Best Places to Catch a View in Dana Point

Living in Dana Point, beautiful views abound. With nearly seven miles of coastline, there is no shortage of picturesque scenery thanks to our dramatic cliffs and hillsides, but sometimes the view is better from up above…looking down. Below are seven spots that we love for taking pictures, enjoying a golden sunset, capturing the scope of the harbor, or simply taking it all in.

Ritz Carlton-Laguna Niguel | One Ritz Carlton Drive

Overlooking the vast expanse of Salt Creek beach, famous for surfing and sandy beach days, the Ritz Carlton offers several panoramic viewpoints from their gorgeously landscaped grounds out to the Pacific, Catalina Island, Laguna Beach to the north and Strands to the south. Perched high atop a seaside bluff, this is truly an awe-inspiring vantage point and one not to be missed for its glamorous setting. This is a wonderful spot for sunset pictures as well, as it’s further north and around the bend from the Headlands, which sometimes can block the golden hour show depending on where you are viewing. 

Strands Beach | Oceanfront Lane/Selva Road

Strands Beach is simply stunning, whether from the sand below or the parking lot above. But for a top-down view, the parking lot is surprisingly where it’s at. With the additional bonus of free parking, there are ample spaces to set up shop. Many people simply park their cars along the sidewalk closest to the steps down to the beach, pull out chairs, some snacks or an early dinner and enjoy this little stretch perched over the oceanfront houses leading down to the beach below. 

Dana Point Headlands | 34558 Scenic Dr

With over 150 species of plants and animals native to coastal Southern California, Dana Point Headlands offers a wild and beautiful atmosphere to take in the views – Strands Beach to the north, and the harbor to the south. Featuring multiple vantage points depending on which trail you take, enjoy native grasslands, coastal sage scrub, coastal bluff scrub and more while basking in the outstanding views below and out to the sea.

Bluff Top Trail | 34342 Street of the Amber Lantern

A short historical walk along the Bluff Top Trail provides beautiful views of the Dana Point Harbor, while offering tidbits of history, such as the Hide Drogher statue and the original hand-poured concrete of the Dana Point Inn – a resort hotel that was initiated by Sidney Hawks Woodruff prior to the Great Depression. There are multiple vantage points along this trail to capture various angles of the harbor below and The Headlands off to the right. If it’s raining you may even see the Dana Point waterfall flowing directly under the bridge that goes along this trail which makes for quite the experience!

Heritage Park & Doris Walker Overlook | 34400 Old Golden Lantern

One of my favorite spots to watch the sun rise over the hills of San Clemente to the south, Heritage Park, and specifically the Doris Walker Overlook (a memorial to Dana Point historic chronicler) offers a lush and landscaped view leading down to the harbor and Doheny Beach further south. The park itself offers a giant grassy hill and lawn providing ample spots to put down a blanket and a picnic if you’re inclined to stay awhile. Popular with walkers, dogs, and joggers, it’s not to be missed.

Lantern Bay Park | 25111 Park Lantern

Situated in front of the Laguna Cliffs Marriott, Lantern Bay Park is a large and relatively flat grassy park with beautiful views of Dana Point and the harbor. This is also where iHeart Yoga holds their daily Yoga in the Park Classes every morning at 8:30am and 10am and various times in the evening depending on the season. Featuring lots of pine trees for shade, restrooms, grills/picnic tables and a playground, it’s a great spot for family gatherings while enjoying the scenic and panoramic views of the big blue.

Pines Park | 34941 Camino Capistrano

Featuring plenty of coastal views and refreshing shade thanks to the pine trees this park is named for, Pines Park is the perfect spot to take in the views down to Capo Beach, the train tracks that run along the ocean, and the shores of San Clemente further to the south…especially on hot days. Set up a blanket and enjoy the sound of the crashing waves below while enjoying the shady canopy and cool ocean air that this park is known for.