christmas time a few years ago and the boats in the harbor were lit up at night. Very pretty. There's a gazebo next to the Blue Lantern Inn high above the harbor. I've seen a wedding or two there. You just can't go wrong with that view! read more

This Harbor wares for kids is not big pretty full and pretty dirty. Over the years... a lot of wear and tear. The sand/shore area is black dirt which looks like oil or caused by oil and a mixture of who knows. Just sad. read more

Large harbor, lots of parking, stores and restaurants. I wish the variety of the restaurants were better but no biggie. I am very happy that we don't have to go all the way to LA from SD to get to Catalina, thanks Dana Point! read more

I love the Harbor. I wish they took time to clean the benches that are covered with bird droppings. So unsanitary.

Wow... what an absolutely BEAUTIFUL harbor! Definitely worth a look-see. A great place to lay out and tan, sheltered from the wind (unlike many of the other local beaches). Though I wouldn't exactly go into the water in certain areas... egads, with all of those kids swimming around I can just imagine the bacteria levels. Bring your cooler, grab that suntan lotion and check out this spot. read more

Beautiful I was just in a friends wedding and she had it here. It was beautiful and she told me it was very cost friendly! The views were gorgeous and the weather is just perfect. It's located right next to the Marriott, which is nice because they've got a beautiful bar you can sit at and enjoy the view. read more

A lot to do here: Whether your thing is boating, fishing (pier, jetties, deep sea, or free diving), restaurants, surfing, exploring (beach, Ocean Institute, caves), concerts, events etc, etc... Def a place to consider frequenting. Good times and friendly people year-round : ) read more

I must get my Harbor fix every morning or I just can't take on the day! Between sea lions lying on the dock near Waterman's Restaurant and the taradactyl-like Pelicans diving for fish, it is an amazing place to find peace and solitude among the great stores and restaurants! Reading the boats' names are also fun and watching the paddle boarders, sailboats and power boats come in and out of the harbor never makes for a dull moment. read more

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Nice harbor if you are a boat person. Plenty of restaurants to choose from. Like to do morning walks here about once-a-month. I only give it 4 stars because I use to surf here in the 60's before they put the harbor in. One of the best surf spots on the coast - Killer Dana - was lost forever. read more

Best Harbor ever!! So mellow and fun, takes only few minutes to get out to the open ocean. Great for kayaks and paddle boarding as well

My husband and I enjoyed a weekend in beautiful Dana Point for the annual Festival of Whales. Dana Point Harbor was great to stroll around and sightsee and shop. The shops are really nice to buy t-shirts or trinkets and a lot of the shops have some nice unique items. It is easy to go from shop to shop. There are also restaurants around, and a lot of places to sit and relax. We had a lot of fun just looking at the different boats docked in the harbor. We noticed a lot of families and a lot of people walking their dogs, it was a really cool, fun relaxed atmosphere. We can't wait to go back! read more

Beautiful harbor. Good seafood place with outdoor seating. Unforunately I cant remember the name of the resteraunt.

This harbor is beautiful a and saved the day!! We had reserved a slip for the night. We are first time boaters, got there late (7:40 pm on a Sat. Night). We did not bring our shire power cord, rookie move. I called the harbor number and 3 of their staff were there to save the day! We will be back and thank you for the help!! Amy & Ray from Oceanside :) read more

After allowing the sinking of the ship Pilgrim, one of the main attractions is gone. The number of hostile visitors has increased and the sheriff does not patrol. Signs are posted requiring face masks, but the sheriff does nothing. Businesses are trying but they need help. read more

Truly speechless about this gem of a town and beautiful harbor. Southern California at its best. Let's just say I plan on retiring in this regal community. read more

It doesn't get more beautiful than Dana Point Harbor. There is a gorgeous beach, whale watching tours, diving excursions, fishing tours... Restaurants are well established with fresh food and stiff drinks. It is also a great place to keep your boat. The facilities are kept spotless. It really is one of the most magical places in California. read more

Christmas Boat parade was spectacular ! A must do tradition to start! The harbor was so pretty all decorated for Christmas and very festive. We didn't have a problem parking or finding a place to watch the boats. We had a great time. read more

Beautiful small beach for families. We had brought our dog and stayed on the grassy area since dogs not allowed on the beach. There were plenty of walkways for dog walks and many families brought their dogs too. We rented kayaks and paddle boards which was enjoyable since the harbor is protected from the Pacific Ocean by a rock jetty, so the waters were calm for water sports. My kids loved kayaking and paddle boarding since we don't (or can't) do that in Northern CA where the water isn't so calm or warm. Kayak and paddle board rentals were reasonable and everyone was very friendly. We went on a Sunday (very busy) and then again on a Tuesday afternoon which was a lot less crowded but still pleasant since it was summer. read more

Enjoyable!! The entire place is so relaxing from the view to shops and restaurants to the people. I highly recommend this place. In fact, my husband and I are considering of renting a boat slip from here rather than Newport beach harbor. It can be a home away from home:) read more

Love Dana Point Harbor! So beautiful and easy to get to. Free parking. I go paddleboarding here and the water is so smooth! Love coming here

The best part about this area are the great ocean views and the little known fireplace. If you drive down to where the tide pools are and look over to the right side of the road there is a big fireplace. Its usually always going no matter if anyone is there or not. Its another great part about the harbor. read more

Please don't come here. The parking is free (in certain places) and we'd rather not have plenty of crowds compete with us while we walk our dog. It's fun to people watch and look at the big and small boats in the harbor. If you want the epitome of southern CA living without the hassles of super crowded parking and ridiculous fees, come here. If not, I'll be happy anyway since it's more space for me and the family. read more

So cool! Must rent a kayak/jet ski/SUP board and check it out. Beautiful water, beautiful boats, and so clean!