Dana Point is named for Richard Henry Dana Jr., the 19th-century sailor-author of Two Years Before the Mast, who described this dramatic headland and calm anchorage while trading along the California coast. In the early 1900s, the bluffs and coves drew artists, fisherman, and early surfers; later, the protected harbor (completed in the 1970s) shaped the modern seaside community visitors enjoy today.

What It’s Known For Today

• Dana Point Harbor — a lively marina with waterfront dining, boutiques, and easy launch for ocean adventures.
• Year-round whale & dolphin watching — blue, gray, and humpback whale migrations plus huge dolphin pods make Dana Point a premier spot for marine wildlife tours.
• Doheny State Beach — a classic California beach with gentle waves, surf culture, and family-friendly amenities.
• Scenic Headlands & Trails — bluff-top vistas, tidepools, and sunsets over the Pacific.
• Ocean Institute — hands-on marine science exhibits and educational programs on the harbor.
• Signature events — including the springtime Festival of Whales and holiday harbor lights.