Day at the Dana Point Harbor - Itinerary 1
Welcome to our first part of our series dedicated to a day of fun at the Dana Point Harbor. Nestled along the sun-drenched shores of Southern California, Dana Point Harbor is about 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles/Long Beach harbors and was officially dedicated on July 31, 1971. Here at Dana Point Days, our love for our home town harbor runs deep, and we thought it might be fun to put together a couple itineraries for those looking to make a day of it. From your morning coffee till waterside dinner with a view, we’ve got you covered. Stay tuned for future blog posts featuring part 2 and 3!
Embrace the Sunrise at Coffee Importers
Coffee Importers, located at the Dana Point Harbor, stands as a community beacon for coffee enthusiasts seeking the perfect start to their day. Family owned since 1975, drop into their espresso bar to grab a classic espresso or frothy cappuccino. If coffee’s not your thing, try their vanilla or spiced chai latte for a less intense morning pick-me-up. Their beverage menu is expansive and covers it ALL, and their outdoor umbrella-covered tables make for a relaxing spot to enjoy a tranquil and reflective start to the day —- if you get there early, that is…it’s a popular spot! If you’re feeling a little hungry, walk next door to their neighboring building and grab one of their delicious breakfast bagel sandwiches like the California Bagel (my fave) – a toasted open-faced bagel with cream cheese, avocado, tomato, red onions, and a sprinkling of lemon pepper. Craving something lighter? How about one of their refreshing açaí bowls or a power pancake? It’s all good, no matter what you choose! Take a seat and enjoy the view, it never gets old.
Get in Your Steps, Post Eats
I love to walk the Dana Point Harbor from end to end. It’s such a great place to get some exercise while taking in the views of the fishing boats, sea lions, waterfowl, private yachts and more. When you’re done with breakfast, hit the pavement and enjoy a stroll along the harbor’s perimeter for as short or long as you want. I often walk from Coffee Importers all the way to the Ocean Institute and back, which takes you out to the ocean on the back side of their facility. The view out here is one of my favorites and the oceanfront benches provide a nice place to sit and relax while enjoying the salty air.
Chasing Giants – A Whale Watching Adventure
Dana Point, renowned as the "Whale Watching Capital of the World," beckons nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike to embark on a marine adventure like no other. Two premier whale watching companies call Dana Point Harbor home - Captain Dave's Whale Watching and Dana Wharf Whale Watching. Both stand out as leaders in providing unforgettable experiences to enjoy a glimpse of these majestic marine mammals. One of the most awe-inspiring sights during whale-watching season is the migration of gray whales. Both Captain Dave's and Dana Wharf offer thrilling excursions during the annual gray whale migration, providing an up-close encounter with these colossal creatures on their journey between Alaska and Baja California. Click on the links below for details and tour information, both are open year-round and depending on the season, you are in for a variety of different sightings out at sea!
Captain Dave’s: www.dolphinsafari.com
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching: www.danawharf.com
Discover Tranquility at Baby Beach
After your whale watching adventure, why not take some time to relax? If you have children in tow, and they are feeling antsy, Baby Beach, located at the north end of the harbor and pictured above, offers a serene haven for families, beachgoers, and nature enthusiasts. True to its name, Baby Beach is known for its calm and shallow waters, making it an ideal destination for families with young children. The gentle waves lapping against the shore create a natural wading pool, allowing little ones to safely splash and play to their heart’s content. The absence of strong currents and waves provides a worry-free environment for parents, making Baby Beach a beloved spot for family outings.
© Turk’s Bar
Get Salty at Dana Point’s beloved bar - Turk’s
Founded in 1984, Turk’s is a renowned spot among locals, and the winner of “Best Bar in Dana Point” for 2023 in the Annual Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards. Just goes to show you can never be too old to be a local fave! Turk’s is a must-go spot at least once in your life and a great place for a happy hour drink before dinner. Grab a spot at the inside bar for panoramic views out to the water while enjoying the nautical vibe and walls covered in old movie memorabilia. The ambiance is the perfect blend of laid-back seaside charm with an eclectic crowd that can’t be beat. Enjoy hearty seafood, burgers, beer & classic cocktails at this legendary “dive” waterfront hangout.
Sea Views and Seafood Eats at Wind & Sea
For those who wish to fully embrace the coastal setting, Wind & Sea, perched on one corner of the harbor, provides a delightful al fresco dinner dining option and a relaxed spot to unwind after a busy day in Dana Point. Their outdoor patio, complete with light ocean breezes and background sounds of the harbor, creates an enjoyable atmosphere to enjoy a tasty dinner under the night sky. If inside dining is more your thing, their dining room features expansive panoramic windows to take in the views of the comings and goings of the harbor, which always makes for a fun little show. A harbor original since 1972, Wind & Sea excels in seafood featuring up to 10 fresh-catch selections daily. A house favorite is the macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi, sure to satisfy you after a long day of exploring. If you feel like imbibing some more, try one of their house specialty Mai Tais and keep the fun going!
Stay tuned for the next part in this series, coming soon!
