Sweet Escapes in Dana Point

Dana Point offers a treasure trove of sweet spots from ice cream parlors to cozy bakeries. Whether you're a fan of creamy ice cream, decadent pastries, or refreshing boba tea, this coastal town has something to satisfy every craving. From iconic spots like The Scoop Deck at the harbor to hidden gems like Hive XO and Le Sainte Honore, each location brings its unique flavor and charm. Get ready to embark on a sweet adventure and discover some of Dana Point’s most delightful destinations!

The Scoop Deck | 34531 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629

Located right at the harbor’s edge inside Coffee Importers’ espresso bar, The Scoop Deck is a must-visit for ice cream lovers. With a wide selection of creamy, delicious flavors, it’s the perfect place to cool down after a day at the beach or long walk around the harbor. Featuring Lappert’s Super Premium ice cream flavors for your cone or cup, fun specialties such as their European Iced Coffee – a decadent mix of Toddy Coffee Extract poured over vanilla ice cream and topped with a bit of half and half and whipped cream, ice cream sundaes and more; this local spot hits all the sweet notes. In addition, their extensive coffee and tea menu is available if you would like something to sip on, and a selection of sweet baked goods and pastries sit behind their glass enclosed counter if you so choose. Grab a seat at one of their outdoor tables or benches and enjoy the view! 

Giana Bakery & Provisions | 34146 CA-1, Dana Point, CA 92629

Giana Bakery & Provisions on PCH, is a haven for dessert lovers, offering an array of artisan baked goods and sweet treats. Open daily at 7am for coffee and pastries, pop into their warm and inviting bakery to order delicate buttery croissants, cookies, tarts and more – all crafted with care, attention to detail, and often an Italian twist. Pick up a warm beverage, a homemade, sweet treat and grab a table outside to watch the world go by and wake up.

What a Dish Café |  24921 Dana Point Harbor Dr B100, Dana Point, CA 92629

Most often known for its delicious brunch, What a Dish Café offers a dessert menu that is not to be missed. Featuring a wide selection of house-made desserts and bakery items that are both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty, this lovely café has been serving up the sweets for more than 20 years. Whether you want to order a custom cake, or a selection of petite desserts crafted with the finest ingredients, What a Dish is your spot. From regular and “dipped” cupcakes and dessert “shots,” to bars and brownies and homemade pies and cakes, their offerings make for the perfect indulgence after a meal or to-go.

Teaspoon Dana Point | 32585 Golden Lantern Unit G, Dana Point, CA 92629

Boba tea fans, rejoice! Looking for a sweet fix in drink form? Teaspoon Dana Point offers an exciting variety of flavored boba teas and milk teas, topped with chewy tapioca pearls. Popular flavors like Classic Thai Tea and Black Sugar Assam provide a refreshing and flavorful twist to your day. You can even customize your drink to match your sweetness level. While the “typical” dessert is not the primary focus, Teaspoon is known for pairing its drinks with light snacks and sweet treats, like macarons, to complement the boba experience. These accompaniments make Teaspoon a perfect spot for indulging in refreshing drinks with a sweet bite.

Le Sainte Honore | 103 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629

Owned and operated by a husband-and-wife team, Le Saint Honore bakes everything from scratch, guaranteeing an authentic sweet experience using quality ingredients such as imported French butter and fresh seasonal berries. What started out of a kitchen in Long Beach to sell at local farmers markets, has now morphed into their first storefront here in Dana Point. Pretend you’ve been transported to Paris while you admire their beautifully crafted croissants, pastries, tarts, and quiches behind the glass cases. Their sweet treats, baked fresh daily, makes Le Saint Honore a quality destination for authentic French flavors on PCH.

Dirty Dough | 34255 CA-1, Dana Point, CA 92629

Cookie lovers, this one’s for you. Dirty Dough is all about over-the-top, stuffed cookies that are unique and rich in every bite. With flavors like Apple Crisp, Cookies n’ Cream and the always popular classic Stuffed Chocolate Chip, these cookies are large enough to share—but you might not want to. Known for their signature “cookie bombs” these treats are packed with layers of fillings, mix-ins, and gooey goodness, making them extra thick and flavor packed. With a focus on what’s inside, Dirty Dough provides a variety of unique cookie creations that are as satisfying as they are messy, perfect for those looking for a fun and decadent dessert experience. Find them at their new location in the Del Prado district.

Hive XO | 2 Ritz Carlton Dr UNIT 104, Dana Point, CA 92629

Looking for something sweet and Instagram-worthy? Hive XO delivers with their delicious homemade ice cream cookies and popsicles housed in the cutest little shop you ever did see. Their specialty when it comes to sweets? Handcrafted, organic, vegan and gluten free ice cream sandwiches which make for a delicious snack on your walk or drive down to Salt Creek Beach. You never know what flavors might be in stock, but how do Lavender Lemon, Salted Caramel, Apple Pie, Birthday Cake and more sound? Can’t make it to Hive? You can easily pre-order a dozen online here. While you’re selecting your flavor in-store, be sure to check out all the fun items in the shop – jewelry, candles, fun hats, beach towels and more.

Moulin | 2 Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629

For a touch of French sophistication in Dana Point, head to Moulin. For over 40 years, Moulin has operated several Moulin locations in the OC area, and we are lucky to have one call home in Dana Point. Moulin specializes in classic French desserts, baked daily, like mille-feuille, tarts, and pain au chocolat. Depending on the time of day the selection varies, but you’re bound to find something to your liking. Whether you’re in for a quick pastry, a glass of bubbly with your sweetheart, or staying for a leisurely coffee break, Moulin offers an authentic Parisian experience in the heart of Dana Point.

Orange County Creamery | 34255 Pacific Coast Hwy Unit 114, Dana Point, CA 92629

With a location in Dana Point and San Clemente, Orange County Creamery offers handcrafted ice cream, fruit sorbets and plant-based flavors made from non-dairy alternatives. This small-batch creamery is known for using locally sourced ingredients to create fresh and flavorful ice cream. With rotating seasonal flavors, there’s always something new to try. How do the flavors of Taro, Salted Caramel, Wild Berry Cheesecake, Strawberry Sorbet and Pumpkin Pie sound? Those are just some of the potential flavors on their menu depending on the time of year you pop in. For something sweet and made with care, Orange County Creamery is a sure bet.

Killer Dana Surf Shop | 24829 Del Prado Ave, Dana Point, CA 92629

You don’t often picture ordering ice cream at a surf store, but at Killer Dana (in the old Rite Aid building), you’re in luck! After their move down the street from their corner location on Del Prado, Killer Dana decided to keep the Thrifty Ice Cream part of the shop that had been there for years. Talk about an unexpected combo, but it’s definitely a popular spot to grab some ice cream and makes the whole shopping experience that much more fun. You can take your cone to-go or enjoy at one of their in-store picnic tables, for a truly old school taste of summer sweetness. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Final Scoop // Whether you’re in the mood for ice cream, decadent pastries, or unique boba teas, Dana Point offers a variety of sweet spots that are sure to satisfy any craving. From artisan bakeries to over-the-top stuffed cookies, the local scene is filled with delectable options for every taste. So, next time you're strolling through the harbor or along PCH, make sure to stop by one of these delightful destinations. Indulge in a sweet treat, share with friends or keep it all to yourself – after all, life’s too short to skip dessert!